Oilseed rape is one of the most important oil crops globally. Attaining the appropriate cultivation method (planting pattern and nitrogen level) is necessary to achieve high yield, quality and resource utilization efficiency. However, the optimal method for oilseed rape varies across countries and regions. The objective of the present study was to determine an appropriate cultivation method, including planting pattern and nitrogen application, for winter oilseed rape in northwestern China. Two planting patterns: ridge film mulching and furrow planting (RFMF) and flat planting (FP), and six nitrogen (N) amounts: 0 (N0), 60 (N60), 120 (N120), 180 (N180), 240 (N240), and 300 (N300) kg N ha⁻¹ were applied across three growing seasons (2014–2017). Three comprehensive decision analysis methods: principal component analysis, grey correlation degree analysis and the combined entropy weight and dynamic technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution method were used to evaluate the growth and physiological indicators, nutrient uptake, yield, quality, evapotranspiration, and water use efficiency of winter oilseed rape. Planting pattern, nitrogen amount and their interaction significantly affected the indicators aforementioned. The RFMF pattern significantly increased all indicators over the FP pattern. Application of N also markedly increased all the indicators except for seed oil content, but the yield, oil production and water use efficiency were decreased when N fertilizer exceeded 180 kg N ha⁻¹ under FP and 240 kg N ha⁻¹ under RFFM. The evaluation results of the three comprehensive decision analysis methods indicated that RFMF planting pattern with 240 kg N ha⁻¹ is an appropriate cultivation method for winter oilseed rape in northwestern China. These findings are of vital significance to maximize yield, optimize quality and improve resource use efficiencies of winter oilseed rape.