Patterns By Jen: 10 Tips for Choosing a Quilt Pattern

Choosing a quilt pattern to make can be an overwhelming task, especially for new quilters. Today I'm sharing my top 10 tips for choosing the right quilt pattern.

Understanding skill levels.

Beginner: A pattern that includes easy shapes like squares and rectangles and has minimal piecing.

Examples: Nine-patch, simple squares or Rail Fence patterns

Intermediate: These patterns use more complex shapes, like triangles and curves. There is more piecing involved and the quilter has more experience.

Examples: Pinwheel, Flying Geese or Log Cabin patterns

Advanced: These patterns have more intricate piecing patterns that may include things like applique or paper piecing.

Examples: Bargello, Double Wedding Ring or Baltimore Album patterns

Broken Panes

Tips for choosing the right pattern for you skill level.

1) Be honest about your skills. This isn't a competition. Take the time to hone each skill, it will make for a much more enjoyable experience.

2) Read the back of the pattern carefully. Look for skill level and/or needed techniques. If you aren't comfortable with a technique needed, wait to try it at a later time.

3) Start small. Projects like table runners, wall hangings, and placemats are projects that are easier to learn with. It's a chance to try a new skill without having to spend the money on a lot of fabric.

Star Light, Star Bright Sampler

4) Ask the shop owner/employee if they would be willing to let you look inside the pattern just to see how the instructions are written. If they say no, please respect that, and ask what their opinion is of the written instructions. It's hard for shops to sell patterns that are bent/wrinkled because they have been taken out of the sleeve and not taken care of.

5) Take a class or look up tutorials. Often they come with a recommended pattern. Remember that pattern that you didn't know how to do the technique for? Look up a class for it!

6) Learn new techniques one at a time. It's easy to get confused and frustrated if you try to learn them all at once. One stitch at a time goes for new techniques, too.

Square Illusions

7) Look at the complexity of the pattern and be honest with yourself. Is it something that you truly think you can do, one step at a time? If it looks too complicated, give yourself some practice time and then pick it up again later.

8) Are you looking at a pattern to make as a gift? Take stock of the time you truly have to make it and decide if the pattern you are looking at will fit in that time line. I always try to double my guestemate for time, and I'm usually still going over that guess. The truth is, patterns take time and being honest about the time you have will help you enjoy the pattern and piecing so much more.

9) Ask your fellow quilters or the shop owner. Get recommendations from those who have experience and let them guide you towards the right pattern.

10) Trust your gut. If your inner quilter is hesitating, listen to her/him. If you truly think you are ready for the pattern in your hand, go for it. You can always ask for help, or set it aside to come back later after you've practiced.

Turning Wheels

Bonus tip. When you get the pattern home, read through the instructions. We all say to do it, but we rarely do. It will save you some frustration if you take some time to read through them. I like to do this in the morning when my brain is fresh. I pour a hot cup of coffee, or iced coffee if the hot flashes are visiting, grab a highlighter and give my attention to the cutting and sewing instructions.

Next week I'll show you how I read through and mark the pattern instructions.

Let's make something Extraordinary!