One of my goals this year, now that we’re back in Australia, is to get some patterns printed and into stores. I’ll be honest – it’s a little scary taking a Big Step like this, but it’s exciting too! As a part of planning to do this, and looking beyond, I did a little bit of research within my Facebook group to find out what kinds of quilts and patterns people make and like, and the results were fascinating. Some things I thought people wanted in quilt patterns were right, and others people weren’t actually that fussed with them.
Now, as I’m married to a research scientist, I feel like I must let you know that at the time of saving these results, 74 people had taken part in the survey. As for the technical statistics, that’s his specialty, not mine 😉
How confident are you as a quilter
One thing I’ve learned along the way is that it’s all too easy to forget just how many beginners may be attempting your patterns. The Modern HST Sampler has really woken me to how much I can take for granted with the ‘assumed knowledge’ I include when writing the tutorials. I never realised I how many people had never attempted half-square triangles before! As teaching is my passion, I need to make sure that my pattern instructions are for quilters of all skill levels.
What size quilts do you like to make
I love to design block-based quilts, and one thing that is pretty awesome about that style of quilt is just how versatile they are in regards to what size the finished quilt is – make less or more to reach the size you want! But sometimes, a quilt design doesn’t work well for that in terms of the amount of work/time/effort required to piece a block, or it needs to be a certain dimension or shape. So it’s good to know what sizes of quilts people prefer to make. Which seem to be similar to me – nothing toooo big, haha!
What types of quilts or techniques do you like to make
As I said, I like to design block-based quilts, but I also enjoy dabbling in foundation paper piecing design. But do my customers? That’s what I wanted to find out.
What features do you STRONGLY prefer and/or need in a quilt pattern
What’s going to make or break a quilt pattern for my customers? Do they need the full baste/quilt/bind instructions or not? I’m sure there are plenty of other things people might want or need in a quilt pattern, but these were the questions that came to mind when planning ahead.
What features are nice bonuses in a standard quilt pattern
This question had the same answers as the previous question, but was about the little things that are useful to have in quilt pattern, but it doesn’t really matter if they’re not there. As a designer, it is about what can I do to make the patterns just that little bit more special for my customers.
Do you prefer PDF or printed patterns
This was a very interesting question, because being predominantly a blogger and therefore with a large online presence (as opposed to offline), and given that the survey was offered to those in a Facebook group (and therefore relatively comfortable online), there was always going to be a bias toward preferring PDF patterns. How much that influenced the answers or not is not clear, but the responses to “and why” for PDF ranged from:
Not having to ship/pay for postage, immediate access/able to start right away, don’t need to print any/all pages, saves space/environment.
The responses for printed patterns included:
Support local quilt stores, saves having to print it myself, like to have hard copies of everything, easier to catalogue/organise, can’t scribble notes on a computer screen!
And there were a handful who didn’t have a strong preference, as it depended on which was more convenient, or who designed it, or if there was a price difference.
Where do you like to buy PDF patterns
It’s hard to know where to sell PDF patterns – where do people naturally go to find patterns, how can I do it legally for tax purposes, how many can I manage from an admin perspective! You need a market for your patterns, so where is that market?
Where do you like to buy printed patterns
Looking forward to when I offer printed patterns, where should I try to be getting them into stores? One thing I learned at QuiltCon was to seriously consider whether you are able to sell physical copies yourself with all that it involves with packing and shipping. So I wanted to know where my customers preferred to purchase copies to help me make that decision.
Do you like to buy quilt kits
I have worked with a couple of online quilt stores for various QALs to offer quilt kits. It has been a lot of fun doing that, so I wanted to know who else enjoyed that too.
What about you, what would you have answered in the survey? I’d love to hear from you too! Whether you want to answer all of the questions, or just make a couple of important comments on one or two of the questions, let me know! You can copy and paste the questions below if you want to:
How confident are you as a quilter?
What size quilts do you like to make?
What types of quilts or techniques do you like to make?
What features do you STRONGLY prefer and/or need in a quilt pattern?
What features are nice bonuses in a standard quilt pattern?
Do you prefer PDF or printed patterns, and why?
Where do you like to buy PDF patterns?
Where do you like to buy printed patterns?
Do you like to buy quilt kits?
carol n says
Just a couple comments, intermediate quilter, 25 years, like to make all sizes, and techniques, The most important factor in a pattern is accuracy!! Have made quilts that are wrong! Next is don’t assume, made on point applique pattern, No where in pattern( I read it 4 times) did it say to turn block and applique on point, no where! Only clue was the front cover picture of the quilt. I think PDF should be $1-2 cheaper, since I am using my own paper. I prefer not all patterns have precut fabric supply list, I don’t want to pay for all white layer cake, would cut myself from my stash.
Thanks for letting me vent!
Susan Clarkson says
How confident are you as a quilter? Confident Beginner
What size quilts do you like to make? Twin & Double Bed
What types of quilts or techniques do you like to make? Pieced Blocks
What features do you STRONGLY prefer and/or need in a quilt pattern? Detailed instructions, multiple size options, photo of completed quilt
What features are nice bonuses in a standard quilt pattern? quilting suggestions, color diagrams
Do you prefer PDF or printed patterns, and why? PDF – print out when I’m ready to use – saves space
Where do you like to buy PDF patterns? Designers site
Where do you like to buy printed patterns? Local quilt store
Do you like to buy quilt kits? no
carrie wikander says
Thanks so much for sharing your research! I learned a lot from this post – about myself, even! I am a pretty advanced quilter, I would say. I love pdf patterns because they are instantly gratifying. AM not a lover of kits – want to choose my own fabrics!
Rebecca says
How confident are you as a quilter? Confident beginner to intermediate.
What size quilts do you like to make? Throws and smaller because I can’t afford to pay someone else to do my quilting and I haven’t got a longarm machine.
What types of quilts or techniques do you like to make? Blocks, modern quilts.
What features do you STRONGLY prefer and/or need in a quilt pattern? A picture of the whole quilt.
What features are nice bonuses in a standard quilt pattern? The black and white diagram for color testing.
Do you prefer PDF or printed patterns, and why? PDF, because I probably won’t ever print it outage physical storage is at a premium.
Where do you like to buy PDF patterns? Designer’s own website, craftsy, or online quilting stores.
Where do you like to buy printed patterns? I don’t.
Do you like to buy quilt kits? No. Part of the creative aspect of my quilting is selecting my own fabrics and making my own modifications.
Paige says
Alyce, this is very informative! Thank you for sharing!
Lisa C in Dallas says
How confident are you as a quilter? Confident Beginner
What size quilts do you like to make? Baby and Throw
What types of quilts or techniques do you like to make? Pieced Blocks
What features do you STRONGLY prefer and/or need in a quilt pattern? Detailed instructions, accuracy in cutting instructions, ironing instructions so the blocks nest, multiple size options, photo of completed quilt
What features are nice bonuses in a standard quilt pattern? additional pictures of the same quilt using totally different fabrics than on the front of the pattern
Do you prefer PDF or printed patterns, and why? Printed but pdf are okay; if pdf, they should be cheaper as in significantly cheaper
Where do you like to buy PDF patterns? Designers site
Where do you like to buy printed patterns? Local quilt store
Do you like to buy quilt kits? not normally but if a quilt is shown in a lot of solids and the pattern doesn’t use a whole fat quarter of each solid, it’s nice to have an option to buy the kit that contains “64 strips of varying colors of blue” instead of searching around and finding 64 colors of blue.
Carol says
Loved your article very insightful. But you didn’t touch on what I’m most looking for in a pattern. I’ve been peicing tops for about 10 years and consider myself a modern quilter. I started only after I saw Kaffe’s fabric in a craft store. The most important pattern aspect is tricks for speeding up construction. For example I would never what to see a pattern call for cutting up squares to make a 9 patch when it’s much better strip piece them. The best patterns are the ones where I say. “Wow how cleaver “
Alyce says
That is such a great point! It’s one that’s come up a little bit in a quilt designer’s group I’m in – some don’t like to strip piece themselves for accuracy reasons, so don’t write patterns that require strip piecing. Similarly, I don’t like making 4 flying geese at a time because it’s so easy to lose accuracy, so I don’t write them into my pattern, however I have no qualms about using the 4-HSTs-at-a-time while other designers do. That’s where it’s good to learn quilt math though, so you can work out how to use a quicker/more efficient method if you don’t like what the designer has recommended.
Evie H says
How confident are you as a quilter? I consider myself a confident intermediate quilter.
What size quilts do you like to make? I like large lap to twin-size quilts. I consider bed-size quilts too personal, unless someone give me specifics.
What types of quilts or techniques do you like to make? I like piecing and applique and have come to love scrappy quilts.
What features do you STRONGLY prefer and/or need in a quilt pattern? I like smaller blocks, nothing larger than 10 inches. I work a lot with postage stamps finishing at one inch.
What features are nice bonuses in a standard quilt pattern? Multiple sizes are great, as well as finished quilts in alternate colorways.
Do you prefer PDF or printed patterns, and why? PDFs are the way to go. I save them (hundreds to them!) on the computer until (if and when) I’m ready to use.
Where do you like to buy PDF patterns? I try (unsuccessfully) NOT to buy, but download the freebies available.
Where do you like to buy printed patterns? Haven’t bought a printed pattern in years.
Do you like to buy quilt kits? Not often, but it depends on the pattern and the fabrics. Sometimes I’ll buy a kit on sale because I like price for the amount of fabrics included and will use the fabrics for another project.
Alyce, thanks for doing this. Results are about right.
On a different subject: We need more of your husband’s take on quilting/quilters. They were delightful blog posts! =)
Alyce says
Haha! Thanks for that, yes, I’ll have to get him to another one about quilting in Australia once he’s back and settled 😉
BeckyT says
How confident are you as a quilter?
Very confident on some types/styles of quilts. Not so confident on others.
What size quilts do you like to make?
I make a lot of Queen and King size quilts because my family is tall.
Even for a Baby Quilt I make them larger then standard because I want the quilt to be a part of their life as they growup
What types of quilts or techniques do you like to make?
I do a lot of block quilt but they can be what the hell blocks base on whim and fun,
What features do you STRONGLY prefer and/or need in a quilt pattern?
Multiple size options
Detailed instructions because sometimes I do not know as much as I think I do. (how about that piece of wisdom lol)
Full color and black and white.
What features are nice bonuses in a standard quilt pattern?
If it is a printed or PDF links back to the designers site (if they have one) to see other color and design options of the quilt. (ok that’s not a make or break option but sure would be fun.
Do you prefer PDF or printed patterns, and why?
I am growing more open to the PDF options…. but one of my favorite ways to get patterns is in a book because for the price of 2 or 3 patterns I can have 10 or 12!
Where do you like to buy PDF patterns?
On line at designers sites, Craftsy
Where do you like to buy printed patterns?
Local quilt shop, magazines and books
Do you like to buy quilt kits?
Nope!!!!
The most fun I have is picking the colors and trust me when I get done with my own colors there are not going to be 3 to a dozen more just like it in the local area to say nothing of 100’s of them across the quilting community.
Holly says
Wow, this is a great survey. A great big heart-felt “Thank you!” from everybody who is designing patterns or thinking about doing so is headed your way.
I agree with most of what your respondents had to say. I’m very interested to see how you take this feedback and respond with your designs. Because, let’s face it, not all concepts work as throws or baby quilts, even if most people say that’s their favorite size. And it’s probably good to offer a nice variety, too!
Alyce says
Haha, I’m interested too 😉 It’s reassuring though, because block-based quilts are a favourite to design, and they do work well for offering multi-sizes. That’s not to say they will all be that, but that it’s just reassuring to know!
Ioleen says
Thanks for posting the results of the survey.
Kate Heads says
How confident are you as a quilter? Intermediate but confident enough as a quilter to understand I don’t need to make elaborate blocks to show off my skills to end up with a stunning quilt.
What size quilts do you like to make? Throw size, as long I can quilt it myself, double, but then I have it longarmed.
What types of quilts or techniques do you like to make? Blocks, piecing / appliqué with piecing
What features do you STRONGLY prefer and/or need in a quilt pattern? Pic of the completed quilt, size options
What features are nice bonuses in a standard quilt pattern?
Black and White diagram to colour, quilting suggestions
Do you prefer PDF or printed patterns, and why?
PDF, hopefully less expensive, print out when I need to
Where do you like to buy PDF patterns?
Designers website or Craftsy
Where do you like to buy printed patterns?
I would rarely buy except if I was in a local quilt shop or at a show and saw a pattern I HAD to have
Do you like to buy quilt kits? Only twice, once at a show (Oakshott love the fabric) and once I signed up for a block of the month by post which was fun.
Heulwen says
Ooo, I’ll play! 🙂
How confident are you as a quilter? Probably intermediate – about the only thing I haven’t tried is curved piecing, I need to give that a go
What size quilts do you like to make? I like big quilts and I cannot lie! With US/UK conversions, probably throw or US queen size if I can (just don’t ask about my UFO/finished ratio…)
What types of quilts or techniques do you like to make? I’ll try most thing once; it’s probably easier to list things I wouldn’t want to do loads of (e.g., tons of applique)
What features do you STRONGLY prefer and/or need in a quilt pattern? Multiple size options, full image of the quilt, quilting suggestions
What features are nice bonuses in a standard quilt pattern? Colour images, colouring sheet, pre-cut friendliness
Do you prefer PDF or printed patterns, and why? PDFs, though I would buy printed if I saw something I really liked
Where do you like to buy PDF patterns? TBH, I’m not much of a buyer of patterns! But I would probably prefer to buy direct from the designer
Where do you like to buy printed patterns? Uhmmm…. in magazine form from WHSmiths…
Do you like to buy quilt kits? Nope. Haven’t yet, can’t see that I would in the future.
Sarah says
How confident are you as a quilter? confient beginer / intermediate-ish
What size quilts do you like to make? throw size
What types of quilts or techniques do you like to make? While I like to do a little bit of everything, I usually save my pattern-buying dollars for more paper pieced designs designs that are more intricate and include templates.
What features do you STRONGLY prefer and/or need in a quilt pattern? Quality images and diagrams. Clear, concise instructions.
What features are nice bonuses in a standard quilt pattern? coloring pages, alternate layouts, different sizes
Do you prefer PDF or printed patterns, and why? PDF! If i can’t get a pattern in pdf format, I most likely won’t buy it. The last thing I need is more paper to clutter things up. Also, pdf’s are better for the environment.
Where do you like to buy PDF patterns? I usually buy directly from the designer, if possible.
Where do you like to buy printed patterns? I usually don’t; but on the rare occasion I do, I would buy directly from the designer or my LQS.
Do you like to buy quilt kits? No. I prefer to choose my own fabric.
Carole S says
I LOVE surveys! Thank you for asking!
How confident are you as a quilter? Intermediate
What size quilts do you like to make? mini, lap, and queen
What types of quilts or techniques do you like to make? piecing, no paper piecing unless the pattern is the most amazing thing ever (which is tough, but the circling geese is an example – it’s versatile, and can’t be reproduced easily by regular piecing)
What features do you STRONGLY prefer and/or need in a quilt pattern? Front cover full shot is a must. HATE the “glamour” shots, with a quilt slung over someone’s easy chair. Then, instructions on what size sub-units should be. If I’m making a 14″ block comprised of multiple sub-units, I don’t want to have to do the math for every different sub-unit to figure out how big it should be, and I don’t want to make the whole block before I find out my seam allowance is slightly off.
What features are nice bonuses in a standard quilt pattern? Information on which fabrics could be pre-cuts. I agree with the commenter above – I don’t buy a layer cake of solid white. I”ll cut my own. Also, I won’t always have jelly rolls, but may have fat quarters so that I can cut my own strips.
Do you prefer PDF or printed patterns, and why? Printed. As in your post, you can’t make notes on the computer screen. If it’s going to be printed anyway, it might as well be on your good quality paper, with your good color photo on the front.
Where do you like to buy PDF patterns? Craftsy first, primarily for time-saving and trust. Then from the designer’s own site.
Where do you like to buy printed patterns? Local quilt shop, but Craftsy or the designer’s site as well.
Do you like to buy quilt kits? I do, but more often than not, it’s because I like the fabric, and am just stashing for sometime down the line. I rarely ever like the fabric that’s been selected for the quilt in the pattern it’s been cut for. I almost never buy quilt kits, and when I do, it’s because they’re on sale, and I’m willing to take the risk that I’ll have need of or use the size pieces that are in the kit.
Jennie Wallick says
This is really interesting to see what others like.
Even though I’ve sewn for 44 year I am a
Confident beginner
Mainly crib sized quilts
Block based quilts (I just haven’t tried anything else)
Full instructions and full color photo of the finished quilt
I prefer PDF files due to shipping costs
The designers web site for PDFs
The designers web site for paper patterns, but I don’t buy many.
I’ve never buy a quilt kit- they are expensive, I don’t get to pick the fabric or the color, and most quilt kits are styled from 1800s quilts instead of modern quilts.
Thank you Alyce, I can’t wait to see the research compiled into useful information.
Daniela O'Connell says
Oh, thank you so much for this survey! I’m in the process of writing my first pattern so this was very helpful!
Susan says
A very interesting survey and results! I sent my answers in an e-mail. Thanks for sharing this information. It’s kind of fun to see where I agree and disagree with 75 other quilters. =)
Linda says
I like to buy PDF patterns straight from the designer but I equally buy printed patterns from local quilt stores as I dont want to see these close down.
Glenna D. says
Boy, I sure cringed when I read about your perfectionism. Right now I have a queen size quilt at my home sewing machine that I have started quilting but is giving me fits, I am so afraid of ruining it. Just get over it, right?! It’s supposed to be fun, not stressful!
The survey was very informative, I learned that I am much like most other quilters in my needs and tastes. Thank you for sharing all the details (another of my issues, I cannot have too many details, looks as if you are the same!!)