Smart and Magical

Tips and inspiration for your quilting journey

My daughter (who lives across the country from me) recently bought an old Bernina so she could restart the sewing journey she started as a kid.

She's made a couple pillowcases and is now starting on her first solo quilt.

She texted this week:

To which I replied:

I do not yet know what she's doing about it. But I am going to get to quilt the top on my longarm for her, so I'll get to see it in person!

But this whole exchange got me thinking about similar stories I've heard and experiences I've had with patterns that left me scrambling.

What I do before I start

First, know that the majority of the patterns for sale (as opposed to free) are tech reviewed. This means that the pattern designer has paid someone whose business is pattern reviewing. They check all the math for accuracy and the directions and diagrams for clarity. Some pattern designers also hire pattern testers to further ensure the pattern is accurate and clear. So if you have a purchased pattern it is likely that some of the following is unnecessary, but it can still bring peace to the process.

Check for revisions

Most pattern designers have a website page dedicated to revisions in patterns. Especially if it's a complicated pattern, it's worth checking for revisions. If you're following a video, check out the description and read the comments.

Read the pattern - all the way through

What fabric width does the pattern assume?

Many pattern designers assume your fabric is 42" wide. I don't know about you, but I have some fabric in my stash that is actually 38" wide. I've run into cases where I've had to cut extra strips so I can get all the pieces I need for a quilt. My favorite patterns state how many subcuts you need out of each strip so I know if I'm on track as I cut.

Do the fabric requirements seem reasonable?

Since I've designed a lot of my own quilts, I'm pretty familiar with how to calculate how much fabric I'll need. When I'm close on fabric, or using something I can't get again, I will walk through the cutting directions and make sure I will have enough fabric. If the pattern states you need to cut (3) 2.5" strips, you're going to need at least 3 x 2.5 = 7.5" of fabric - or about 1/4 yard.

Do you need a special ruler or other product?

Usually these kinds of things are stated on the outside of a pattern. But I always read through ALL the directions to make sure I know what I'm going to be doing and that I have all I need.

Is it a multisized pattern?

Some patterns are designed to make more than one size quilt. Each step may have the numbers for all the sizes listed in each step, i.e. make 4 (6, 12, 18) blocks. It is SO worth it to me to go through and circle the number for the size I'm making in each step to eliminate confusion later.

Is it a block based pattern?

If I will making multiple of the same block, and it's not crystal clear how this block goes together from the pattern directions, I definitely make a test block. This way if there's an error in the pattern instructions I won't have done it for all my blocks before I find out.

What do you before you start?

Have you had any really weird pattern experiences?

P.S. Since being back from two weeks away I've started two projects. One, making a crate cover for Tildy the terrier's crate that matches our bedroom color scheme. Two, making a quilt that I designed 15 years ago - starting with trying to remember what exactly I was planning based on the diagram and the fabric stack. You can watch me work on Instagram and Threads. Eventually the finished projects will show up here :)

Creating quilted fabric with paw prints and bones :)

Asking for input about fabrics on Instagram and Threads

I've also started making serious progress on a video series and downloadable guide to picking out your first sewing machine. It's been interesting going back in time to think about the things that made the most difference in my sewing experience as a beginner.