PSW- How to Write a Quilt Pattern - Round table Topic 7 - Illustrations and Text

Topic VII - Illustrations and Text - Round Table Discussion






On Monday {insert link} I covered Topic VII, the illustrations and text of the pattern.  I went through each section of the quilt pattern and discussed what each one typically held as well as how I write the sample pattern, Ninja Bears,

Today we are going to discuss order the guest designers develop and write their patterns and Soma from Whims and Fancies will be sharing some thoughts on paper piecing.

Tomorrow (Thursday, Feb 25th), Amy from 13 Spools will be posting on writing patterns for paper pieced designs including a video of how she makes her patterns!

In what order do you draft the pattern (do you start with the text, graphics, math, etc)?

Soma of Whims and Fancies - My pattern drafting always starts with a drawing, which I then turn into a pattern and finally write the pattern file.

Yvonne of Quilting Jetgirl - I pretty much always start with the quilt math, then I make the graphics, and I fill in with writing the text along the way. Sitting down and writing the text is the hardest part for me, so if I break up the writing as I do the other steps it helps me maintain momentum. Breaking up the writing also allows me more time for editing / reviewing what I have written.

Also, I tend to do the quilt math first because it is fun. I do the graphics second because I find that if I can visually represent a step it is much easier for me to then describe the step in writing.

Anne of Springleaf Studios - Once the design is finalized, I do all the math and even tweak the design if it makes the yardage work better. I usually work out yardage and cutting simultaneously. The next step is usually a combination of illustrations and block directions. The final text, including the Design Lesson and Design Exploration text is the last thing I do.

Christa of Christa Quilts - I start with the design and then make a lot of notes. I usually do a piece count for myself as a double check. I figure out the math that is needed first, such as how many squares I can cut from a strip of fabric, etc. If the math is weird, for example, if I need exactly 41” from a WOF strip of fabric, then I will try to alter the pattern so that pieces can be cut efficiently from 40” of fabric or less. Also, I try not to use non-standard finished sizes if that can be avoided.

Once the math makes sense, then I will write out the cutting instructions. From that, I will calculate how much yardage of each fabric is needed and create a materials list. Then I finish writing the text of the pattern with notes to myself such as “draw graphic of 4” finished half-square triangle” or “show exploded block diagram.”

Once the pattern text is completely written, I will draw the rough illustrations.

Then I make the quilt and do the photography. I only use photography for the cover picture and quilting details. All of the step-by-step instructions are done with illustrations.  When the quilt is finished and the pattern parts are ready (photos, rough illustrations, text), I hand that off to the graphic designer to create the first pattern draft. We then go back and forth several times until I’m happy with the final layout and design, and I’ve double checked all the math and spelling.

Lorna of Sew Fresh Quilts - Because my typical pattern is one that uses the Stitch and Flip method, once I have finalized the design, I usually start drafting the pattern by working on the graphics, breaking each block down into the pieces needed to construct the block.

Amy of 13 Spools - I draw out my pattern, then figure out the cutting directions. I write out the cutting directions by hand, and loosely write out the piecing directions by hand. If I know I’m going to write a pattern, I consciously consider myself the “first pattern tester” and write corrections & notes as I go. Then I just kind of do the rest all at once. Or whatever strikes my fancy at the moment.

(add here Soma's thoughts on paper piecing)

PSW- How to Write a Quilt Pattern - Round table Topic 6 - Computer Programs

Topic VI - Computer Programs - Round Table Discussion






On Monday {insert link} I covered Topic VI, I covered the various computer programs available to create your designs, illustrations, text, and pattern layout as well as what I use to create my patterns.  In this round table discussion the guest designers are going to share which programs they use in their pattern work.  I think that you will be amazed at the variety of programs used by them, it really shows that there is no one "right" program to create your pattern.

Tomorrow (Thursday, Feb 19th), Christa from Christa Quilts will be posting on experiences in hiring a graphic designer to create her patterns.

Which computer program(s) do you use for the illustrations, text, and for laying out the pattern (word, powerpoint, adobe, etc). Did you hire out any of the work out?

Christaof Christa Quilts - I use EQ7 to design all of my quilts. When I first began selling quilt patterns, I would import my EQ images into photoshop for cropping and adjusting. Then I would copy and paste them into a word processing program in between the pattern text.

My husband helps me with the photography. I tried to hire that part out to a professional photography studio but found that I could get better detail images of my quilting if I did it myself.

I recently hired a graphic designer to make my patterns look more professional. I give her the EQ images along with a “transcript” – a rough draft of the pattern instructions with notes that say “insert illustration 1 here, insert photograph 2 here” etc. She takes the images and imports them into adobe illustrator, or redraws them if needed. She then takes the images, words, and photography and lays everything out in Adobe In Design. Because she’s a quilter, she understands the terminology I am using and knows what I’m trying to convey. If anyone is interested, they can contact her at designbylindsie.com.

It’s worth it for me to pay for things I don’t like to do, like graphic design, because she is much faster than I am, and it frees me up to do more of the fun stuff I like to do.

Lorna of Sew Fresh Quilts - To write the pattern I use MS Word and, for the illustrations, I use the Paint program on my computer.

Soma of Whims and Fancies - I do all of the work myself, using Adobe Illustrator for everything.

Yvonne of Quilting Jetgirl - I use Inkscape for illustrations, and I write my patterns in Word. To date, I have not hired out any work.

Amy of 13 Spools - Adobe Illustrator for all of the illustrations, and Adobe InDesign for the text and layout - and no! Even for my book, I did all of the illustrations. They listed an illustrator in the front of the book, but I really have no clue what he did…no offense. Seriously, I just don’t know.

Anne of Springleaf Studios - I use Adobe Illustrator for all the illustrations and Adobe InDesign for the actual writing and pattern layout. Both my husband and I have degrees in graphic design so the pattern layout process is something we are familiar with. 

PSW- How to Write a Quilt Pattern - Roundtable Topic 4 - Turning Designs into Patterns

Topic IV - General Pattern Writing - Round Table Discussion







On Monday {insert link} I covered Topic IV, I discussed some general pattern writing guidelines such as figuring out your audience, building a library of block instructions, and consistency within the pattern. 

In this round table discussion, I picked the guest designers' brains on their thoughts on general pattern writing.

Tomorrow (Thursday, Feb 11th), Lorna from Sew Fresh Quilts will be posting on her perspective and evolution as a pattern designer so make sure you check back!


When writing patterns, what are some assumptions you make (about the skill level of the quilter, what materials are standard, etc)?

Soma of Whims and Fancies - Other than custom pattern projects,  I mainly write patterns for my own use, I typically don’t write them with selling in mind.  I like to make it as easy as possible for anyone to sew from any given pattern.  That includes myself. 

Due to extra details, some patterns are more complex than others, but I have had beginners make wonderful, finished blocks from my complex patterns.

Yvonne of Quilting Jetgirl - I generally assume that the width of fabric is 40ʺ. I assume a quilter is capable of a consistent ¼ʺ seam allowance and knows what to do if I call for a scant ¼ʺ seam allowance. I assume basic fabric cutting capabilities/tools, but if a specific ruler (such as a square ruler) is really helpful or necessary for success, I will note that in the pattern. *Craftsy has a required tools section to fill in which is really great for letting buyers know if there are specific tools they will need.

Amy of 13 Spools - Ugh, I’d like to assume everything! Lol. I always list patterns for “confident beginners” or something higher, because if someone has never once sat down at a sewing machine, well….they won’t know how to thread a needle or sew a quarter-inch seam or...anything.

I always assume that my quilters have the following: sewing machine, thread, needles, scissors, cutting mat, rotary cutter, iron, pencils, paper - all those basics, and a few I’m probably missing. A friend, a stiff drink, and a seam ripper might also be necessary, but I don’t mention those ;) Anything else, I try to include in the materials list.

Anne of Springleaf Studios - I still wonder about how I should approach this. My early inclination was to include everything but it quickly became apparent that I was writing a pattern not a book. Therefore some assumptions like a general understanding of basic quilting skills have to be made. I still try to include as much as is feasible given the space restraints of a pattern.

Christa of Christa Quilts - I gear my patterns towards comfortable beginners. I assume they know how to use a rotary cutter and understand basic quilting terminology. I include fabric requirements, batting requirements, backing requirements and any specialty tools that are needed. I assume the reader has basic rotary cutting equipment and a sewing machine.

Lorna of Sew Fresh Quilts - When writing patterns, I assume that the buyer of the pattern would have a general knowledge of how to make a quilt. If the construction of the blocks requires making units such as HST or Flying Geese, I will include the instructions of how to make them using my preferred method. Other than the materials needed in the construction of the quilt, such as fabric and batting, I don't list that they will need to have an acrylic ruler, rotary cutter, cutting mat, sewing machine, thread, iron, etc.

In addition to the instructions in the pattern, is there anything you typically include? (Extra tips, links to websites for basic quilting instructions, how long steps take, etc)

Yvonne of Quilting Jetgirl - I like to provide tips in the pattern along the way, especially when I have found myself making a mistake when doing a particular step. I referenced a website for a basic Y seam introduction when I did not want to spend time in my pattern dedicated to the topic and I also did not want to assume that the quilter had proficiency in that skill.

Amy of 13 Spools - Not really - does that make me a bad quilt patterner?

Anne of Springleaf Studios - Yes, I do include extras. In addition to tips throughout the instructions, I also include a mini Design Lesson to help the quilter understand the block and the overall quilt design, a Design Explorations section that shows examples of alternative ways the pattern can be used to create different versions, and a coloring page so the quilter can play with their own ideas. A couple of patterns also include directions for a pillow that is made from the block trimmings.

Christa of Christa Quilts - Because I specialize in teaching others how to quilt on their home sewing machines, I will usually include machine quilting ideas with a closeup or two of the quilting I did in the pattern. I also include links to a few basic tutorials on my website like basting and binding.

Lornaof Sew Fresh Quilts - If your quilt design uses a specific method such as Paper Piecing or Stitch and Flip, I would either include a short tutorial or recommend links to an in depth tutorial. "Quilt as desired" can be an annoyance to those who would appreciate more guidance. Offering suggestions for the quilting is a courtesy.

Soma of Whims and Fancies - I always sew from my finished patterns following the instructions that I have written down.  If I come across any helpful tips as I sew the blocks, I add those tips to the pattern file.

Any tips on common pattern drafting errors to avoid?

Anne of Springleaf Studios - Double check and double check again. Thankfully I haven’t had any errors that I’m aware of yet. Having someone familiar with quilting proofread is not only enormously helpful but necessary. I wouldn’t publish a pattern without several rounds of proofreading by myself and at least one or two other people. This includes checking yardage and cutting figures as well as the overall clarity of the writing and illustrations.

Christa of Christa Quilts - Double and triple check your math. I usually write up the pattern either before I make the quilt, or as I go, so I can pattern test my own patterns.

Soma of Whims and Fancies - I have found that reviewing the patterns multiple times works well for me.

Yvonne of Quilting Jetgirl - I had the benefit of having a professional editor review my first quilt pattern and offer some advice. The things I learned are:

•  When noting inches in a pattern, do not use the curly que quotes from the keyboard (“) instead, use the Modifier Letter Double Prime symbol which can be found in Word by going to Insert > Symbol (ʺ)
• Simplify wording! Not everyone buying your pattern will have English as a first language. Use the easiest synonym and cut out unnecessary words.
• Start instructions with an action verb. Cut. Press. Sew.
• Be consistent. For example, choose whether you are going to use decimals or fractions and stick with that convention throughout the pattern.

Pattern Series Workshop - Designer Roundtable Discussion on Topic 3 - Turning Designs into Patterns

On Monday {insert link} I covered Topic 3 which discussed how to start turning your quilt designs into quilt patterns.  I discussed how to find the block within your quilt pattern and then how to go about sizing the blocks and deciding on a layout to get to the quilt size(s) that you would like to include in your pattern.  

Two questions I have been asked over and over again are around offering a quilt pattern in more than one size and the difference between free and paid quilt patterns.  Our designers (and myself) weigh in on these questions below.

Do you typically offer your patterns in one size or more than one size? How did you decide on this? 


Lorna of Sew Fresh Quilts - I typically offer my patterns in more than one size. This allows for more flexible use of the pattern to suit the buyer's needs.


Soma of Whims and Fancies - The size of my patterns is based on the details of the designs. I design them in such a way that they can be resized by printing them at different percentages.


Yvonne of Quilting Jetgirl - I have patterns both ways, and I price accordingly. A pattern that is only one size is slightly less expensive than a pattern with multiple sizes. Ideally, I would like my patterns to offer multiple sizes.

I always try to offer more than one size in my quilt patterns, but if a pattern is complex, making the pattern in a different size would require really odd measurements, etc., I will chose to offer the pattern in one size only.


Amy of 13 Spools - I only offer them in one size because it’s a freaking pain to do more! This is usually because my patterns have complex cutting directions, and it would be crazy to do it for many sizes.


Anne of Springleaf Studios - Right now it’s about half and half. The patterns that offer multiple sizes range from baby to queen size. Others have just a single throw/lap size. The decision is generally based on the design. If it’s a block based design, it’s easier to offer multiple sizes. Exceptions to this would be an overly large block which can make it difficult to work into traditional bed sized quilts or if the overall design requires a set number of blocks. The complexity of a design can also simply get to be too confusing for multiple sizes when it comes to listing yardage and cutting. I don’t want to overwhelm the quilter with things they don’t need. I do sometimes include tips on how to rescale a block or make another size when the pattern doesn’t include other size options.


Christa of Christa Quilts - I offer them in four sizes. When I was ready to get serious about pattern design, I began to do a bunch of research. I paid attention to what other designers did and asked my instagram followers if they wanted multiple sizes and what sizes they preferred. For my general pattern layout, I realized that four different sizes was enough to make the pattern valuable, but didn’t make the pattern too long for printing.

I also wanted to differentiate my single patterns from the patterns I write for books. My books are a themed collection of patterns in one size only; therefore the individual unit price of a book pattern is much cheaper when you consider how many patterns are offered in a book. For stand-alone patterns, I wanted to make sure I was providing enough value to the consumer to justify the higher unit cost of just one pattern. 

Cheryl of Meadow Mist Designs - As I stated in my Monday post, I do not think that you must include multiple sizes in your quilt patterns, but when speaking with pattern purchasers, most indicated that having multiple sizes made the pattern more valuable and that they tended to buy more multiple size patterns than single size patterns.  In my own patterns, almost all have multiple sizes, with the number of sizes and which sizes are offered based on the block size, complexity, and other factors.





With all of the free patterns out there on Craftsy, Moda Bake Shop, and blogs, do you feel that there is a difference in what a free versus for sale pattern should contain? 


Soma of Whims and Fancies - I haven’t felt any difference between the two. My patterns contain the same level of detail whether they are paid or not. That way, people get a realistic impression of working with my patterns, regardless of which one they pick.


Yvonne of Quilting Jetgirl - When I am making a quilt pattern that will be purchased, I try to offer something “more” than would be realistic for a free pattern. For instance, I will include a coloring page, give detailed information on fabric selection, or even provide a worksheet to outline a thought process to help a quilter cultivate a story and meaning behind the quilt they are making. I have also included additional information like a secondary quilt pattern that can be made from scraps generated when piecing the quilt top.

I believe that a quilt pattern that is offered for sale should be pattern tested and edited more carefully than a free pattern / tutorial. It is one thing for me to write a free pattern / tutorial and work through the pattern on my own, but when I offer a pattern for sale at the very least I want several other quilters to have looked it over.


Amy of 13 Spools - For starters, I don’t really concern myself with what I think others should include in a free v. paid pattern - only what works for me. My situation (stay at home mom with 3 very young children; I can only sew if I pay for a babysitter, etc.) is not necessarily the same as quilter a and quilter b, etc. - so our needs are different, as well. That’s ok. If someone else offers a great pattern for free, I don’t worry about my own pricing model - I do what I need to do, and they can do what they need to do.

When I’m deciding whether to offer a pattern for sale or for free, it’s about three things: time, complexity, and pattern testing.  I nearly always make quilts for-sale patterns. That’s just a practical thing - my quilt patterns tend to take quite awhile to write, and I can’t justify that time if I’m not going to get at least some compensation.

Block patterns are a toss-up. Here, there is a difference in content - I usually don’t provide cutting directions for the free paper-pieced patterns. That part takes awhile to figure out & write, so I will decide to either 1) include it & offer the pattern for sale, or 2) skip it and offer the pattern for free.

For me, another concern with paid v. free is pattern testing - I always have my patterns for sale tested! I don’t have my free ones tested - it just doesn’t make sense monetarily for me.


Anne of Springleaf Studios - Yes, I do. As a designer trying to make money from my pattern sales it can be a challenge to compete with all the free patterns available. Most free patterns are fairly straight forward and provide a minimum of instruction. I try to offer more than what you would expect in a free pattern. Things like alternative ways to use the pattern and a coloring page to name a few. I really want the quilter to take my pattern and use it as a starting point to create their own unique version.

I might add that with such easy access to information online these days, I think there can be an assumption that everything online is free. What many people don’t think about is the amount of time it takes to fully develop a pattern. That’s what this series is all about and I hope by the end more quilters will appreciate the effort that goes into publishing patterns. You don’t just write one up in a day.


Christa of Christa Quilts - I limit how much free content I offer. I have one free pattern called “Puzzle Box” that my readers get when they sign up for my email newsletter on my website. It is available in one size only and gives my readers a “taste” for my other multi-size patterns. I also offer step-by-step quilt along tutorials on my website. These aren’t full blown illustrated patterns, but they give me a chance to test-out my ideas before I create a pattern. These, too, are offered in one size only.


Lorna of Sew Fresh Quilts - A free pattern should contain as much or as little information as the creator of that pattern feels like offering. A for sale pattern should ALL the information needed for making the quilt from start to finish, including fabric requirements, cutting directions, block construction, and quilt top assembly instructions. Additional information may include a fabric selection guide, a variety of quilt layout options, a colouring sheet or quilting suggestions.

Cheryl of Meadow Mist Designs - For my free patterns, they are almost always one size and contain instructions for one design option.  For example, I might have a free pattern of a lap size quilt using a jelly roll.  If I were to make it into a paid pattern, I would try to expand the number of quilt sizes offered and would probably offer instructions for cutting and piecing from yardage, scraps, and any other pre-cuts that might work along with additional tips and content.

Test post for Round Table Discussion - Topic 2 Design

On Monday {insert link} I covered Topic 2 of the Pattern Writing Series - Design, sharing my inspirations and process of coming up with quilt designs.  Coming up with designs is a highly individual process, so to gain other perspectives on the topic, our designers are going to share a little about what inspires their quilt designs and how they come up with new and exciting patterns.

I wanted to how the designers came up with their pattern ideas, what inspired them. I also wanted to know what tools (computers or other tools) they used when coming up with a design.

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl will be presenting a more in depth post tomorrow (Thursday, January 22st) about her inspiration process and Anne from Springleaf Studios will be posting on Friday January 23rd about the differences of starting the quilt pattern process from a design versus starting from a collection of fabrics.


Where do you find inspiration?

Anne of Springleaf Studios - Inspiration can come from almost anywhere. The trick is in being open to the possibilities of what you see and the potential it might hold for a design. You can see the same thing over and over and then all of a sudden you see it in a new light and an idea is sparked that brings things together. I tend to look for inspiration in other textiles, graphic design and fine art as well as nature and the environment. Plus, I simply play on my computer. Looking at other quilts can also be very inspiring, but I generally avoid that when I am designing a new pattern. I don’t want to be overly influenced by existing quilts. The more you become aware of your personal creative style, the less you will be inclined to borrow from others. Whatever you do, don’t copy . . . be inspired by something, but find a way to translate the idea into your own unique vision.

Lorna of Sew Fresh Quilts- I find inspiration in nature and modern minimalist artists like Charley Harper, Ed Emberly and Eleanor Grosch.

Soma of Whims and Fancies - Most of my pattern designs are initiated by my drawings and paintings. Inspiration for those comes pretty much from every aspect of life.

Yvonne of Quilting Jetgirl - I have been inspired by photography and specific design goals or challenges (Triangle Transparency was created based on my desire to use transparency play in a design), but I am mostly inspired by doodling.

Amy of 13 Spools - I primarily find inspiration in architecture, furniture design, and modern art. When I’m not looking to these, I find inspiration in other quilts, woven blankets, and in a few of my favorite shapes - “flying kites” (a sharp version of a boomerang shape) and sharp, scalene triangles.




What computer programs or other tools do you use to come up with a quilt design?

Christa of Christa Quilts - I design the majority of my quilts in Electric Quilt (EQ7). The only time I don’t is if it’s a very unique design that I can’t figure out how to draw electronically. Then I’ll use graph paper to work out the proportions and then re-draw it in EQ once I’m ready to finalize the design and add fabrics.

My favorite part about using the software is the fact that I can save a fabric image of any print I want to use, and import that into the program. This lets me know exactly how the quilt will look before I make the first fabric cut.

Lorna of Sew Fresh Quilts - I initially use graph paper for designing quilts. Then I use EQ7 to allow for showing how that design would look using different fabric choices.

Soma of Whims and Fancies - Since I love to draw, I always have something with me that I can doodle on. Sometimes I sketch out ideas on my ipad. I also use Adobe Illustrator to draw on my computer.

Yvonne of Quilting Jetgirl - I use Inkscape, which is a free “professional quality vector graphics software which runs on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.” Right now the designs I come up with are probably 50% started by hand sketches and 50% started within Inkscape. My husband bought me a Rhodia dotPad for my birthday this year, and I like curling up with a pencil and seeing what happens. Many of my initial sketches morph when I start working on them on the computer.

Amy of 13 Spools - I solely use Adobe Illustrator to sketch my quilt designs. To create a printable pattern with instructions, I use Adobe InDesign to create a PDF document with the Illustrator sketches placed alongside the directions.

Anne of Springleaf Studios - I used to do everything in grid paper notebooks. Now it’s almost exclusively done in Adobe Illustrator. While I love the idea of maintaining a single sketchbook, in reality I tend to jot ideas down all over the place and end up with lots of loose pieces of paper. I’m currently trying to get my older sketches into a single file and perhaps even into the computer where I can keep them more organized. Regardless of where an idea initially starts, I use the computer to fully develop the concept. The computer gives me the freedom to explore a wider range of possibilities. I am able to easily and quickly play with color and layout and find that this exploration results in a much better final design. The main downside is that the computer is not as organic as sketching.

Pattern Series Workshop - Round Table - Panel Introduction

There is no right way or wrong way to write a quilt pattern, so to help give other perspectives and ways of writing quilt patterns a number of wonderful pattern designers will be joining me for round table discussions and additional posts.

With me will be (in alphabetic order) Amy of 13 Spools, Anne of Springleaf Studios, Christa of Christa Quilts, Lorna of Sew Fresh Quilts, Soma of Whims and Fancies, and Yvonne of Quilting Jetgirl.

Here is a little about each designer...

My name is Amy Garro and I’m a stay at home mom and quilter. I graduated from Notre Dame in 2009 with a Theology degree and do some light writing, but for the most part, I fill my time with giggles and stitches. My three sons (Charlie, Johnny, and Gus) are all under four. They keep me busy, but my husband (John) does a great job making sure I have some crafty time.

I started crafting at age 4 and sewing at age 7. I mostly sewed garments, but jumped fully into quilting in 2011 and haven’t looked back since! I love both modern and traditional quilts, but focus on designing and creating modern quilts. My style is structured, striking, mathematical, and geometric. I lean heavily on the use of strong lines when creating compositions, and draw inspiration from architecture. I have book entitled PaperPieced Modern, patterns available in my Craftsy and Etsy shops, and a new block club called the Tribal Block Club.

Hi, I'm Anne Deister of SpringLeaf Studios. I have a degree in graphic design and worked for many years doing corporate design. After having my second child, I left to be a stay-at-home mom, doing some design work from home. During that time, I also sewed for my children and home and eventually started quilting. 

I was drawn to quilting as a means of pairing my design skills with the fabrics and colors I love to create beautiful things. My passion is mixing bright prints and colors in relatively simple ways to produce bold graphic compositions. My work comes from a place of graphic design first with a foundation in traditional quilt making. In my patterns, I love exploring how the repetition of a unique block, plus simple shifts in the placement of color, can produce a wide variety of different designs, all within a single quilt pattern. 

In addition to block based patterns, I also enjoy designing quilts from what I call a whole composition approach where the entire quilt is my canvas as opposed to the individual block. This approach often employs asymmetrical design, negative space, and use of an alternative grid which are more commonly seen in modern quilts.

Discovering the online quilting community a few years ago led to starting my blog, SpringLeaf Studios, and eventually publishing quilt patterns so I could share my design explorations with other quilters. My hope is they will take a pattern and make it their own. SpringLeaf Studios patterns are currently available through Etsy and Craftsy. 

Christa Watson of ChristaQuilts.com is a quiltmaker, pattern designer, quilting instructor, and author of two books: Machine Quilting With Style, and The Ultimate Guide to Machine Quilting. After making quilts and searching for her “artistic voice” for nearly two decades, she finally found it within the modern quilting community.

Meet Lorna McMahon, modern quilter, pattern designer and the author of the Sew Fresh Quilts blog. Lorna's use of eye-catching colour and minimalist design has taken modern quilting in an entirely new direction, as traditional piecing methods are used to create a menagerie of animals and entirely new blocks. A few of her signature items are her “Elephant Parade” and “Dog Gone Cute” quilt patterns, which are offered as free quilt alongs. On her website you can learn from her creative processes as she shares her love of quilting, tips and clever tutorials.  Lorna's patterns are available on her PayHip shop.

I am a software engineer by trade. Aside from math and science, I have loved painting and photography since I was a child. I started quilting in 2012. Within a couple months of that, I started writing quilt patterns.  Soma blogs at Whims and Fancies and her patterns are available through her Etsy and Craftsy shops.

An intuitive introvert who is passionate about hometown and online quilting community, I believe that quilts can cover the world with care and love. I use my blogging platform to cultivate a community with which I share my passion for quilt making and quilt pattern design. Yvonne blogs at Quilting Jetgirl and her patterns are available through her Etsy, Payhip, and Craftsy shops.


I hope that you are as excited for this series to start as I am! The next post will be on Monday, January 25th all about quilt design.