Hello sew-friends! I'm getting ready to test my first pattern of 2021. Woohoo! It’s been almost 8 months since I’ve tested a pattern and I’m feeling a bit out of practice but also excited to launch a new pattern.
If you've not tested for me before, maybe you're interested in hearing a little bit about the process? If so, keep reading. :) More info on the pattern call is at the bottom. I did some pattern testing for other designers (way back in the day) and I think it’s been really helpful to have that experience. I did pattern testing because I thought it was a fun way to try new patterns. I always had a good experience and I try to make sure that my testers do as well.
My pattern tests usually go pretty smoothly because I do a lot of work beforehand to make sure the pattern and instructions are in really good shape before I send them out. It's been only the rare occasion that I've needed to send updated files during the test. Part of the reason I release so few patterns is that I spend months working on them before they ever get to the testing phase.
Since the beginning, I've provided two weeks for testing, including two full weekends. We're all busy and I feel like having two weekends available makes more people eligible as well as giving people more time to sew. Most of my patterns are fairly simple. If I ever had something very complicated, there would be more time given.
If a pattern requires special notions, I may also assist in sourcing. For example, last year when the Summer Sweatsuit was tested, I sent US testers enough elastic to sew a pair of shorts. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to do that for testers in other countries due to lengthy shipping times. I've thought about providing fabric or A0 prints but I do want things to be equitable for US and other locations. (Shipping is definitely tricky!) Plus, it is nice to see how the pattern works in a wide variety of fabrics.
In the beginning days of testing sewing patterns, I just sent people the pattern and had them fill out a feedback form at the end. At some point, people requested a Facebook group for testers. So, I tried a FB group for one or two tests but it didn't really work for me. I don't really like being on FB and it would sometimes bury questions and I'd miss them.
So, a few years ago, I moved the "social" part of the test to Slack. Slack is great because you don't need a FB account and it's really pretty easy to use and interact with others. Plus, it feels more private than FB. There are separate channels for introductions, questions and photos. It's a really fun way to see people's progress and interact. I will definitely be continuing with the Slack group for future tests.
When testers have finished sewing the pattern, they are required to fill out an online questionnaire (it's a Google form, no gmail required). The questionnaire asks about their experience with the pattern and any feedback they have. The form has always worked well for me, so I'm going to continue with that. The form exports a spreadsheet and it's fairly easy for me to review the feedback and make any necessary changes to the pattern.
I do ask testers to send photos of the finished garment just for fitting reference but there are no requirements to do styled finished photos or any promotion. If testers want to share their makes on social media or blog, they are welcome to do so but not required. Any photos that I share are only done so with permission.
This year, I'm making one big change to the process and that is compensation. In the past, I've provided a discount code to testers who complete the process for any digital products that they want from the shop. So, basically, all the patterns and printables that the tester wants. But, I do recognize that for people have tested before, the value of the discount code is lower. So, going forward, I will offer pattern testers a monetary stipend in addition to a final copy of the pattern that was tested. (Of course, if a tester prefers to be paid in digital products instead of money, that's ok too.)
I try to make the testing experience as fun and supportive as I can, even though it's all remote. I can't say enough how much I truly appreciate the help in testing the patterns. (Big thank you to everyone who has volunteered in the past!)
If you are interested in testing future patterns, please keep reading.
PATTERN TESTING FOR SEW DIY
The Process
All of my pattern tests are done over the course of at least two weeks, including two full weekends. Selected testers are notified a few days before testing begins with information on supplies needed.
On the first day of the testing period, testers are emailed Dropbox links to download the pattern files including instruction booklet, print at home pattern and copy shop A0 size pattern.
All testers are invited (although not required) to join a private Slack group for the duration of the test. The Slack group is a nice community where testers can ask questions, meet other sewists and share their makes with each other. (Slack is a free online program.)
If testers have questions, I'm available via email or the group Slack channel (either DM or in the group). It's just me here, so depending on the time zone, sometimes another tester may be able to answer more quickly on Slack. I do try to answer all questions as soon as possible though.
Requirements
Pattern testers are required to sew the garment using the instructions provided and during the time period set out. If someone is unable to complete the test, they need to notify me as soon as possible.
A functioning sewing machine, and basic sewing tools (scissors, pins, etc.). If any special tools or notions are required, that will be stated in the sign up sheet.
Internet connection and resource for printing the pattern (either the Letter/A4 print-at-home version or the large scale A0 size).
Fitting photos need to be provided either by email or Slack. These are only for fitting purposes, not for promotion. (If a tester would like to provide styled photos or share on social media, that's great but not required.)
After completing sewing the pattern, testers are required to fill out an online feedback form about their experience. This should take about 30 minutes.
Compensation
Compensation will be provided if/when the testing requirements are completed.
A monetary stipend to offset the cost of fabric and supplies will be sent via Paypal. (If you don't have Paypal or would prefer it, you can receive a one-time use download code for any digital products in the shop, including pdf patterns, printables and classes.)
Final pdf copy of the pattern tested plus one other pdf pattern of your choice.
I’m also hoping to offer a discount code for a fabric shop. :)
Side note on sizing
Sew DIY size charts run from sizes 0-32, which is 32"-58" (81-147 cm) for bust and hip. Most of my patterns are drafted for a C-cup bust and a height of 5'10" (178 cm). It's great when testers match those specifications but it's not required. Most of us have to make pattern adjustments and it's a good thing to try out during testing.
The size chart favors a larger hip to waist ratio but many of the patterns are very loose fitting at the waist. All that is to say, that there may be some patterns that are more appealing to you than others. There’s no requirement to test every pattern.
You can check out all current size charts here.
Call for pattern testers 2021
If you are interested in testing patterns for Sew DIY, click here to sign up. There is no requirement to test every pattern. I really want people to be interested and excited about the design they're testing.
I'm currently recruiting testers for an A-line tank top pattern. This test will start Wed, August 4, 2021 and end Wed, August 18, 2021. This is a beginner friendly pattern with cup sizes A/B, C/D and E/F in all sizes 0-32. The stipend for testing this pattern is $25. In the sign up form, you will be asked if you are interested in testing this specific pattern or not. If you're not interested in this pattern, no problem, you'll be added to the list for future tests.
Thank you so much for your interest and support!
