I've never made a quilt without a pattern
03-21-2012, 06:07 AM
#1
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Location: Small town in Northeast Oregon close to Washington and Idaho
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I've never made a quilt without a pattern
I have never made a quilt without a pattern. I've been quilting since 1992 but earnestly since about 3 years ago and don't know how to go about making a quilt without a pattern. I see quilts here that people have made and like parts of them and would like to make a quilt out of the parts I like, but I'm horrible in math. I never took algebra in school...didn't have to. I don't have any fancy computer programs to help me. I know I could make an applique quilt if I just appliqued the middle and put borders around it. Couldn't put piano keys around it because I wouldn't know the right size and I can't use my useless brain to figure out how to. Any suggestions?
03-21-2012, 08:10 AM
#2
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Location: Alaska
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Jeanne, you might want to experiment with putting some of your quilt ideas on graph paper. The nice thing with that is that you can use the little squares to represent whatever size you want them to be. You can use it to design a block or blocks, and then you could use it for making a miniature drawing of your quilt. Colored pencils are helpful too, if you want to get ideas for color schemes. I'm not great at all that math either, but the graph paper helps to keep it all in proportion. It's kind of like having a computer program, only you have to do all the work! This is just one idea, but with all the awesome, experienced quilters on this board, you are sure to get some great feedback!
03-21-2012, 08:12 AM
#3
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Jeanne, you might want to experiment with putting some of your quilt ideas on graph paper. The nice thing with that is that you can use the little squares to represent whatever size you want them to be. You can use it to design a block or blocks, and then you could use it for making a miniature drawing of your quilt. Colored pencils are helpful too, if you want to get ideas for color schemes. I'm not great at all that math either, but the graph paper helps to keep it all in proportion. It's kind of like having a computer program, only you have to do all the work! This is just one idea, but with all the awesome, experienced quilters on this board, you are sure to get some great feedback!
03-21-2012, 08:33 AM
#4
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First of all, there is nothing wrong with making all your quilts from patterns. Do you really want to design your own? Or do you feel "inadequate" because you don't? If so, quit it! Your originality comes through with the fabrics you choose and the artistry with which you execute the pattern.
If you really want to design your own, you might want to consider using EQ. I use EQ a lot, and I also use Excel spreadsheets. But I'm comfortable with computers and math, and hate the idea of graph paper where I would have to work hard and erase to make a change. Use whatever works for you, and remember this is QUILTING, not math.
If you really want to design your own, you might want to consider using EQ. I use EQ a lot, and I also use Excel spreadsheets. But I'm comfortable with computers and math, and hate the idea of graph paper where I would have to work hard and erase to make a change. Use whatever works for you, and remember this is QUILTING, not math.
03-21-2012, 08:40 AM
#5
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First of all, there is nothing wrong with making all your quilts from patterns. Do you really want to design your own? Or do you feel "inadequate" because you don't? If so, quit it! Your originality comes through with the fabrics you choose and the artistry with which you execute the pattern.
If you really want to design your own, you might want to consider using EQ. I use EQ a lot, and I also use Excel spreadsheets. But I'm comfortable with computers and math, and hate the idea of graph paper where I would have to work hard and erase to make a change. Use whatever works for you, and remember this is QUILTING, not math.
If you really want to design your own, you might want to consider using EQ. I use EQ a lot, and I also use Excel spreadsheets. But I'm comfortable with computers and math, and hate the idea of graph paper where I would have to work hard and erase to make a change. Use whatever works for you, and remember this is QUILTING, not math.
03-21-2012, 08:56 AM
#6
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Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Southwest Kansas
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All you need is graph paper, a ruler and a regular calculator. The math is simple math. Not even the slightest bit of algebra or even geometry needed!
03-21-2012, 09:26 AM
#7
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Location: Phoenix, AZ
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I agree. We are never too old to learn something new.
Graph paper and colored pencils are great.
EQ is relatively easy to learn as they do have video tutorials. You may know of someone with a local quilting group or a LQS who could help you learn EQ.
Just because you haven't before ... doesn't mean you can't do it now.
You got this far on the QB. You can go further and have even more fun.
ali
Graph paper and colored pencils are great.
EQ is relatively easy to learn as they do have video tutorials. You may know of someone with a local quilting group or a LQS who could help you learn EQ.
Just because you haven't before ... doesn't mean you can't do it now.
You got this far on the QB. You can go further and have even more fun.
ali
03-21-2012, 09:47 AM
#8
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Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 947
Depending on your personal style, you might find that you prefer to create "improv" quilts. There are several books coming out currently, or in the next few months that guide you through the process of improv quilting, or you could start following a blogger who uses that construction technique. Many (not all) of the "modern" bloggers are improv - my favorites off the top of my head would be Tallgrass Studios and Sew Katie Did. In this style of design, there is no measuring, no graph paper, no math -- you cut, arrange, sew, cut, rearrange, sew, keep moving things around until you like the look, and call it done. I find it refreshing and fun, though it's not my predominant style of quilting.
RST
RST
03-21-2012, 09:56 AM
#9
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I do feel less than because I don't make my own patterns. I like what dunster said. She said "quit it" about what I think about myself because I don't make quilt patterns. I think I will "quit it". Thanks dunster!
03-21-2012, 10:08 AM
#10
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Location: Woodmere, NY
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I have a problem with patterns.. I have never used one, as I would probably have a problem following directions.. I would have a problem with being a perfectionist, and I wouldn't do it because it is someone elses work..
I use graph paper, and design as I go along.. I've needlessly increased the work on my quilts, and end up laughing about it..
Barri
I use graph paper, and design as I go along.. I've needlessly increased the work on my quilts, and end up laughing about it..
Barri
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