F.A.Q.
What is the difficulty level of your patterns?
Unless otherwise noted in the listings, all of my patterns are made using conventional patchwork piecing. This means that all of the fabric is rotary cut into squares and rectangles and sewn together using straight or diagonal seams. Diagonal seams are explained in all of my patterns that include them. (The method I use for sewing diagonal seams is sometimes called "folded corners" or "stitch and flip." If you've made a patchwork pieced quilt with stars or triangles, chances are good that you've used some variation on this method before.)
The skills needed to make my patterns include:
- Rotary cutting
- Following directions and keeping cut pieces organized
- Sewing with a consistent quarter inch seam allowance
The directions include both full-color diagrams and written descriptions for each step so, while the piecing is sometimes intricate, and often involves small pieces, it is explained in a straightforward way and doesn't require any special techniques.
I would describe the bulk of my patterns as intermediate-level, but I've heard from multiple beginning quilters that pieced them successfully. (To be fair, I've also heard from more experienced quilters who found the number of small pieces to be fussy.) How difficult you find my patterns will likely be related to how you feel about keeping track of and sewing a lot of pieces.
Sampler quilt patterns with multiple, different kinds of blocks are going to be the most complex. Quilts with larger blocks and fewer pieces will be easier. In the listings, I've noted patterns like Fancy Fox, and The Kittens, that are simpler to make.
What is a pdf pattern?
This shop sells digital versions (pdf format) of my quilt patterns. They include the same full-color content as my printed booklet patterns in a portable format that you can view on your electronic device(s) or print on standard-size printer paper.
Do I need any special software or equipment to use a pdf pattern?
If you're using an older computer/device, you may need to download Adobe Reader (software for viewing pdf files) which you can get free from Adobe's site.
If you plan to print the pattern, I recommend printing in full color.
Can I buy a printed pattern instead?
This shop only sells pdf patterns, but printed booklet versions of most of my patterns are widely available from my wholesale partners. Your favorite quilt shop can order patterns through my distributors. You can also find online listings quickly by doing a web search for "Elizabeth Hartman [pattern name] pattern."
I do not sell patterns on Amazon and encourage you to buy from independent retailers instead.
What happens after I buy the pattern?
A link to download the pattern will be available as soon as checkout is complete. The link will also be sent to the email address you provide during checkout. Clicking on the link will transfer (download) a copy of the file to your device.
The download link will work a total of five times, so please be sure to save a copy of the file in a safe place within your own system. That way, you'll be able to view it whenever you like.
Why does the link only work five times?
This is unfortunately necessary to discourage people from sharing links with groups and/or publicly posting them online.
If you've run out of download opportunities, but haven't saved the file, please contact me to request another link. You may also want to check in your Downloads folder, Files app, or your Browser's Downloads queue, as copies may already be saved in one or more of those locations.
I'm having trouble downloading the pattern. What should I do?
Please start by checking out my Troubleshooting page. If you don't find a solution there, please contact me for assistance.
Can I use pdf patterns for a class I'm teaching, or for kits I'm making?
Because of the impossibility of tracking digital copies effectively, pdf patterns are only available for purchase by home sewers directly from this shop. Pdf patterns may not be resold.
Printed patterns are perfect for classes and kits, and are available from my wholesale distributors.
May I exchange my pdf pattern for a printed pattern?
Unfortunately, no. Printed booklet patterns and pdf patterns include the same content, but they are different products with different prices and delivery methods. They are not interchangeable.
Can you send me instructions for making a quilt or block in a different size?
Unless otherwise noted in my Pattern Directory, the sizes included in my patterns are the only sizes for which written directions are available.
Can I use your patterns to make items to sell?
No. My patterns may not be used to make items to sell in any quantity or venue.