Pattern Testing: Answering All Questions

I’ve been reflecting on my sewing journey lately and it got me thinking about things I didn’t know when I entered into the online sewing community. There’s not really one place to learn how things work in the community and you usually have to find out by asking others in the community which can be daunting for many. Think about it, asking people you don’t know in real life, for help or clarification is not for everyone. So that brings me to today’s post: Pattern Testing. I asked some questions on the gram and many of you genuinely wanted to know about pattern testing.

The Davenport Dress tested for Friday Pattern Company

Now before I go into what pattern testing is and what it entails I wanted to make this note. Pattern testing tends to carry some drama to it, specifically in regards to pay. I’m not here to speak on that. I'm just here to offer insight into what the process is and my experience. As such I will not be naming the companies specifically. This is more to inform those who wanted to know. I’ll be doing this in a Q & A format for ease of reading and hopefully this answers any questions you may have. Also please note, I have tested a lot but not for everyone so this will be based on the experiences I’ve had which doesn’t cover all bases. Ok, without further ado let’s learn about pattern testing!

1. What is pattern testing?

Pattern testing is when a company has a pattern ready for release but requires sewists to test that pattern before it’s released to the market.

2. How do you find out about pattern tests?

There are various ways to get chosen and this changes amongst each pattern company. There’s two main ways I know of: Open Calls and Closed Lists. Open calls is where it’s announced on the designers page, usually on instagram and open to all to apply. Closed lists is where a company already has a pool of tester’s that they email directly to ask to participate in the upcoming test.

3. How are testers chosen?

In terms of closed pools, you’ve technically been chosen already so you just have to answer yes or no to the direct email. But for open calls, that’s still a mystery for me. I know sizing plays a part because you want to test every size but that’s not the only thing they look for. Each company is different with their processes and unfortunately we don’t have visibility on that.

4. How are you paid?

Ah the golden question. Again, this isn’t up for debate. I'm merely letting you know the different ways I’ve been “paid”. I have been paid with money, free fabric, fabric reimbursement, coupon codes for buying the fabric needed (20-30% off), free final pattern at the end, coupon code from a free pattern from the company and the most common of all, exposure. Exposure in this instance means well you don’t get anything except the free final pattern. Every time I’ve tested I’ve received the final pattern but you can receive any of the others listed above as well but usually it’s just the free final pattern.

5. What does the testing period look like?

Each company’s time frame varies. I’ve done tests that can go for a month and I’ve tested for companies where I’ve been given just a week. The company will tell you the timeframe before testing begins should that be something that won’t work for you.

Once testing begins you’ll be sent the pattern files in copyshop format or print at home along with the instructions. Some companies do send the pattern to get printed for you so they eat up that cost which is nice but that’s a rarity. You then follow the instructions like you would normally and make your sample. While you sew there’s various platforms used to keep communication going amongst the group testing where we can talk about things we’ve found that don’t work etc. I’ve used facebook groups, SLACK, FLOCK and just good old email.

There’s usually a survey at the end so companies can consolidate all the feedback and final photos are encouraged but not usually a requirement for the company to share on social media.

6. What happens if the pattern doesn’t work for you?

This happens. This has happened to me twice now. It just happens and that’s ok, it’s a testing period after all. Most of the time the designer fixes the issues and the pattern is good to go. That did not happen with one of the ones I tested so I simply did not share it or speak about it again.

I think that’s all the main points but if you have any other questions feel free to shoot me a message or comment below!