Writing Quilt Patterns

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writing patternsFor the last couple of days I haven’t done much quilting…instead I have been working on quilt patterns and also getting some printed up so I can ship out some orders. All of my new patterns have full color diagrams which makes it so much easier for people to follow the patterns. Eventually I will update older patterns.

There is one nice feature about selling patterns through Craftsy – when a designer updates a pattern you receive a email from Craftsy letting you know there was a change to the pattern. (I’m not sure if this works on the free patterns). Last week things weren’t working that well at Craftsy as they have updated their website but I was able to upload my  Golden Sunset pattern easily the other day.

Find my patterns in my shop now!

Writing and Designing Quilt PatternsSome of the links on this site are affiliate links and I may be compensated a small commission when you make a purchase by clicking on those links. I only promote products and services that I use and love myself. Your support enables me to maintain the content of this blog and I am truly grateful!
Is anyone interested in a post about the way I write patterns? I know that many of us do it in different ways and use different tools. Leave a comment if you are interested.

One thing I want to mention is that I print my patterns at home, most of my sales are downloadable PDFs. When I first started writing patterns I got all excited and checked on getting them professionally printed…..I’m so glad I didn’t do it as the sales from that first printed pattern were minimal. I hate to think how I would feel with 500 copies sitting around.

The nice thing about digital…..you can easily update a pattern (like I am doing now….adding color diagrams and photos). Last spring I purchased a new HP printer at Costco. It wasn’t expensive….under $100, the ink is what costs so much for printers. Since we live out in the sticks, I picked up a double package of ink which cost almost as much as my printer. When I got home and opened the box there was information about this HP Instant Ink program that you could sign up for, try out and cancel at any time, there was a free coupon to try it so I figured what the heck.

It only works with certain HP printers and you have to have your printer setup online. There are 3 different plans and I am using the most expensive one which is only $9.99 a month. Last night while printing I was told to replace my color ink cartridge, they had already sent me a replacement one. I have never run out of ink. Remember the ink cartridges I bought when I bought the printer……I returned them to Costco.

If you want to find out more about HP Instant Ink click on the link. If you sign up you will get one free month of service and…..so will I! Would you like to hear more about the printing I do? One note – your usage is based on the amount of pages PRINTED. If you have one word on a page…..or a full color photo – each one counts as a page. That is why I’m printing full-color patterns. Now if I ever start selling in large volume I’ll choose a different way of printing.

HP Instant Ink Printing

As soon as I get the patterns all packaged up I’ll get to work on a project that uses these beautiful batiks! I can’t wait!Batik quilt project

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15 Comments

  1. Cynthia Gifford says:

    I think I’m a little later in finding your blog but I would love to learn about your pattern writing process as this is something that I have been wanting to start doing. I’m just finishing revamping my blog, finding affiliate links, setting up some other things to get ready and hey I just purchased a brand new HP Envy printer from Costco with that ink program! I didn’t sign up yet so when I get paid next week and can join I will through your site. I specifically am interested if you use any specific software for your patterns as I’m looking to investing in something that I can create my own custom designs. I’m not a fan of just doing every quilt every one else is doing but want to be unique. Thank you so much I look forward to your response.

  2. Connie I would love to read a post about your pattern writing process. I always wonder how my process compares to other pattern writers!

  3. I would love to see how you write a pattern, especially how you create the images in the patterns. They look so amazing.

  4. That’s interesting about the ink program. I have a b&w laser jet printer that I love and have considered upgrading to a color laser jet strictly because the ink doesn’t dry out. I would like the ability to print color patterns when I download them.
    Would love to hear your process for writing patterns. I have tested patterns for a designer, and I really enjoyed working through her patterns and determining if anything needed clarification.
    Those batiks are beautiful!

  5. I use HP instant Ink program too and I am really happy with it. I do not have a business, but I print alot for quilt club and myself

  6. I’d be interested in seeing how the wallets turn out. I found a free pattern online but I think it needs a little more detail in how it goes together.

    And the appliqué animals! I love them and with all the “littles” I am sure I would get use out of this class.

    Diannia

    1. Diannia (or anyone else reading comments) ~ You would not regret taking a class from Deby Coles. She is an excellent teacher and does an amazing job helping you understand her patterns step by step. I took a class she ran when she was the owner of So Sew Easy she offered on her own format (not Craftsy or any other site similar to them) and it was a great class. She’s fun to listen to also as she’s got such a great accent.

      I was thrilled to see her class on Craftsy also because of the past experience with her so I would grab this class now while it’s half price. It’s a great bargain, plus you get 3 different ways to make wallets with the class. Well worth that small price it is right now during the sale.

      1. Karen Bachofner says:

        Thanks so much for that information.

  7. Connie you are sew good with your designs, tutorials and projects. I believe your patterns are wonderful as well. I really appreciate how you share interesting bits with us also…i.e. Crafsy classes on sale. Embracing Creative Bliss…

  8. Of course, I’d be interested in reading about how you write your patterns. I am new to blogging, new to quilting, and new to pattern designing. I need all the help I can get.

  9. Karen Bachofner says:

    Great Post! I would be very interested in your process of pattern writing. I have been teaching for several years and have many of my own designs that I would like to write patterns for. What program do you use when writing your patterns? Any information you might have would be very helpful. Thanks

  10. You knew I would say YES, please tell us about your method of pattern writing!!

  11. Hi, I’d love to hear your tips a pointers on writing patterns. It’s something I’d like to do but first of all I need a project to actually create a pattern for and secondly, find the time to do it!
    I do enjoy your blog!

  12. You seem to be so well-organized and thorough in everything you do, Connie! It would be very interesting to get an insight into your pattern making.

  13. I’ve always appreciated a well-written pattern, and once I started doing tutorials I realized how hard it really is. Keep up the great work! I love your patterns.