I wrote operating instructions for years. Good step by step bullets, with photos of key steps. That way the instructions aren't too long. I would test something for you.
I wrote operating instructions for years. Good step by step bullets, with photos of key steps. That way the instructions aren't too long. I would test something for you.
Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.
Maya Angelou
~Megan~
I agree with this as well. Having steps broken down into bite sized chunks is preferred to big slabs of wordy paragraphs. I think numbering the steps as opposed to just using bullets is helpful too because if someone has a question it is easy to say, "What did she mean in #3".
Not getting much sewing done lately. #Parenting
Photos or illustrations with explanations that are step-by-step. Try not to use abbreviations. Even if something is repetitive, spell it out in order every time so people aren't trying to go back and forth within the pattern steps (more experienced people can just skip the repetitive parts). Make sure the photos or illustrations actually SHOW what to do. It really doesn't help when the photo is just of the back of a presser foot. Use a good close-up lens if necessary. Be sure to include amounts of fabric needed for different sizes. For those who like to do paper piecing, include that template (or those templates) as alternatives to using precuts. It would be great to have color photos of the finished product in several different color ways--maybe traditional prints, batiks, and brights. Test it out with a newbie or two to make sure you haven't missed anything.
Marci
I like requirements for different sizes and also a couple pics in different color ways. I would like to see illustrations of tricky or hard to explain steps. Also numbered steps to keep track of my progress. The rest in easy to understand text would be fine.
I also would be happy to be a pattern tester for you. PM me whenever you need a tester.
Dolores
As I get older, I find that my learning style does best with both text and drawings/photos. I'm always concerned that I'll misinterpret the directions. With a photo and/or drawing, I feel more confident.
And bless you for asking!![]()
I prefer pictures an instructions also because if something doesn't make sense I can take a look at it, stare at it lol until it does.
Hawaiigrammi
I'm visual - the more photos the better.
I love a blog that has good pictures and descriptive text. That's how I put together my first finished quilt just following all the steps. I'm making placemats now, and the instructions on the tutorial blog said to cut 18 jelly roll strips in half. I was wondering in which direction. I finally figured out they meant in half to make two 20" strips (or thereabouts.) Pictures helped with that one.