Writing a Quilt Pattern

I'm in the last stages of writing a quilt pattern for a magazine.  Although I've written a couple of patterns (bags and appliqué) before, this is my first time writing for a magazine.  It's been exciting, stressful and a HUGE learning experience.  And whilst I cannot claim to be an expert (one pattern an expert does NOT make!), I thought I'd share with you a few things I've learnt.

I can't share the quilt with you yet, but what is a post without pictures?

• Either write your pattern before you start stitching or whilst you are making.  It's really hard to go back and write a pattern from just looking at your work.  You don't think you'll forget, but you do!  
• However you write, either before or during, take really comprehensive notes.  Once again, you don't think you'll forget, but you do! (I should have this tattooed on my forehead)

I was lucky enough to be invited by the magazine to submit my pattern, and they provided me with very comprehensive guidelines about layout, style and abbreviations etc.  But if you are writing to self-publish then spend some time reading lots of different patterns to get an idea about how you want to write.  There are a hundred unique ways to present cutting, construction and finishing instructions and you'll need to find a clear, concise way that works for you.  So my next suggestion is:

• Read lots of different patterns from lots of different sources to get an idea of what works and what doesn't.  Remember, no copying, but you will get a feel for how you want to do it.

• Don't try and write the whole pattern in one go.  Your eyes and brain go funny and you actually stop 'seeing' the numbers and sizes.  Break it up and every time you come back to it you'll catch something that you didn't notice before.

No, this isn't the quilt either, but graphed books are where all my quilts start.

• Proof read the pattern both on-screen and on-paper.  There is something different about printed material and you will notice different things.

• Find someone who is willing to go over the pattern for you.  Whether you go so far as to get actual testers (a good idea) or not, the least you should do is have someone proof read it.

And then my last suggestion has to do with my dear loving family.  

• Do not even bother trying to write patterns during school holidays.  Do not bother trying to write patterns when your husband is in the room.  And DO NOT attempt to proof read when there are other humans within a 30 metre radius.....just saying.

I'll let you all know when the pattern comes out, then you can check how good my pattern writing skills really are!