Testing Quilt Patterns

I came across the opportunity to test a quilt pattern before being available for purchase last fall, uncertain if this is something I would enjoy and how it would work. I had some time, so I decided to go for it.

My favourite thing about quilting is trying something new with each project. With this quilt, it was the challenge of following the pattern as written and keeping notes of what I was doing to provide feedback. Over the last two years I have bought about a dozen patterns and before this quilt, I had not successfully followed a single pattern to the letter. I appreciate and value artists writing me instructions, but I prefer doing my own thing. I buy a pattern when I hit a point of realisation that I cannot figure it out myself, or when I am in awe.

Patterns give me guidance and I like to stray from them, using them as a starting off point. With this in mind, testing a pattern was challenging for me. The point of testing a quilt pattern is to figure out, whether the pattern gives understandable directions to create an exact replica.

Once I had pieced the quilt top, it was clear to me that my planned intention for the quilt no longer fit my envisioned outcome, but I had to keep going and finish it. Perhaps, testing patterns is good practice in perseverance. To make the quilt mine, I pieced the backing fabric with some leftover fabric from the top and some yardage in my cabinet.

She’s not the most beautiful back, but gave me some opportunity to be creative and resourceful.

Ultimately, I truly enjoyed this pattern and the task of testing a pattern. It was a challenge to pay close attention to details. It was amazing to read all the small instructions the creator gave so I could make the best possible quilt. The pattern is thorough and thoughtful. The lesson for me has two parts.

One, take the time and care to read a pattern you buy. The creator has most likely put significant time in writing it and it is their creation, honour that.

Two, I will probably not become a “professional” pattern tester. I thought at the end of doing this, I would never test a pattern again. (I have since tested another pattern by the same maker.)

The joy I get from quilting is from figuring out the design I will make and playing with limiting resources. Pattern testing is at this time, is not my jam.

The pattern is “Ritournelle” by Claire from Namaju Quilt Studio.