Quilt Pattern Maker: Finding a Patchwork Pattern Generator
Being creative can take a lot of work, especially when you begin to run out of ideas. Finding the right pattern to create in a quilt can be difficult unless you have help from a pattern generator. But finding the right generator takes work as well as their designs may be limited.
Finding a good patchwork pattern maker is not that hard. A simple internet search turns up more than enough possibilities. One good one is said to have a million+ patterns anyone can use. You will find it at this link and you will need time to explore it to see all the benefits it has to offer.
To find out more about patchwork patterns for quilts and the generators used to create them just continue to read our article. It has the information you need in order to find that perfect pattern for that hard-to-please aunt.
Online Patchwork Quilt Pattern Generator
We have linked to one already and it has what the website calls a pattern playground. This is a tool to help you figure out all the details needed to make your quilt. there is a block option, block width category, rows, and order size options as well as a place to figure out how many columns you need.
Once you plug in all the details, this playground will tell you how big your quilt should be to have all those details fit just right. Then there is a choose a fabric selection section allowing you to see the quilt and its new details in different colors and designs.
The good news is that this particular pattern generator is free to use. Then this link takes you to a website that tells you how to turn any photo into a quilt pattern. Just be forewarned that the site has had trouble maintaining the link to the generator but it says it has a new one anyone can use.
The problem with finding online options to use is that many of the results may be out of date, have broken links due to stopping the business or changing websites, and other online issues.
Random Quilt Block Generator
This link will take you to one program that will help you make random quilt patterns. It is an old program from 2010 and hopefully, it will still work for you. we are a bit skeptical when it comes to these types of programs as you never know if you have the right operating system, the right parameters or if it still works.
One person on Reddit suggested that people use the sodoku game as a way to generate random patterns. They just said to create 9 blocks and assign a different number to each block. You can read their full suggestion at that link.
According to the post at this link, Javascript can be used to help generate random patterns. It is said that this method will work with 2 colors with the potential to work with more. The license to use this option is posted at that link and it is free to use.
Finally, this link takes you to a place called Pattern Jam and the landing page is filled with different patterns that seem to be free to use. There is a place to register and investigate further if you are interested in using those patterns.
We do not know much about that place, but it does have a Facebook page.
How do I Make My Own Quilt Pattern?
According to one website, there is a whole process you have to go through in order to make your own quilt pattern. The steps outlined here come from that website and give you a basic idea of what you need to do when you want to create an original quilt design.
1. Do some research
You may have a very creative mind but and can think up some good options on your own. But a little research can help you refine those ideas so they will look even better once they are put into a quilt.
Like any artist, inspiration can come from anywhere including a painting, a doll’s dress, or even a photo in a book. A little research helps your creative process find the right designs to use.
2. Don’t forget trending patterns
You may not like this idea but if you are making a quilt for a client, they may like trending designs. This means you should not ignore this portion of the process and see what is popular at this time.
Then once you get the design, you may need some time to research how to do that style. Not everyone is familiar with every style and how to make it.
3. The planning stage
This is where you need to figure out your size of the quilt, the colors you want to use, and the actual design pieces. The planning stage can be done on computer programs as erasing mistakes is a lot easier there than if you did it on paper.
Also, you can create several designs to make sure you find the best one. The top design doesn't always come out at the beginning. It may take two or three tries to get it just right.
4. The math stage
If you never thought you would use your high school math, think again. This stage is probably the hardest part as you have to figure all the different sizes and measurements. Not to mention shapes and how they will all fit together.
But this is a vital part of the process and it needs to be done if your own quilt pattern is going to look its best. Don’t be afraid to use a little trial and error methodology when the math may not work out just right.
Creating an artboard with all the facts and figures will help you keep everything straight and provide you with clear direction. Make sure to get the mat and designs right before doing any cutting.
5. The final step- writing it all down
This is the next and last step and here are some of the details needed in order to have a quality quilt pattern:
- A full picture or sketch of the quilt top
- Fabric requirements
- Cutting measurements
- Step by step sewing instructions
- Photos or sketches of difficult parts or steps in the quilt making process
- Basic instructions on basting and machine quilting (optional)
- Basic information on quilting supplies (optional)
- Different color options to use (optional)
- A video tutorial (optional)
Other options to design your own quilt pattern are available. There is no one method fits all designing style. One person uses AI and starts with a full-sized design to make sure all the details are easy to do.
Then she prints out a scaled-down version and goes back to her original computer plan and writes down the pertinent information needed for each square. After that, she adds in a seam allowance, print our diagonals, measure and then add more seam allowance.
This may be a bit more work but it seems to work for her.
Making Your Own Quilt Templates
Templates are a quilting necessity even though many modern tools have been invented to make quilting a lot easier. They help make quilting go faster and smoother making the project a lot more enjoyable.
All a template is comprised of is a piece of plastic that is cut into a particular shape. You may be able to buy these in your local craft and sewing accessory stores. Unfortunately, those options are limited for the most part to rectangles, hexagons, and other non-standard shapes.
Making your own can save you money and all you really need is a marker, a pair of scissors, and some template plastic that is flexible. The first step is to measure the size of the pattern you want and add a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Then cut along the biggest line to get the shape you want.
That is about the gist of it. You can make these shapes in any size you want and in any shape you want. There is complete freedom when you do it yourself. Also, you can use drinking glasses, odd-shaped boxes or knick-knacks, etc. to trace the exact shape and size you want.
Just make sure to add in that seam allowance before you cut the template out. Making your own templates adds a personal touch plus it helps your quilt be unique.
Some Final Words
When you are stuck for ideas, turn to the internet and do a quick search for quilt pattern makers. Not only should you get the help you need, but you can also see the different colors and designs that may look good on your next quilt.
It is not wrong to get a little inspiration from the internet or a little help with math.
