How to Tech Edit a Quilt Pattern

How to Proofread a Quilt Pattern: A Style Guide for Clarity, Correctness, and Consistency

Tech editing a quilt pattern is all about making sure quilters can follow the pattern with ease and end up with a quilt they love. In this guide, I’ll review the key steps to proofread a pattern thoroughly so it’s accurate and ready to stitch.

1. Initial Pattern Review – The Cover
Start by looking at the big picture. The information on your cover should help the quilter decide if this pattern is appropriate for their project.

• Tell the quilter about YOU, the author. At the very least, your cover should have contact information, including a link to your website and/or email address. A QR code can be used to direct quilters to a tutorial or any information that you can’t otherwise fit on the cover, like your social media accounts, or other versions of this quilt.
• A pattern number indicates that this isn’t the designer’s only pattern. A bar code indicates that the designer has taken the time to apply for and purchase one for this pattern.
• One important piece of information on the outside of the quilt pattern should be the Copyright Statement. Some designers restrict the use of the pattern; others do not.
• A picture of the quilt in use is best, but sometimes a graphic showing the whole quilt makes more sense. The pattern should also give the title, size(s) of the quilt, and a little description, including color and/or fabric style suggestions. Can you only make it using a particular line of fabric and/or panel? Is a special ruler needed? Are there any special techniques needed, such as paper piecing or applique?
• A detailed list of fabric requirements and supplies should be given on the outside of the pattern. If a pattern uses precut fabric, that should be stated, along with the definition of that particular precut. The fabric requirements should clearly indicate what fabrics are required for which part of the pattern.
• Include fabric requirements for backing and binding.
• One of the most important things to check is the skill level. Every quilter comes with a different experience, so the skill level should be defined clearly and honestly. Here’s a quick guide:

Beginner: Has made fewer than three quilts. Patterns should have simple block types that use just a few fabrics. The piecing should be easy with no tiny pieces, and keep point matching to a minimum. Beginners depend on the pattern to explain every step in detail. Is familiar with basic piecing techniques, such as rotary cutting, a 1/4″ seam allowance, etc.

Confident Beginner: Knows how the basics of quilting work and isn’t afraid to try something new. Projects should still feel approachable and finishable in a reasonable time frame. Can handle patterns with specific techniques to make HSTs, QSTs, Flying Geese, Fussy Cuts, and more.

Intermediate: Comfortable with quilting basics and can infer structure and piecing if not explicitly specified. Intermediate quilters are open to new techniques but still prefer patterns without excessive tiny pieces or fussy steps. Can handle on-point layouts, Y-seams, partial seam piecing, bias cuts, and more with solid instructions.

Advanced: Experienced quilters who have mastered the basics and are comfortable with complex designs. They can handle intricate patterns with many steps and are able to pick up advanced techniques quickly. Can handle odd layouts, curved piecing, optical illusions, detailed foundation piecing, and more.

When you’re reviewing a pattern, make sure the difficulty level listed matches what’s required. Calling something “beginner” when it involves dozens of point-matching star blocks will only frustrate new quilters (and make them swear off triangles for life).

See also: How to Read a Quilt Pattern

2. Language and Grammar Review
Think of this step as giving your quilt pattern a final press—it’s all about making it look sharp and professional. Here’s what to watch for:

• Sewing and Piecing Terms should be clarified at the beginning of the pattern, such as the definition of “WOF” or “pressing to the dark”, “finished” vs “unfinished” etc. The method used to make specific block types (Flying Geese, HSTs, etc.) should also be given. If you are writing a pattern for a beginner, you may need to revisit these directions with more detailed graphics.
• Make a note at the beginning of the pattern that all sizes are unfinished unless other wise noted. (Or vice versa, if you prefer.) Use that size exclusively in the pattern. If you need to give both sizes, clearly describe the difference. For example, “This Flying Geese block measures 3-1/2″ × 6-1/2″ unfinished or 3″ × 6″ finished.”
• You may prefer to define terms as you use them. For example, you might say, “In order to make a Quarter Square Triangle (QST) block…” Then you can use QST throughout the remainder of the pattern.
• Remind quilters of the importance of an accurate 1/4″ seam as well as the difference between a finished and an unfinished measurement. Even experienced quilters can occasionally misunderstand.
• Correct all grammatical errors, typos, and spelling mistakes.
• Verify consistent use of singular/plural forms, terminology, and voice (First person, second person, etc.)
• Check for proper punctuation throughout. Remove any em dashes unless they are required. Do not use emojis. Double-check commas, periods, and quotation marks. Make a decision: are your fractions 1-1/4″, or 1¼”?
• The “x” in a dimension should be the multiplication × (from the character map), not the letter x. In other words, a measurement should read 6-1/2″ × 12-1/2, not 6-1/2″ x 12-1/2.
• Reading level: Aim for 5th-grade reading level for maximum accessibility. Simple, clear instructions are easier to follow.
• Quilting Terms: Use standard quilting vocabulary, defining specialized terms and acronyms when necessary.

3. Formatting and Visual Consistency
A quilt pattern should be as tidy but not so compressed that the quilter needs a magnifying glass to make out the steps. Give everything a once-over to make sure it looks polished and easy to read.

• Use consistent font styles, sizes, and weights. Size 12 is a good size. Don’t go smaller if you can avoid it.
• Spacing and alignment. Keep the text lined up neatly, and don’t let sneaky double spaces creep in between sentences. Do a “find and replace” as your final step to find those. If you are having trouble getting everything to line up, check your line width. I find that mine occasionally fluctuates from 0.96 to 1.2 for no apparent reason. Eyes that can identify a 1/4″ seam will definitely notice a line width change.
• Header and section organization. Make sure section titles stand out with larger fonts or a different style so readers can find what they need quickly. Label each section clearly. Try not to continue sections on multiple pages. If you do, try to put “Continued on Next Page” at the bottom of the first page, and “Continued” on the next page. It’s a visual clue that there is more going on.
• Clear organization or numbering systems for steps. Don’t skip (or repeat) numbers.
• Use of bullet points and lists where appropriate.
• Page layout and margins. The pages should look balanced and consistent with each other.
• Are pages correctly numbered?

4. Cutting Instructions Verification
Cross-reference and double-check all cutting requirements:

• Piece inventory for the whole quilt: Verify that every piece shown in the pattern instructions appears in the cutting instructions. In other words, verify that the cutting instructions contain the number of pieces of a particular size or shape that match what’s needed for the complete quilt. This would include applique shapes.
• Piece inventory for each step: Verify that all the pieces you will need for a particular step are accurately itemized in the beginning of the step. If you are making something with (40) Flying Geese units, don’t refer to a requirement of (30) Flying Geese units in the step inventory. Or worse, (40) HSTs.
• Saving fabric for the maker. Are there places where a color can be changed so there is less waste in cutting? Or, are there wide strips for just one or two squares where the rest of the strip can be cut down for smaller squares? For example: “Cut (1) strip 5″ wide by the WOF. From that strip, cut (2) 5″ squares and (2) 3″ squares.” You DO have to specify “From that strip” to avoid quilters thinking they need to cut an additional strip. If you are writing the pattern for absolute beginners, you can say, “…Cut the rest of the strip to 3″ wide. From that part of the strip, cut (2) 3″ squares.”
• Are the fabric requirements correct? Assume the usable area of a width of fabric is 40″ wide when figuring cutting instructions. For example, only (2) 16-1/2″ long strips will fit on one strip of fabric. So even if the math tells you that you will need two strips for (5) 16-1/2″ strips, you will actually need three. See the chart below.
• If you have suggested mitering the join in long sections (I.e. the Outer Border, or binding), make sure to account for the fabric used for the miter when figuring cutting strips. For example, (2) 6″ wide 40″ long strips mitered together will lose at least 6″ when mitered. That strip will not be 80″ long, but 74″ long.
• Are the fabric names consistent throughout the pattern? “Background” shouldn’t suddenly turn into “light neutral” halfway through.
• Measurements: Check all dimensions for accuracy. Don’t forget the 1/4″ including seam allowances. It’s small but mighty! Remind quilters that “Quilters Match” means you lose 1/2″ when two blocks are joined together due to the seam allowance.
• Clarity: Make cutting instructions understandable to quilters of varying skill levels
• Organization: Confirm cutting instructions are logically organized (by fabric, by block, etc.)
• How to check for grainline and/or directional fabrics in cutting diagrams would be helpful so a stripe or motif doesn’t end up sideways.

5. Quilting Math
A little checking now saves a lot of “why doesn’t this fit?” later.

• Verify that all pieces are the correct size and number. For example, a 12-1/2″ unfinished nine-patch block cannot be made of
  (3) 3-1/2″ squares.
• It should be mentioned that sewing two blocks together uses 1/4″ from both blocks in the seam allowance. So (2) 6-1/2″ blocks sewn together will measure 6-1/2″ × 12-1/2″, not 6-1/2″ × 13″.
• Are block sizes correct? It’s easy to become confused between unfinished and finished. It should always be specified and consistent throughout the pattern.
• Are the final quilt dimensions given, and are they correct?
• Are the border measurements correct? Are suggestions given to avoid borders that wave goodbye? Check the picture of the quilt on the front page. Does it look like it has borders the same size as the size given in the instructions?
• Are the binding requirements given and are they accurate? Again, check the picture on the front page. If a green binding is shown, then the strip requirements should be under the green column in the cutting instructions.
• Are fabric requirements correct on the back of the pattern? Do they accurately reflect the cutting requirements on the interior? Are all fabrics listed?
• Is the backing amount given? A good calculator is at Quilters Paradise.

6. Assembly Instructions Review
Instruction clarity and completeness:

• Check that the steps proceed in a sensible order. If they are numbered, are all the numbers correct?
• Are there any missing steps? Identify gaps that could confuse beginning quilters. For example, a quilter shouldn’t be instructed to sew on the diagonal line if they haven’t drawn one yet, even if it does show in the graphics.
• Detail level: Provide enough information without overwhelming beginners. Make sure that every piece is labeled correctly. For example, use “Unit B” or even “the 3-1/2″ square Unit B” in instructions.
• Always identify the fabric to be used in construction. For example, ” a 2-1/2″ × 8-1/2″ Background rectangle”, not just simply a
  2-12″ × 8-1/2″ rectangle, even if that is the only piece cut to that size. Sleep deprived quilters will thank you.
• Always remind quilters to square up their blocks. I routinely say, “Press and square up to 8-1/2″ if necessary.”
• Section organization: Use clear headers and logical groupings so users can easily find their place again.
• Cross-references: Double-check page numbers and references. Nothing’s worse than “see page 5” when page 5 has nothing to do with it.
• Refer to the front page picture or graphic. Do the instructions match the picture? In other words, if the picture of the quilt shows a particular pieced border, is that same piecing order shown in the instructions?
• It can’t hurt to give quilters an total inventory on complicated patterns. For example, you might say, “By now, you should have made (40) HSTs in two colorways, (10) Flying Geese, and (12) Triangle-in-a-square blocks.”
• I also list sizes wherever I can. It seems logical that (4) 8-1/2″ blocks sewn side by side will make a row that measures
  8-1/2″ × 32-1/2″ but if a quilter is struggling to match sections, it can help to know what something is supposed to measure.

7. Visual Elements Assessment
Review all diagrams and illustrations:

• Verify visuals match written instructions exactly. Are the diagrams easy to understand and properly labeled? For example, if the written instructions say “sew to the bottom”, the graphic should not be upside down so it looks like the quilter is sewing to the top.
• Completeness: Check that all necessary visual guidance is provided
• Quality: Confirm images are clear, sharp, and easy to see.
• Consistency: Keep the same style and labeling throughout.
• Placement: Visuals should be near their instructions whenever possible. However, placement within the pattern is also important. Don’t place a graphic too close to the edge of the paper.

8. Technical Enhancement Suggestions
Recommend improvements:

• Pressing directions: Include clear pressing instructions for each step. You might suggest spray starch on small pieces.
• Seam allowance reminders: Note where precision really matters. Define “scant 1/4” and why it may be preferable on occasions.
• Construction tips: Suggest techniques for better accuracy or easier assembly. A little guidance can prevent a lot of seam ripping.
• Troubleshooting: Anticipate common “oops” moments and share how to fix them. Nobody likes unpicking, but at least they’ll know what went wrong.
• Tool recommendations: Suggest helpful tools or notions. Include items that might be purchased at a grocery store or office supply.
• Alternative methods: Offer options for different skill levels or preferences
• Quilt Tutorial linking. If there is a blog post or video that describes a method or technique, link to it using a QR code.
• Verify that all links work and go to the correct place. This would include QR codes.

9. Additional Considerations for digital patterns

• Text size minimums: nothing smaller than 9 points. The bigger the better. Use standard fonts so the PDF converts correctly.
• Font contrast. This can be hard. What color pressing arrow do you use on a brown or a green? I sometimes use orange or red, but I prefer to put pressing arrows above or below the graphic. I usually avoid putting text on the graphic itself, but sometimes you need to do that to identify a unit. Try to make it different – a different color, a bold font, maybe put it in text box with a white background.
• Keep both graphics and text at least 1/2″ away from the edge of the paper. The margins should be consistent throughout the pattern.
• Line widths should be at least 0.5 pt and consistent.
• Graphics, text, and illustrations should be centered or aligned.
• If the pattern might be downloaded, it should be compressed for downloading as well as optimized for both screen viewing and printing as a PDF. Try to keep it below 25 MB.
• Double-check your pattern after it has been converted to a PDF or compressed. Sometimes words are lost behind a graphic that moved, or the graphic itself can disappear. Did all specialty symbols convert correctly?
• Double-check any hyperlinks used. Are they accurate?

10. Accessibility Considerations
Make patterns inclusive for all quilters:

• Visual accessibility: Use diagrams with enough color contrast so no one has to squint or guess which square is which.
• Clear descriptions: Provide detailed written descriptions with visual elements.
• Font choices: Use readable fonts at appropriate sizes. Sans-serif fonts, such as Arial and Helvetica, are good for screens, while serif fonts, like Georgia or Garamond, are excellent for printed patterns. I use Georgia in my printed patterns, with a font size of 12pts.
• Layout: Maintain clear, uncluttered page layouts. One column is best for both screen and printed patterns.
• Language: Use plain language and define terms that may be new to beginners, like “fussy cut”.
• Multiple learning styles: Include both visual and written explanations. People learn in different ways.

11. Final Quality Check
One final walk through to check for common mistakes:

• Does the photo match the fabric requirements?
• Cross-check ALL piece counts. Are the number of pieces used in the pattern accurately reflected in the cutting instructions? Are grainline or directional fabrics considered? Has extra fabric been added to the borders and binding requirements to accommodate the waste in mitering joins?
• Double-check fabric requirements against the amount of fabric needed in the cutting instructions. Is the same fabric name or description used throughout the pattern?
• If pattern uses templates: include a test square, clearly sized templates, printed at 100% scale
• Supply list review: Make sure every tool and material is listed accurately.
• Visual accessibility: Double-check that diagrams have good contrast so shapes don’t blend together. Provide detailed written descriptions alongside visual elements without cluttering layouts to facilitate multiple learning styles.
• Language: Use plain language and define technical terms and expectations, such as pre-washing or pressing.
• End-to-end walkthrough: Follow the entire pattern yourself as if making the quilt. Confirm the stated difficulty level matches reality.
• Consistency check: Keep terminology and formatting uniform from start to finish. Use readable fonts at appropriate sizes.
• Reference verification: Confirm all page numbers, figure references, and cross-references are correct.
• Are all dimensions correct?

Additional Considerations

Before you call the editing finished, take a few final steps to make sure your pattern really shines. Have quilters at the intended skill level—or better yet, at several different levels—test the pattern. Beginners are wonderful at spotting unclear directions, while experienced quilters are quick to catch technical hiccups.

Keep a clear record of every change you make so you always know which version you’re working with, and stay in close communication with the designer to ensure suggestions are clear and well received. Finally, make it a habit to stay current with quilting industry standards so your edits remain accurate and relevant.

By taking these steps, you’ll help make sure quilt patterns are not only polished and precise, but also enjoyable to sew. Now grab a pattern, give it a careful read, and see how many stitches you can straighten out before the first block is even cut!

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