Understanding the patterns...
, Cheshire, England, Saturday, February 14, 2009, 08:43I thought it would be a good idea for us to get some feedback on how people are finding the new pattern method we are using with the diagrams/numbers/arrows. Any comments welcome - positive and negative! 
Also, do you find it easier to follow the pattern if there are more diagrams showing the individual steps, like in the bear pattern? - click here to view pattern.
Or do you prefer one big diagram like in the apple pattern - click here to view pattern or is this one too complex?
Let us know what you think 
Thanks everyone.
Laura xxx
Understanding the patterns...
Personally I'm happy following either.
I think step by step patterns are easier for a beginner to follow as there is less going on in each step so its not as confusing.
But as far as i'm concerned, ANY pattern is a good pattern as long as it means i have something new to make!
Understanding the patterns...
, Sunday, February 15, 2009, 06:39 @ LauraLike the bear better. Thanks so much
Understanding the patterns...
I like all the patterns as long as they are continuously numbered (or it tells when the new numbers start explicitly) They are easy to follow and I rarely have to even use the words. I just follow the diagrams! Thanks again
Understanding the patterns...
That's great that you're understanding the patterns so well! At least we can be confident now that our efforts are paying off, so thanks for the replies. More welcome, of course. 
Laura xxx
Understanding the patterns...
I have learned all my 3D beading from Japanese and Chinese beading books. I love the diagrams and pictures in those books. I don't read either language. But the longer I bead from these books, the better I am getting at understanding the characters. Knowing about beads helps with the choice of what to use. I really like your diagrams. I teach this kind of beading in CA. I have created my own patterns and have also written words for diagrams. My students really like the words. I prefer diagrams. Is this a special program you are using?
Understanding the patterns...
, Tuesday, February 17, 2009, 01:49 @ Shelly6i found 2 japanese 3d books here in manila. it seems hard to understand. How were able to understand it? i am confused everytime i look at it. what advice can you give me?
Understanding the patterns...
I would say look very carefully at it piece by piece rather than the whole thing at once, because it's very scary looking that way. If you piece it together bit by bit, it will make a lot more sense. Start at the first bead indicated in the diagram (hopefully there's some sort of marker to show what bead is the first bead in the pattern), and just go from there following the arrows, and paying careful attention to how many beads go into each bead circle. Practice following the diagrams on this site since the instructions are in english, and hopefully that will make following a chinese diagram much easier. Good luck!
Understanding the patterns...
Hi Shelly, we use a free software called Inkscape to draw our beading diagrams. Here's the link to our free instructions on how to draw a diagram using Inkscape:
Inkscape beading diagram tutorial
What are you using to draw your beading diagrams? Pen on paper, or a special program?
Understanding the patterns...
Thanks for the info. My students are used to words only. I sometimes add a diagram by hand. I will try this program and see what the ladies think!
Understanding the patterns...
, Wednesday, April 15, 2009, 05:16 @ Shelly6i have discoverd some very interesting sites on 3d beading such as roses ect if interested post and i will share my info
Understanding the patterns...
, Wednesday, April 15, 2009, 05:13 @ Lauranot to offend anyone but most people numbers and ect are easiest way to make a project more times than none the beginner but even at times myself being an advanced beader it is very helpful on new projects
Understanding the patterns...
, Wednesday, April 15, 2009, 19:27 @ LauraI love your site, and am new to the craft. However, I've had the most success with the format of the apple pattern, and I LOVE finding the instructions written out, step by step in words. Please add more step by steps. Thanks for the information you provide.
Larisa