I really need help figuring out the easiest and cheapest way to publish a quilt pattern. I have several that I have designed. In fact, everything I have ever done, has not been exactly by the pattern or all my own. I did do a Bargello though that was exactly from the pattern.

Is there a link or can I get any great help from ya'll?

Mindy, I'm not even sure if this will help, but the first thing I thought of was tthe quilting magazines.

http://www.quiltersbuzz.com/2007/07/quiltmaker_magazine_editor_wan.html

Hope it leads you in the right direction.

Mindy,

I do not know anything about copyright laws and issues ... or about setting up a business ... so I could not help you there ...

But couldn't you "publish" your patterns yourself?

In terms of making the patterns ... all I think you really need is a computer and color printer/copier.

I am just thinking out loud here ...

After you make your quilt, you could take a picture if it ... add it to your computer. This is your cover photo for your pattern. Reduce it to fit the center of a half page of computer paper, folded with the short sides together. Type a pattern name above it, dimensions of your quilt below it. Add your name and whatever address you want to use for your "business" contact.

Type your pattern instructions. Add diagrams with a drawing program or by hand and scan the design into your computer.

Put the fabric requirements on the "back" half of your cover page so it folds like a card ... with the photo on front and the fabrics needed on the back.

Fold the intructions and place them inside this card.

Put it in a plastic baggie.

Make up a few of each pattern.

Find a way to sell your products ... take them to a LQS with your sample quilt and ask if they would be interested in selling them ...

and/or ...

Set up a website online to sell your products.

You may want to check out and local regulations there may be about setting up a business in your home.

Like I said, I really do not know anything establishing a business or about gaining a copyright or anything.

Maybe someone else here has some imput on this for you ...

Best of luck ... Pat

Mindy,

Good advice has been given from others, but I'd like to add two more things:

1. Get the book, "Publish Your Patterns" by Nancy Restuccia

Read about it at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Publish-Patterns-Write-Market-Designs/dp/0971450137

2. Join this Yahoo group for tons of useful information about the process and more:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/quiltdesigners/

I hope this helps.

Mindy,

I met a lady at a quilt show today who was selling her own patterns that she has printed byQuiltWoman.com
Info link here:
http://quiltwoman.com/designers.aspx

Pat

Thank y'all so much. This is incredibly helpful.

Is your Pardise Play Quilts site new, Mindy, or did I just miss it before? Nice job.

You make beautuful quilts! I like the pattern and the colors in the beige, pink and green one and the bargello is just gorgeous!!

Best of luck with your budding business,

Pat

I have designed several Kitty blocks and I am working on a Holiday quit. Maybe ONE of these days I will get into print. LOL!

I design and market my own patterns. I have a pattern tester that makes up my quilts and checks for errors. When everything is perfect, I draft it out in Microsoft Word and start printing. The picture of the quilt must look professional. You may want to check with Sears or Walmart to have them done for you. You also need the plastic bags with the hole in the top. I got my first order from ULine. Then you have to start marketing yourself.
Start with a blog or etsy shop. Also visit all the quilt shops you can with a sample of your work.
Good luck and keep us posted.