Did you know that a Polypropylene Premium Blend Plastic Bag in the 6” x 9” size is 30 % stronger and has a 50 % tougher hang hole than a regular plastic pattern bag?

This is important information for an aspiring quilt pattern designer like me. Why you ask? Because, I am told that my quilt patterns and photographs will present themselves better in this “clearer, stronger bag”, or so the polypropylene-bag-maker-man told me. I hung out with the "bag-maker-man" a bit at his booth while I was attending the International Quilt Market in October.

It is paying attention to the little details like this, as well as the big details that hopefully will help me become a successful quilt designer and pattern author. 

I have ideas.  Many, many ideas.  They overflow in my head and wake me up at 3 a.m. many mornings.  I jot down my design ideas.  I sketch them out.  Then present my ideas to my quilter friends.  Some understand and see my vision, others don’t.  But I usually, press on and sew up my design. 

Once the first prototype of some of these designs have been made, I write out clear and precise cutting and sewing directions…(clear and precise in MY mind that it…) My friend refines them to make sure what I think I want to say is what the reader understands… Does that make sense?  (I think I need Stephanie, right now as a matter of fact!)

In addition, to the overall design, I try to take into account fabric selection, color values, color balance and the “flavor” of the quilt.  But mostly, I make it because I like it.

My quilt patterns, even in their rough, non-professional form—without the Polypropylene Premium Blend Plastic Bag--do sell.  At least at the quilt shop that I work at.  And that is encouraging for me.

I just purchased a book at the International Quilt Market called Publish Your Patterns! How to Write, Print and Market Your Designs.  And I spoke with the book’s editor Ann Anderson and got some great tips!  In addition, I have sought the advice of pattern buyers at a couple of national companies, which sell patterns wholesale to quilt stores.  I remain encouraged.

So, I am laying the groundwork, because one day I hope to bust out and really become a quilt designer.  I just need to make sure I am ready to make such decisions like what polypropylene premium blend plastic bag to put my patterns in…but one thing I know for sure, I am getting the tougher hang hole… I think “hang hole toughness” matters if you really want customers to see your patterns…because it keeps them off the floor.

Any tips for the new quilt pattern designer?