Fight off the intimidation of a new pattern
I know for me, when I’m about to try something new I get really intimidated and then I sit on my hands for months before I finally get up the courage and gumption to give it a go. If you feel that way about my From Blank Pages patterns, let me help you out!
I have written up a little walk through of how to get the most out of your patterns, “Knowing Your Pattern” will help you get a little more comfortable and ready to begin.
Below you’ll find…
the steps I take when using my patterns, links to tutorials, and the features I like best. Even if you’ve been using our patterns for a long time, this will help you get the most out of each one for the best experience possible!
Once you start you won’t want to stop.
As always, if you have any questions or need help, you can always contact me!
Happy Quilting & Happy Creating!
Step 1: Read Through Your Pattern Before You Begin
This will give you the best preview of what to expect and what you’ll be doing. Plus there are some helpful tips that will hopefully give you a good base to start from.
Step 2: Print out the Coloring Pages
Most patterns include many different pages and formats. For a quick color and planning session I recommend starting with the page with the large format quilt (usually 4×5 blocks). While this page is good if you are making an entire quilt, it’s also good to quickly plan color scheme’s, color placement, and give you an idea of what you want to create. You can then move your idea to the larger coloring pages to add more detail or fine tune your idea.
Use the labeled color page to help transfer your design to the pattern templates and cutting templates!
All of the coloring pages are also a great resource for planning your quilting design once your finished with your quilt top! Since it already shows the block design, you can fill the spaces with different quilting designs until you find the one you like! If you are FMQ (free motion quilting) you can practice your design before you begin! Hooray for not unpicking!
Step 3: Choose Your Fabrics
You can read this post HERE to learn more about color value and contrast. Rules are meant to be broken, but you can’t successfully break them unless you first learn what they are! Paying attention to the value and hue of your prints in regards to fabric placement will play a huge role in your finished project!
HERE is a post where I walk you through my process of using the coloring pages to picking my fabrics. This was part of my Celestial Star Quilt Along I hosted in 2014.
Step 4: Cutting Templates
Learn more about the cutting templates HERE and in my YouTube video below.
I have been adding new features to the cutting templates that I am absolutely loving! You can find them in my most recent patterns such as the Rise Above patterns and A Midnight Clear. You can read about these new features in the patterns, and I will be uploading new videos soon.
Check out the Cutting Template Video Tutorial below
Step 5: Start Piecing
For foundation paper piecing tutorials, you can see my methods in these places:
- Paper Piecing tutorial I created as part of the Celestial Star QAL.
- My old method of paper piecing – maybe this will work for you.
- Paper Piecing letters L, O, V, E. Find the video tutorials for letters L, O, and V, on the the LOVE pattern page – a FREE pattern.
- Lots of video tutorials on YouTube for different aspects of paper piecing.
Some of my favorite Video Tutorials:
Paper Piecing Tutorial:
Trim Pattern after Piecing:
Step 6: Quilt your Project
Refer to step 2 for ideas on how to plan your quilting! You can also check out my Pinterest board for beautiful quilting inspirations!
Step 7: Finish
Finish your project by binding it, turning into a pillow or a bag, or whatever it is you want to make! Check out the Creative Gallery for ideas of what others have made with my patterns.
Project ideas: Quilt, baby quilt, mini quilt, mug rug, pillow, notebook cover, pouch, bag, hot pad, placemat, table runner, wall hanging, appliance cover, sewing machine cover, rug or floor mat, nap mat (for preschool or daycare), doll blanket, etc.
Step 8: Share!
You can share on social media
Instagram: use #fbpPatterns and #fbp[insert Pattern Name] ie. #fbpRiseAbove for the Rise Above pattern.
Share in the Facebook group, Join the Zodiac group, or if it’s for charity, share it in the Quilting for a Cause group!
Add it to the Creative Gallery by filling out this form!
Thank you for using From Blank Pages patterns!
I hope you will love them and enjoy using them over and over again! If you have any questions, please contact me! I’m always happy to help!
