Quote Originally Posted by rebeccas-sewing View Post
I'm at the point where I'm hesitant to use patterns from pattern books. Am I to understand that a computer is deciding if a pattern is correctly written? That's definitely something to be aware of when purchasing patterns from any company. I think it would be wise to contact the manufacturer and find out if they rely on computers for their patterns or if there is actually someone making a prototype to insure the directions are correct. I'd feel more confident with the latter scenario. I'm not saying that's full-proof, but in my opinion, certainly better than relying on a computer.

My advice is to read the pattern from start to finish first. If you see something that doesn't make sense to you it could be a red flag. Making a sample block from the pattern might help avoid possible error. If one component from each part of the pattern is made first that could save a lot of headache down the road. I know it's not fun and more time-consuming but the cost of ruining fabric and the frustration that goes along with it is a lot worse.
I think what Janbee meant was that they type the pattern into the computer and use spell check to make sure there are no errors in spelling. That works only to the extent that the typo doesn't create a correctly spelled word. I know that whenever I type from or form, I need to read the sentence and make sure I have the correct word. Spellcheck doesn't see it as incorrect as the typo is a word. That would go for measurements also. Spellcheck won't know if the pattern called for 2 1/8" squares or 2 7/8" squares.