I will have to admit that when I saw your threads topic I thought that you where going to be asking about "pattern aerobatics" as opposed to "the pattern". I have made a quick illustration to help you visualize "the pattern". Now if the wind changes direction then the pattern will change direction to allow pilots to land and take off into the wind as best as possible. When you have a predominate cross wind that is when it gets tough. Typicaly we all end flying the way the most limited pilot is comfortable with. Now are you restricted to flying this pattern? Well that depends on your club. I certainly would not fly at a club if all I could fly is the pattern. In general if you are the only one in the air then the airspace is yours to cut up as you will. No need to follow the pattern. If one or more enter the airspace with you aerobatics should be done on the downwind leg of the pattern and upwind passes should be at a higher alltitude to allow for aircraft landing and taking off. There are always exceptions. One of which is when the pilots are in direct communication with one another possibly practiceing formation or team aerobatic routines or in my case just two buddies having a hovering contest over the runway The polite use of the pattern will insure your welcome at your club in the future and the idea is to make a predictable environment for all pilots as when we are flying our models unexpected suprises are not enjoyable... such as a plane comming in from the oposite directionand colliding with yours.