Yup, to be able to read digitized pattern files, your longarm machine needs to have quilting software installed. Do you need special software to use digitized patterns?.Kind of like Netflix! Then it’s as easy as downloading the files to your machine. Alternatively, many companies offer monthly or annual subscription plans that give you access to massive online libraries of patterns. You can find individual patterns on Etsy or designer websites. There are loads of sources online for buying digitized longarm quilting patterns these days.
While hand-drawn patterns work great, digitized patterns offer some nice benefits. How are digitized patterns different from traditional hand-drawn patterns?.This allows the pattern to be loaded directly onto the machine so the quilter can stitch complex designs without having to draw them freehand. What exactly is a digitized longarm quilting pattern?īasically, a digitized longarm quilting pattern is a design for quilting that has been created using computer software.And most importantly – enjoy your creations! Let me know if you have any other quilting questions.Ĭhoosing the Right Longarm Quilting Pattern Experiment with different sources to develop your personal style. So in summary, digitized longarm quilting patterns take the stress out of freehand work and allow you to focus on the fun parts of the process. Start small and expand the collection over time as discounts roll around. Build your library gradually – Patterns can get pricey.diversify from project to project – Mix it up between solids, prints and quilts of different sizes to fully utilize your arsenal rather than repeating the same ol’ patterns.Add your personal touch – Surprise yourself by swapping in your own thread colors, adjusting spacings, or speeding up tight areas for an unique hand-stitched look.An Olive branch here and a heart there works wonders! Edit as needed – Patterns are customizable – rearrange, delete, and combine motifs using your machine’s software.Some just don’t vibe with certain models. Test drive before buying in bulk – Make sure a pattern works well on your machine before committing to an entire collection.Don’t squeeze a dense pattern into tight quilt areas. Match the pattern to your quilt – Consider the size, fabric motifs, and quilting density when shopping.Now that you know where to look, here are some tips I’ve picked up from my experience for choosing and using digitized longarm patterns: Modkid, Elizabeth Hartman, and Quilting Is My Therapy are top YouTube teachers. Tutorial websites – Learn technique videos often include free patterns you can digitize yourself.Subscription services– Pay monthly or yearly to access large pattern libraries from companies like Pat Bravo and QuiltEZ.Quilt shops/designers – Indie shops and individual quilters sell patterns on Etsy, blogs, personal sites.Heavy hitters include SewVeryEasy, Practical quilter, and Katie Did It Quilts. E-pattern companies – Sites dedicated solely to quilting patterns.Here are some popular sources for downloading digitized longarm quilting patterns: A good value if the styles will work for your taste. Collections/bundles – Groups of related patterns sold together at a discount.More detailed than standards but sometimes limited in use beyond the design they were made for. Custom/ready-made patterns – Unique motifs designed for a specific quilt block or fabric.Good for beginners or filling in background areas. Standard/basic patterns – These include motifs like loops, swirls, checkerboards – your classic quilting designs.It’s a good idea to download a few and test them out before committing to a big quilt. Free patterns – You can’t beat the price of free! However, free patterns sometimes lack the polish of paid ones.There are a few main categories of digitized longarm quilting patterns to choose from: In this article, I’ll break down the different types of digitized longarm quilting patterns and give you my tips for finding the perfect ones for your projects. But with so many options out there, it can be kind of overwhelming figuring out where to look and how to use them. Whether you’re a seasoned longarm quilter or just getting started, digitized patterns can take your quilting to the next level. Your Guide to Finding and Using Digitized Longarm Quilting Patterns