Do You Want to Write Your Own Quilt Patterns?
I am sharing the two most useful tools I use for writing quilt patterns.
WHAT I USE TO WRITE QUILT PATTERNS:
1. I first design my quilt using the Electric Quilt 8 program (EQ8). It is THE BEST program out there for creating quilt patterns. I’ll show you a little video tutorial of what it can do.
2. After I design my quilt, I use Adobe Illustrator (AI) to write my patterns. (UPDATE as of May 2020: I have now learned to use InDesign and I MUCH prefer it!) I actually used Microsoft Word to write my first pattern. It worked, but it wasn’t pretty. I didn’t even know how unattractive and clunky it was until I really started doing my homework. I will never turn back from using AI.
Inside AI working on a first draft of ‘Cafe Tiles’ Quilt Pattern
A COURSE FOR PATTERN WRITING
I have thought about creating an online course for how to write quilt patterns. I’m thinking it would include step by step tutorials on using EQ8, AI specifically for writing quilt patterns, and some business tips on marketing, printing patterns, and the like.
Would you be interested in a course like that? If so, click HERE and I will get in touch and see if there’s enough interest and share some more ideas with y’all.
Do you have other questions about writing quilt patterns? There’s SO much to share on the topic, but if you have questions, leave a comment and I could even write another blog post answering some more specific questions if there’s an interest.
And if you are a quilter not interested in quilt pattern writing, that’s great, too! We need both the pattern writers and the pattern users! ?
If you are interested in writing quilt patterns, I highly recommend looking into the EQ8 program and using that 20% discount while you can.
Happy quilting and quilt pattern writing, if that’s your jam.
freya
are you running another pattern making course soon?
Kelli | Quilter's Candy Team
Thank you for the comment Marcia. This can be very frustrating in patterns. Elizabeth does go over this in her Pattern Writing Course as well as how important a tech editor is in the pattern making process. But always a good reminder for novice (and veteran) writers alike!
Marcia
Just a comment about tech editing (as well as pattern testing).
It frustrates me when I use a pattern where the math is incorrect or the instructions unclear. New pattern writers misuse the terms “finished size” and “unfinished size.” When cutting kits for a pattern that assumes WOF is 42”, well, it is instant frustration for everyone who tries to make the pattern.
I know I am ranting a bit, but please stress the importance of a tech editor that understands math and quilting terms.
VICKI L DOW
Are you still offering classes in pattern design and publishing? If so, when is the next time I can start?
Elizabeth Chappell
VICKI L DOWI am! The course just started for this year, so enrollment is closed right now. But, I open enrollment each fall for a new course. You can join the waiting list on my website by clicking on the course to be notified when registration for 2023 is open.
Michel Hampton
What to do do to deal with the copyright issues? Does using EQ8 prevent you from using/doing anything?. This is an area that baffles me. I would be interested in your course.
Elizabeth Chappell
Michel HamptonGreat question! We go over this in depth in the course. We even have a guest lawyer come and talk about copyright with quilting specifically. EQ8 doesn’t help with that, it’s more of having to do a bit of looking around and research on your own before you release a pattern. I hope that helps a bit!
Melanie Coakley
Why do you like Indesign now over AI?
Elizabeth Chappell
Melanie CoakleyI actually use both. I create my images in AI and write the pattern in InDesign. InDesign makes a few things easier, like making a charts. InDesign was created with printing in mind, and AI was created with graphic design in mind. So I use them both. Hope that makes sense!
Elizabeth Chappell
Melanie CoakleyI use both. I use Illustrator to create the images and InDesign to write the actual steps.
Cristina
Hi, I would love to know what to do after you have the pattern—like where to get it printed? The business side of it really baffles me. Thanks for the post!!
Elizabeth Chappell
CristinaYou bet! I print at Smart Press. But there are a lot of different options for printing. I go fully in-depth about the business side of things in my Quilt Pattern Writing Course. I also offer a Craft to Career Course where I dive deep into marketing and growing a creative business. I’d love to have you join if you are wanting to grow your business!
Tegan
I would LOVE more information about using Illustrator for writing quilt patterns! And how you take images out of EQ8. I am pretty good at designing in EQ8, but how and what to use out of it to write a pattern would be great! I am actullay just finalizing the first pattern I would love to write!
Elizabeth Chappell
TeganHow exciting! I am just about to open my Quilt Pattern Writing class. I’d love to have you join us and I can share all about the process of writing and selling quilt patterns!
Julie
Hello. I have had EQ 8 for over a year and have not done much with it. A class and group community would help me get started and find out if pattern design is something I’d like to pursue!
Elizabeth Chappell
JulieOh for sure! I think one of the greatest benefits of the quilt pattern writing course I offer is the friendships and support the classmates get. I’d love to have you join the class and learn how to use EQ8 and turn your designs into quilt patterns!
Kerry
Yes Please! I’ve been designing old school with pencil & graph paper so I would love to learn EQ & AI. Also, I want to compliment you on your website. Very clean and uncluttered.
Elizabeth Chappell
KerryAh, thanks Kerry! What a nice comment to receive! xoxo
Megan
I am interested in learning about writing patterns, if only for myself. I need to get the ideas out of my head. 🙂 But the thing that I’m most curious about is quilt math: figuring out how much fabric is needed for each part of the quilt (individual block pieces, sashing, backing, borders, binding, etc) without having to do test blocks or lay paper pieces out on fabric.
Is that something EQ8 does for you?
Elizabeth Chappell
MeganGreat question! The quilt math is what I personally struggle with the most. EQ8 does a BIT of that, but it’s not 100% accurate. In the Quilt Pattern Writing course I offer I have a guest tech editor and engineer come and teach on doing quilt math. It’s pretty amazing, if I may say so myself.
Carolyn
I use EQ8 and think it’s great but I made my first 2 patterns on Word and it was not pretty, I have sold only 1! So I am very interested in learning about how to make it look more professional. I have tons of pattern ideas in my head and on paper but need to get them into the modern age….
Elizabeth Chappell
CarolynOh, my first pattern was written in Word, as well! I hear you. And a lot of selling patterns goes beyond how they look, there’s marketing and branding that go into the success of the sales. I’d love to have you join my pattern writing course, or the Craft to Career course! You can also check out my podcast, Craft to Career, where I share tips and even have a few business coaching calls. You’ll find lots of helpful business growth tips there.
Jodie
Thanks for this- it’s super informative! I’d love to write a pattern one day. Curious question- Do you have pattern designs in your head that you then bring to reality using the quilting program or do you play around in the programs to create your quilt designs?
Elizabeth Chappell
JodieGreat question! Do I have pattern ideas in my head or do I use a program to play around? Yes and yes. I do both. Sometimes I have a design I want to create, other times I will go to EQ8 and pick out blocks and move them around until I come up with something I like. I hope that’s helpful!
Wendy Henerlau
Hi Elizabeth, I’d be very interested in a course on quilt designing! Please keep me posted!
Elizabeth Chappell
Wendy HenerlauOkay, I’ll be in touch!
Elizabeth Chappell
Wendy HenerlauWendy – just wanted to reach out that the pattern writing course is about to open! September 7th – 12th is when you can join. Let me know if you have any questions!
Rachel Hicks
Hi, out of curiosity, how many pattern testers do you typically use? Do you compensate them?
Elizabeth Chappell
Rachel HicksThanks for reaching out! And this is a great question. I have tried different things as far as pattern tested go. For my latest pattern, I reached out to a handful for people who’s work I like and asked if they would be willing to test the pattern. I do not compensate testers. But I do repost their work and share their quilts on social media and on my blog. Let me know if you have more questions about that.
Rhonda
I just took a quilt I designed to my quilter and she told me about your post! It’s on my bucket list to write a pattern someday! I have EQ8 and AI – I’d love to see what you’d offer for a class! Thank you!
Elizabeth Chappell
RhondaOh, how exciting! Are you on Instagram? I’d love to pop over and see your quilt.
Jennifer Brabston
This would be awesome! I’ve been learning EQ8 but would be very interested in the AI part of creating a pattern.
Elizabeth Chappell
Jennifer BrabstonAlright, there is definitely an interest!
Laura Clancy
I’m very interested and have just signed up. Hopefully there enough interest to make this happen. I was wondering though if I need a MAC, especially for the AI program. I didn’t know I’d need that in addition to EQ8 but I’m willing to do what I have to. Thanks!
Elizabeth Chappell
Laura ClancyHi Laura – great question! You do not need a MAC – you can use AI and EQ8 on an computer. And bonus: you can even use Canva.com to create your patterns and save on buying AI and EQ8!
Bettie
I am really interested in both options and I have signed up for info. So I am very curious why the need for a vector based program such as Illustrator to write the pattern instructions. Why not using something equipped for text and images such as InDesign?
Elizabeth Chappell
BettieIf you know indesign, I would stick with that! I don’t know indesign, so I use the next best thing, in my opinion. AI.
I’ll be in touch with those interested in a pattern writing course, too. ?
Danielle Wittekind
This is the push I needed! I have only been quilting for a few short years but keep dreaming about designing my own patterns. I received a Flourish planner for Christmas from my sister in law and have been planning how to design and share patterns. One in my mini goals has been researching EQ8 and have been waiting for a sale or code and this was it. Thanks for sharing Elizabeth and hope the course has enough interest.
Elizabeth Chappell
Danielle WittekindI’m so excited for you! It’s a GREAT program. You’re going to love it. I’m excited to see the patterns you come up with, as well!