I’m always surprised to see that so many quilting experts are engineers — some retired some not.
Complicated patterns often require a lot of mathematical calculations — especially if designing.
For someone that doesn’t sew, other than for straight lines, or do any quilting, I have a ridiculous amount of fabric on hand, LOL!
It is the only area where I’ve disappointed my Mom, who is am awesome seamstress. I won a few ribbons in 4-H for clothes back in the day, but sewing just never grabbed me by the throat, ya know?
I do make hot pads, dish towels, pillow cases, window valances, etc. Again, straight lines.
I once worked with a woman that was a retired Engineer and she was a great quilter, so I think your theory is sound!
P.S. Math is hard...for some of us! ;)