Do’s and Dont’s of Pattern Testing
Ah yes, pattern testing! It’s that time of the year, although it seems like it goes on year round these days. Many indie pattern designers put out a call for pattern testers. It seems like you see many more so of them doing this for bigger sizing, which I think its absolutely wonderful they are being more size inclusive and providing bigger sizing. As someone who constantly has to grade out patterns one or two sizes from the largest size provided it helps tremendously. We all have to make adjustments but when you have to grade out and then make adjustments… that’s when you start thinking twice if you want to invest in a pattern.
I have been lucky enough to test patterns and I will have to say there are pros and cons to pattern testing. If you never have, I urge you to at least try it just once.
Not going to sugar coat it, pattern testing is work and there is some monetary investment on your part that you will have to put in too (fabric, notions, thread…. yeah none of that is free right?!). Some companies are able to give you a stipend for your time, but a lot of companies cannot afford to do this. Many of them are a one-woman show, so funds are limited and at times they just can’t afford to do this. So they do a call for volunteers to test their upcoming patterns, which its genius!
I recently tested two patterns for the same company , from what I’ve seen designers put a considerable amount of time to get these patterns out to testers and continue making changes on them til the patterns are released.
Here are some do’s and don’ts of pattern testing.
Answer the questions and give constructive feedback. They have all sorts of questions on fit, sizing, printing issues, even asking if there are typos on the instructions. Answer them! Go into specifics and let them know about any issues you may have on the construction of the garment or perhaps if something is even tricky to put together. Give them feedback, but remember to do it in a constructive way.
Get the testing done by the deadline and don’t flake out. I’m sure they are eager to find out what changes need to be done so they can make updates and get closer to releasing that pattern. If you can’t do it by the date they require let them know right away or don’t even agree to do the testing if you know you can’t do it. They send it out in a range of sizes so it can be tested in a multitude of sizes. So if you are too busy, life gets in the way…. politely let them know so they can look for a replacement if needed.
You may have to make adjustments or grade between sizes. You are testing a pattern but you may still have to do adjustments or grade between sizes. If you don’t, you are one of the lucky ones. But for the most part, you will have to do so like any other pattern.
Follow the instructions. They sent them to you for a reason. You are testing a pattern. If they a tricky, hard to understand or perhaps you may find an easier way… let the pattern designer know.
Send pictures. Some pattern designers want them to be pretty, well lit and instagram ready. Others don’t care they just want to see fit. Include pictures in your pattern review. Pictures will help the designer gather the construction of the garment and also fit. If they want pretty pictures make an effort and take them. Send them those pictures, they need them!
Don’t share the pattern or leak any information before the designer releases the pattern. If you don’t have permission to share the images or information on the pattern don’t take away the designer’s thunder. It may be a few weeks or even months before you can post images to social media so don’t jump the gun. Respect the pattern designers timeline…. or you can and will be banned!
Some last words….
I don’t care for cutting and gluing 50 some pieces of paper (all that paper, ink, time, it adds up!) but I realize others don’t mind it. If you are looking for a printer that will print your A0 patterns I highly recommend PDFplotting.com for getting your pdf files printed if you are in the US. Not an ad, I have tried them numerous times and I highly recommend them.
