Join my comprehensive quilt pattern writing course to take your ideas from design to launch.

Ready to turn your quilt ideas into real patterns? In the Pattern Writing Academy, you’ll learn how to bring those ideas to life - design them, write them, and launch them - all without investing in expensive software. Yes, really.

Schedule

This class will run for 7 weeks in starting March 9th, 2026. Registration will be open from February 3rd - February 10th.

Why this course is a smart investment

Big software companies now charge around $70/month for commonly used pattern design and writing programs, but the primary tools I teach are now completely free. You’ll learn my full design-to-launch workflow using zero-cost software, saving hundreds each year.

  • All the course content (modules, video tutorials, assignments) that give you real-world steps from idea → pattern launch.

  • Weekly live Q&A sessions (and recording access) so you can ask your questions and get help when you need it.

  • Direct support from me — I’m here, reachable, and committed to helping you succeed.

  • Lifetime access to the materials so you can revisit whenever your next pattern idea comes up.

  • A pricing model that hasn’t changed in years, because I believe in making this class as accessible as possible.. No price hikes, just real value.

I'll teach you in 7 weeks what it took me years to learn: How to produce high-quality, successful patterns!

What we cover

Over 7 weeks we’re diving deep into everything you need to design, write and launch a quilt pattern:

  • Design & Diagrams

    Find out what makes a good quilt design, then translate your idea into blocks, diagrams, color and graphic assets.

  • Software Tools

    Learn exact FREE software tools I use to design and write patterns - no subscriptions or fees required.

  • Quilt Math

    Eliminate quilt math woes - yardage, block sizes, seam allowances, etc - you’ll get the confidence and skills to deal with the numbers.

  • Pattern Writing

    How to structure your pattern file, write instructions clearly, and create a high-quality, easy to follow pattern.

  • Business & Launch

    All about technical editing, pattern testers, promotional strategy, email list building, copyright, pattern launch steps.

  • Bonus Content

    Learn more through bonus lessons, Q&A sessions, peer-review groups, and the community of fellow makers.

Pricing and Accessibility

I want this to be accessible to as many makers and designers as possible, so I keep the pricing as low as possible. You’re getting substantial training, tools, community and support - all at the same rate as past years. (And yes, if you are comparing software costs alone: the training + toolkit you get here cost way less than the hundreds of dollars competing software subscriptions demand.)

Why it works (and why you’ll thank yourself)

You’ll walk away not just with knowledge, but with something you can share and sell. By the end of this course:

  • You’ll be using a free or budget-friendly software toolkit that keeps your costs low.

  • You’ll have your first pattern completed and a plan to launch it.

  • You’ll have sidestepped years of trial-and-error by following a method that works.

  • You’ll have a network and community so you’re not going it alone.

Registration Options

Choose the best option that fits your budget and your goals for this course!

  • Standard Student - $360

    As a standard student, you will get access to all course material, a community group where you can interact with other students and ask questions, and weekly live Q&A sessions.

  • VIP Student - $450

    As a VIP student, you will access to everything a standard student receives, PLUS you will receive a personal business coaching session during or after the course and an in depth high level review of your first pattern (note that this does not include a math check).

Who is this for?

This class is perfect for you if:

  • You’ve designed quilts and thought “I should write a pattern for this” but got stuck at “now how do I layout the diagrams?” or "quilt math - yikes!"

  • You’re ready to stop piecing things together alone and want clear guidance and structure.

  • You prefer to keep overhead low (i.e., no big software subscriptions) and want to smart-invest in your creative business.

  • You want direct access to an instructor, live support, and a community of fellow makers.

  • You have ideas floating around in your head (or even on paper), but have no idea how to bring them to life

  • You want to learn how to turn your hobby into a thriving business

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After This Course, You Will Have:

  • Jump started your journey towards owning a profitable pattern writing business

  • Sidestepped years of trial and error and wasted effort to learn a tried and true approach to pattern writing

  • The skills to take designs from an idea in your head to diagrams and instructions on paper, all the way through a pattern launch.

  • A low cost software toolkit that can streamline your design process and produce clear, professional diagrams and patterns

  • The math skills to easily calculate yardage requirements and block sizes

  • A completed very first pattern, and a plan to launch!

  • Lifetime access to course materials

Student Testimonials

See what past students are saying!

Mija Handmade

Erin Nichole

I was incredibly nervous before I wrote my first quilt pattern. I had so many questions – and there were so many more questions I didn’t even know to ask. Plus, it’s scary doing something for the first time all on your own. Once I signed up for the Pattern Writing Academy, all that changed. Spending time with the modules and talking to all the other quilters gave me access to so much information. All my questions were answered, all my fears were soothed and many good friends were made. They showed me that I wasn’t alone in feeling a little nervous, but also to not listen too much to my nerves. They taught me that I DO have something worth sharing with the quilting and pattern design community. And that was a huge gift to walk away from the PWA with – the community and support that convinced me pattern writing is totally worth it.

Bookends Quilting

Steph Forster

Alderwood Studio’s Pattern Writing Academy was exactly what I needed to start writing my own quilt patterns. Amber thoroughly covers everything you’ll need to learn from the design process with affordable and often free tools to actually writing the pattern. Not only was she incredibly helpful and reachable during the course, but she’s continued to answer my questions long after the course has ended. I can’t recommend Amber’s pattern writing course enough!

Strawberry Creek Quilts

Bhiravi Rathinasabapathi

The Pattern Writing Academy gave me all of the tools I needed to write and launch my first pattern! Amber is a seasoned pattern writer and a great teacher. Her training and encouragement gave me the confidence to release my first pattern, knowing that it met a high standard of quality and design. Amber fosters the kind of thoughtful, respectful, and inclusive space that I would like to see more of in our modern quilting community. PWA allows you to form bonds and friendships with other designers, and helps you make the kinds of industry connections you’ll need as a new designer.

Wellspring Design Co

Casey Cometti

This course has been a game changer for my quilting business! The information and techniques presented would have taken me years to learn on my own. Amber complied, organized, and presented her knowledge in a way that was approachable and cohesive, and on top of that, she consistently made herself accessible to answer specific questions. I can’t recommend this class enough!!

Cabin Week Projects

Cabrini Merclean

This course has truly been a gift. It’s allowed me to share my vision and talent and message with a much broader audience while earning a little bit of an income. It really also influenced how I created and marketed play kits, so it even has a broader scope than making traditional patterns. I was on the fence about it for a while because it was a financial investment for sure but it’s definitely paid off many times over. I can’t speak highly enough about it!

Blossomed Chaos

Fatema Aljazeeri

The pattern writing academy was exactly the courage and push that I needed to make my dreams come true. I’ve been wanting to write my own pattern for years but I just believed that I couldn’t. This course approaches writing a pattern in a very methodological way. Amber breaks it down in such a manner where it is very easy to follow. She thoroughly explains how to use the softwares tackling all the details needed to design and write the pattern. I encourage you to take this course if you would like to translate your ideas into an actual pattern!

Squats and Running Stitches

Summer Davis

I entered the Pattern Writing Academy with a strong desire to learn how to create illustrations for the quilt patterns I had already designed. I had no graphic design experience and was really struggling with what software to use and how to use it. I left the Pattern Writing Academy with a pattern ready to release, experience with illustrations including template design and access to free/affordable design tools. I love that I am still able to access the lesson plans and that my patterns have afforded me the ability to pay for my hobby. I highly recommend it for aspiring quilt pattern designers.

Getz Made Co

Jamie Getz

I went into the PWA as a student with an open mind hoping to learn something new. Amber exceeded my expectations. I appreciated how she had multiple softwares for us to choose from and that she gave us tasks within those softwares to practice pattern graphics. Her video check ins were something I looked forward to each week because she was so thoughtful in her suggestions and advice. Though pattern writing may never be profitable for my business, I am proud to have learned this skill just for me. 💗

Zahm Co

Katie Zahm

I could not have asked for a better launch pad for my pattern writing journey. When I signed up for the Pattern Writing Academy, I was a quilter with big dreams for my business but only a few sketches on paper. Amber made pattern writing accessible, breaking it down into comprehensive components. Invest in yourself and join me on a journey of doing what you love!

Juniperus Threadworks

Annette Rice

I highly recommend the PWA for any quilter at all interested in pattern writing. Amber's course incorporated practical instruction with a ton of great examples and an easy way to go back and refer to lessons later on, when I was in the middle of a tricky project. Her tutorials on how to design and break down a wide variety of quilt blocks took the stress out of designing and planning. Not only that, but she provided low-cost and no-cost software options for all types of operating systems, which made every step of the process so much smoother, even on a Chromebook!

Ready to join us?

If you’re ready to move your quilting idea from “someday” to “done” and share it with the world, the Pattern Writing Academy is here for you. With the right tools and support (and without the hefty software bill), you can make it happen. Let’s do this together.

FAQ

  • Is this a live course, or can I take it on my own time?

    This course spans 7 weeks, with a new module released every week (with the exception of two modules that take two weeks). While it will be easier to participate in the course community and ask questions if you keep up with the modules, they can be completed on your own time whenever it's convenient for you and you will continue to have access to all materials after the course. There is only one live component of this course, which is a weekly Q&A session. Questions can be submitted before the Q&A, and they are always recorded so you can still ask questions and get answers even if you aren't able to attend live.

  • Will you cover Adobe or EQ8 software?

    This course does not cover Adobe products or EQ8 for two reasons: 1) While I have these tools and have used them in the past, I don't use them in my own pattern writing workflow and 2) I don't believe you need to spend $500+ on software tools just to get started. Instead, we will cover lower cost or free comparable software tools that I use to write my own patterns.

  • What kind of computer or laptop do I need for this course?

    You can take this course with a Mac or a PC. I've made sure that there are software tools discussed in this course that can accommodate almost any operating system! The one thing I don't suggest is taking this course only with an iPad. While you could technically use many of the tools with an iPad, in my personal opinion you will have much more success using a laptop or desktop computer.

  • Do I need to be on Facebook for this course?

    This course has an optional Facebook group for students who want to connect and ask questions, but it isn't required!

  • Do you offer refunds on this class if something comes up and I can't participate?

    This class is nonrefundable, but you have access to the content indefinitely and at any time. So, even if you are not able to take it during the scheduled time you still have access to all of the content!

Extra Goodies

In addition to all course content, this class will offer you:

  • Peer Review Groups

    Form lasting relationships with other students who will review and help edit your patterns. My pattern editor is now one of the biggest assets in my business!

  • Modern Makes Design Competition

    At the end of the course, a design competition will be held. The winner(s) will be featured as a guest designer for the Modern Makes Membership in 2027!

  • Weekly Q&A Sessions

    Submit your questions during the week, and have them answered in a weekly live Q&A session hosted by me. All sessions will be recorded and posted to the website after the fact for anyone who can't join live.