Why pattern testing for a “free” pattern is wrong.
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2022
- Pattern testing can be alluring because it means a free pattern but theres a lot more that goes into that you should be aware of. In this video I go over what pattern testing is and why designers need us, I take you through the process of a pattern test and then towards the end of the video I give you my brutally honest opinions about pattern testing.
You may or may not agree with me and that is absolutely fine. I encourage you to leave your thoughts in the comments section. Please be kind and respectful, as I have aimed to be throughout this series.
This is a part of my "brutally honest" series on this channel, where I discuss aspects of the sewing community and give my raw and honest opinions.
#brutalhonesty #patterntesting #sewing
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Such an interesting discussion. I wonder if there is another issue here, if Pattern Testing is only worth the work and effort to someone who can fit in the garment with no adjustments at all, doesn't it become a closed loop system?
People who don't fit the standard sizes, for that very reason, will not test the patterns, so companies only get feedback from those whose body shape is already close to a standard block. The company end up with skewed positive results. The consequences are that those of us who are different shapes and sizes become underrepresented in the pattern designing process. This ultimately leads to commercial patterns that don't fit us.
Such an interesting point! If they paid properly they could cover people of more backgrounds (through some method of selection) and the overall quality of their patterns would improve because they would get feedback from experienced makers on either side of the size/shape spectrum
Thanks for really breaking down all that is involved in pattern testing, it’s shocking the amount of work a pattern tester is asked to give away for free. Eye-opening.
Thank you! finally someone not being afraid and saying it as it is (in a polite, respectful and constructive manner). I totally agree. I did it once and I realised very quickly we were being taken for granted. my printer, my paper, my fabric, my time and also free advertising.. I also dislike the "I'm independent, I dont have the funds". I'm here to support indie shops but they have to invest, that's how business works.
Anyways, loved this, breath of fresh air, subscribed!
I also dislike the "I'm independent, I don't have the funds" concept. I think that is what a business loan is for. If your idea is great and your product satisfies a need you will make money. Exploiting people to save money is what sweat shops do. Even if you are a nice sweet girl who only has a dream to make patterns for clothes that fit people in a wide size-range- if you are not paying your workers, you are not much better than the high street stores that work with sweat shops. Pay the ladies Independent pattern companies!
I did one pattern test, and won’t do it again. I’ve been sewing over 50 years and thought it would be fun. HA! What a pain in the behind. The pattern maker was definitely only looking for free labor. It’s absurd that we should pay for everything only to get a pattern in return for our time and expense. I guess maybe I wouldn’t mind it so much if we were more appreciated. I won’t do it again that’s for sure.
I’ve done 10+ pattern testing so far for a few different companies. There are definitely a couple of companies (very popular companies) I’ve decided never test for again because they were not being respectful for testers. We spend our own time and resources to help them launching successful patterns, the minimum they can do is being appreciative and respectful.
For sure!
It's a pity there is no way for us, the consumer to know who these companies are. I hate that I am spending money with companies that treat people poorly
@@raslalique pretty much most of them engage in this practice. I’ve heard helens closet pay a wage although I don’t know how much so no idea if it’s worthwhile.
@@Penguinandpear That's so sad
Mannn!, I'm not a pattern tester and I'm ready to strike,lol. Good video, thank you for sharing the process. It almost sounds like how when you tell someone that you sew...they ask 'can you hem my pants?'. 🧐.
Exactly!
Conversation is important so you should not need to fear being respectfully outspoken, which you have been. This was interesting.
Thank you 😊
Finally someone who is telling it like it is! I have been thinking about this for a while now. It's a very strange system that doesn't respect the pattern testers work at all. Would something like this happen in any other kind of commercial business? And the companies usually get a lot of free advertising since pattern tester post their pictures. I have been suspecting that some people on social media are affiliates but they don't come out and say it. That's hidden advertising. Great video!
If people are sharing affiliate links then they should legally be disclosing this. Not necessarily saying it in the video but there should be disclosure before you click the link.
I totally agree! I am a seamstress and a designer and the testers are vital and totally not appreciated. I sew a lot on childrens clothes and there are some designers who seriously NEED feedback lol because their patterns are horrendous although the overall idea is great and I can make it work but the average joe would never be able to and that is sad. Thank you for the input
Pattern testing is such a big commitment: printing the pattern, using your own fabric, time to sew, taking photos, providing feedback, etc. There are only two companies that I continue to pattern test for and I have my personal reasons for that.
Hi Sharon you are right it’s a huge commitment!
This is crazy... You need to spend so many hours and resources, for something you could buy for 10-20. It's something that happens a lot, not just with sewing patterns. Free labour and resources for peanuts. Even with charity: there are people getting payed for managing the charity and a marketing team gets hired to get as much free labour and resources they can get. The 'hands' that are actually doing the work don't get anything and a lot is expected. I realize it's charity, but then the organization and a marketing team shouldn't be payed either! Nowadays I look very closely at the charity work I do.
Commercial patterns won't ever fit, since every body is different. I recently decided to learn how to draft patterns myself. Putting the many hours of searching the right pattern I want, and adjusting it, into learning to draft myself. It's easier than I thought, and I won't ever go back to commercial patterns. I would really recommend to everyone to give it a go at least!
Yes very true. I worked in the charity sector for five years before giving up work so I have some insight into this. I’m almost at that point of drafting my own too.
Yes, the charity space can be very terrible. People at the top sometimes get paid huge sums for their expertise while the rest of the workers are expected to provide free labour (and sometimes free resources).
Also, at least learning to modify existing patterns is a good place to start if patterndrafting is not something that is within reach yet.
Great to hear someone respectfully giving an opinion, I think we’ve shied away from that in recent years. I think we’re all mature people who can accept that we all have different opinions for many reasons and that is how it should be. I looked into pattern testing a few months back and decided as someone who no longer works that I just couldn’t do it, even though I might have the time, because the cost of getting the correct materials was too high if at the end of it I may not have a wearable garment. I applaud the companies especially smaller ones for now giving an allowance, but like you Claire the answer is still no. I am grateful to the dressmakers out there who do pattern test as I do love a well drafted pattern🥰. It’s just not for me. Thanks again Claire ❤️
I worked briefly for a small designer in Michigan who employed her own, onsite pattern tester and just assumed that was how they all did it. That woman worked hard! Danged if I'd do it for a free pattern.
I test for a living - software, not patterns, but believe me, there is more similarities than you think. Cannot imagine doing it as a hobby, it's a very difficult and rather frustrating job. Utmost respect to all people out there who actually decide to go for it. On a lighter note, there is a Testing Museum in London, it's open only 2 days a month or so, but very much worth it!
I think it would be helpful to those considering a pattern purchase to see the changes each tester had to make for the pattern to fit her body. Fit is the most frustrating part of sewing, and to have access to those necessary pattern changes for different body types would elevate indie patterns to a wonderful level.
Actually it wouldn’t be helpful to see the changes a tester makers. When a tester makes the pattern up this is not a completed for sale pattern, it is an early stage phase of the pattern. Once the designer receives feedback changes will be made to the pattern before being fit for sale and may end up a very different pattern to the one the tester made up. Pattern testing isn’t the same as making the pattern to show on social media. What you are suggesting is better if people are making the final pattern but companies don’t typically ask that of testers. Many designers do include fit alterations in the instructions now but I don’t believe that’s the job of a designer. Everyone has different fit issues so they can’t cover everyone’s issues. Learning about construction and measuring pattern pieces ahead of making can eliminate a lot of issues and others we learn as we go.
Thanks for the video. I've only done testing once because I like this particular designer and the pattern that was for testing. Fabric and notions are from my stash so all good. There was some fitting issues with the pattern and I struggled to get in and out of the garment. It is now sitting in my wardrobe waiting for me to do some major alterations to it one day. Granted I got the final version of the pattern for free, but by the time I received this I was so over the pattern and don't anticipate using it any time soon. I like how you pointed out you need to have expertise to pattern test and now I realized I was selling my expertise (+ time +resources) for the cost of a pattern....not really worth it.
There’s a huge amount of work involved in pattern testing. Designers factor in the cost of doing business when setting the price of patterns in order to ensure they will make a profit after ‘x’ sales. They should be valuing the contribution of their pattern testers and either factor in the cost of pattern testing (including providing all fabrics and notions) as part of their business cost in order to release the pattern, or have an option whereby the pattern tester can choose an affiliate link instead (however, they should still be providing those testers with all fabric and notions as well). That way the pattern tester can choose the form of remuneration which best suits them (I.e. upfront payment probably best for those with small/no social media presence, or the opportunity to use affiliate links for potentially greater pay for larger social media personalities). It’s not okay to rely on the goodwill of the very people who ensure your patterns are workable for your own profit.
I totally agree with you. Pattern company should buy the tester fabric and send them a paper pattern and PAY them
Im a beginner, so pattern testing is not something im interested in doing. But i wanted to pop in and say i love that fabric!!! I do enjoy your sewing videos because i am still learning and I cant afford to take lessons. I do buy cheaper fabric to test out on because of you. You have saved me a bundle on fabric!! I thank you so much for that. I hope your feeling well. Again Thank You for all of your help. 💕
I think it stems from the very early days of PDFs 10 to 15 years ago when pattern "designers" were just hobby sewers who thought they could make a quick buck but they were doing it on the cheap without a proper sustainable business plans, not much experience in sewing and virtually no training in pattern design. People wanted to test for the kudos, exposure or free patterns and would then bombard facebook groups saying what a fabulous pattern it was. But, thankfully, times have changed and as you say designers have become much more professional and consumers are more discerning. If you are going to pay out your hard earned cash for a pattern then you should expect it to be fit for purpose, which many of the very early PDF's were not.Great video and totally agree with your thoughts.
Great to hear and thank you. I have great respect fot small indie pattern companies and the work that is required to bring a pattern from design to market. However, that shouldn't mean exploiting others in the process which is what I think many of us are challenging larger organisations to address. X
I don’t dispute that indies are working hard to bring quality patterns out and for that I have respect (I hope that came across in the video). I can only speak to sewing pattern companies and the big ones ie big 4 are not exploiting the sewing community in this way to my knowledge. It’s the smaller companies many of who claim they can’t afford to pay testers. But that is exploitation of sewists good will, time, energy and expertise and speaks volumes as a collective about where ethics lay in this niche.
Thanks Claire, Designers really ought to pay for their pattern testers time and the fabric.
A lot will pay for fabric but we get nothing out of that! I agree they should pay for time and skill.
Like your honesty. I have thought about taking in on and you have made some very good points for me to consider . Thank you .
Thank you Claire. I appreciated information in this video and value your thoughts.
Good job of describing the work that goes into pattern testing.
Very interesting perspectives that I’d not thought of! I have to say I agree with everything you said!
This was really interesting! I am unemployed since my ME flare came a couple of years ago. For me, pattern testing (currently doing this) is a work-related activity that gets me back into that environment and mindset, without the commitment of being actually employed somewhere, when my illness makes me unreliable and, as you know, sometimes suddenly unavailable for periods of time. I've managed to work out the time of day that suits me best, the small periods I can work for and got a confidence boost in finding skills I didn't know I had. I sew for a not-for-profit for the same reason. The companies I join in with have blocks that fit my sister, who is a similar shape to me, to she tends to get the test in cheaper fabric and I get the altered version. It works really well just now - as for when I am back at work, we shall see. I'd be interested in whether I'd move towards your point of view or still enjoy it for different reasons.
Interesting thanks for sharing. For me (I also have ME) I found the work and deadlines too draining and honestly working for free dragged me down mentally so I had to step back. I always had this view but when I barely had money to eat and could use fabric I owned the £35 was necessary. Whatever you do look after yourself, having ME is hard going.
@@Penguinandpear I can understand how it would be draining or leave you feeling down, that can be really tough. There are some responsibilities and voluntary bits I let go of for those exact reasons, too, in the last few years. When you're struggling to eat (I am thankfully not, but I have been there for a long while in the past), working for free for a little bit of something feels all wrong - I hear you. It sounds like you're not in that place at the moment and I am so delighted for you.
Thankfully I have help at home right now so that spares some energy for doing something fun, instead of just surviving - that's sewing and learning, for me. Looking forward to regular work and income one day, though, for sure.
Good points Claire, I’ve never tested for all of your reasons you gave!
Fascinating topic. I have pattern tested a few times and all were NOT good experiences. I no longer test sewing patterns.
It’s actually really interesting how it al works thank you for sharing. I know I’ve looked at them and thought that would be cool to do but because it’s just a hobby for me and I work full time and have other things taking my time it probably wouldn’t be a good fit
This was an eye opener. I have never considered pattern testing and I certainly would not take it on now. It is scandalous that the designers are not reimbursing the costs involved and the testers time considering they are requiring you to make the garment and provide detailed reports and pictures. Basically the testers are subsidising the designers.
A lot will pay the fabric now and some will give a nominal fee but not many tbh!
@@Penguinandpear That really is not good enough.
It is voluntary, from what I see. Also, for those testers that have UA-cam channels It gives them content and brings traffic to their channel.
It’s free advertising for companies. We spend years developing our audience which these companies get free access to. We are not scratching around for content ideas and it brings a lot less traffic than you think, hardly anything in fact. Certainly not enough to warrant spending 30 hours creating the video. Just because something is voluntary doesn’t make it right.
Very interesting information.
Thank you for your honesty its much appreciated
Thank you for these impressions. I have thought that I might try pattern testing but decided with my health concerns it wouldn’t work out well for me. I also don’t do well on deadlines.
I think health reasons is one of the reasons I’m not suited to it either.
@@Penguinandpear
Very interesting - I wasn't aware of this pattern testing at all - thank you.
Thanks for the info and honesty
Very interesting, thank you so much for sharing.
Pattern testing is a service. It should be paid as such. Like you said about the graders. 👍❤
You are fantastic! It is so amazing that for the length of time you have been sewing you have advanced so much. Very impressive with your pattern adjustments to pattern testing…then I suspect you could design comfortable and classic clothing. Awesomeness!
Great video and I agree with you
Very informative. Good to know.
I have tested one pattern. Had a 20% discount for the fabric and a pdf of the final pattern. I was happy with that because I really liked the pattern.
Thanks for sharing!
I liked hearing your honest thoughts. I've never wanted to be a tester, even less so now. I think affiliate links seem more fair, but of course paying for time and supplies and knowledge seems the fairest.
Affiliate links can be helpful for sure but you have to have a large loyal audience for that to work in your favour. Affiliates tend to pay 10% which I think is very low. I have non sewing affiliates which can pay up to 50%.
Hallelujah sister!!! How much do you want to bet that the lack of respect for pattern testers lies in the fact that it’s primarily done by women?
The things you’re saying are consistent with a real awakening by everyday workers about how undervalued yet crucial their labor is. You brought up so many great points! One that I don’t think you said is: given that they say they can’t afford to pay testers for their work on a pattern that hasn’t sold yet, do those same companies GO BACK to the testers afterward, once they have the profits? Obviously not. This is a scam. Imagine a restaurant trying not to pay the person who installs the oven because they hadn’t made any profit yet. 🤣
Yes!!! It’s outrageous! I was holding back somewhat in this video but totally agree with everything you’ve said.
Imagine if a plumber turned up and I gave him a plunger as “payment”. That’s what they’re doing when they offer a free pdf pattern. Literally cannot make the garment without a pattern.
Thank you for sharing 🙏🙏
I’ve never pattern tested and for the exact same reasons that you’re explaining. I can’t see how there is an equal return on the time invested. I’m also seeing that very often only the larger size ranges are available for test. Great and thoughtful insight. 💗
There’s certainly a need for more plus sewing testers that’s why I got involved initially but they have testers in all size brackets.
Thank you so much for giving your viewers details about Pattern Testing. I have thought of doing it, albeit , very briefly. And now, I am very pleased that I didn't step into that arena. I am sure I couldn't cope with the pressure etc. There does seem that a change has to come about re payment for the testers. I hope it happens.
Great video. Actually it's eye opening
I did considered pattern testing but I need to usually do few adjustments to patterns so it would not work, same with my 9 year old daughter (she is tall, slim with extra long legs). Maybe when there will be more companies doing various size ranges for kids (like slim, reg and plus size).
I totally agree that testers should be paid for their skilled work and some companies are beginning to do that, so maybe seek out companies who are doing the right thing. Hopefully videos like yours will start people thinking and bring about conversations that will lead to change in the pattern industry
I truely hope so. I don’t know of any company paying a true wage although some offer more than others.
@@Penguinandpear Helen from Helen's Closet is supposed to be paying a wage but I don't know the details
Hey there! Really good video and brilliant points, especially the Designers paying an acceptable amount to testers to cover time, fabric and printing the pattern. I've done a few tests now, most have been where I've been only given the final pattern at the end but it's slowly changing. I've learnt a lot of skills - both time-keeping, grammar, spelling and above all sewing. Of course, there's been a couple of patterns that haven't worked well. I'm hoping this year I can slow down on testing and be a bit more picky ( I do enjoy it the process ). There is a huge amount of work that goes into pattern testing and there has been a tiny shift where pattern designers are starting to pay testers better. Hopefully it will continue to change for the better. Again, great video and really good points. Currently don't have any affiliate links but If I do, they I will disclose this in videos and any social media as I want to be 100% fair and upfront.
You’re such a sweetie. I can’t understand why anyone would have a go at you for expressing your views.
Thankyou for sharing your experience with pattern testing. Its never been something i had considered and i dont think i will be in the future. I always thought they provided the material etc . x
They will in a lot of cases provide material or pay a nominal fee for it.
Very interesting and informative 👍🏽
Thank you Amanda!
I am grateful for your appraisal of this. I think compensation should be fair, and while I say that, I am sure the pattern makers are trying too. It has to be a hard line to walk.
I have often wondered how pattern testing works, not that I have ever been tempted, I’m far too selfish for that 🤪 but that was very interesting. Thank you 😊
Thank you ❤️😘
Wow ! Nice contrnt!
I really appreciate pattern testers. It helps so much to see a pattern in many different sizes, and if the testers’ size is included and what pattern size they sewed and any adjustments.
I’m tall and need to add at least 4” length to most patterns, even if they have a tall file, it’s usually not long enough. Are testers allowed to add to length?
Thank you for this video. Your honesty is refreshing.
Yes you generally can add length thank you
You look so pretty. Thanks for the interesting video.
I had always wondered how this pattern testing thing works. I would never do it because I hate putting deadlines in my home life, I have enough in my work life. I agree it seems far too much work to be doing for a free pattern, but I guess if they can easily get people to do it for that little then they will. I think there’s probably much better ways to earn money online for example video editing should pay pretty well although you will be signing up for deadlines which might be beyond someone with a serious illness. Thanks for your honesty Claire X
Thank you. I really detest editing lol so I’ll give that a miss but there’s other things. Thanks for watching Debs x
I have patterns but I tend to copy my clothes. I don’t have a problem buying ready to wear but sometimes I want a different colour or fabric than is available. Even when I was young and slim I found sewing from patterns a challenge.
Thanks for this video. I've seen the occasional cute line drawing with a call and thought it might be fun to do when I have more time (which never really happens), I can see someone who wants to become a pattern designer wanting to do it for the learning experience, but the average sewist, I agree. It adds enough stress to take some of the joy out of it. I have to disagree though that no other industry asks this of people. Publishing companies use "slush readers" who read unedited work to see if it might be polished up and made saleable. For this, they might get invited to some events. It isn't even really a viable path into the industry. Yes, that takes a special skill too to be able to recognize potential talent and summarize the qualities of the piece in a way that is useful. Not really right either, but there's no real money in publishing either. It's a "glamour" job.
Thanks for this video, I found it very interesting as I’ve considered pattern testing myself. If you can’t make fit adjustments (which I need), I don’t think pattern testing is for me. I think someone growing their social media profile might get more benefit with the added exposure but otherwise it’s a poor return for your investment of time and effort.
You can make fit changes but they prefer you don’t. I didn’t gain any exposure that I’m aware of so I wouldn’t do it for that.
Very interesting. I agree a person should be paid for their work.
I think you have some excellent points and I agree with you . After listening to you I feel I would never consider pattern testing . It’s free labour for no renumeration . You show their wares and you are doing free advertising for them . However I do like to see a design on someone with my build . Often I have bought and rejected a pattern on what I saw. Thank you for your honest tutorial . It was very helpful.
I wanted to try pattern testing but after hearing your thoughts I realized I always have to make assorted pattern alterations on every single garment I sew so I would dislike wasting time on items that fit poorly.
I always thought they should at least provide a fabric of the testers choice from a list of price average recommended fabrics. It always looked like free labor to me. But I started out drafting my own due to absolutely zero patterns fitting me out of the envelope without a minimum of 7 adjustments if it's any way fitted. I'm petite, shallow chested and sway backed with a rectangle body. No curves in the right places. No commercial patterns work unless they're ponchos. And even then I have to shorten in a few spots and make more narrow.
I really appreciate the people who test patterns especially for independent companies who design for plus sized patterns. Don’t some companies treat their testers better?
Every company is different and there are some opportunities better than others. Youd need to do some research on that.
Pattern-testing for free (or the cost of a $14ish pattern) always seemed like exploitation to me. I always wondered what was the appeal. Your video was helpful in letting me see what the appeal was.
I came across a pattern test call on Instagram once and the requirements and turnaround time seemed so strict! The garment to be tested was complicated yet the designer stated upfront that she would not be paying for anything. I could not believe how condescending her message sounded, as if she was doing people a favour by letting them do all this work for her. The current pattern-testing model is exploitative of women's work. How can someone who has pride in their business test their products in such a way? Experts in fit and drafting should be paid to test the patterns. I guess this explains why some Indies are mostly knit patterns. Knits fit better (even with some poor drafting) due to the stretch in the fabric and expert skills are not necessary to evaluate fit. I have decided to avoid companies that do free testing or pay a very small reimbursement just like I try to avoid/minimise shopping at other companies or stores that exploit labour or source from sweat shops.
Love ur videos thats a lovely top
Thank you!
Yes it is, very flattering.
Thanks Sue
This seems to be a recurring theme in creative fields, where there are certain jobs that people think it is just okay to ask be done for free. I went to uni for graphic design, and companies that could surely hire a designer or firm would often advertise design contests to students for logo or branding redesign, a.k.a. you and a hundred others do the job up front for free and then they pick one person to pay. I highly doubt they would hold a contest for investment managers.
And I like your name account Penguin, our nickname for my future grandchild!
Would rather have needles stuck in my eyes than pattern test. Very small reward for lots of work.
I always thought it seemed like a lot of work to pattern test and wondered about the funding of the fabric, notions and pattern printing. That all costs a lot of money and if the pattern is no good, or just doesn't suit you, and you had to pay for it yourself, you are out a lot of money! Do you have to let them use your photos as well for their advertising or are they only using the photos to evaluate fit? I might not mind testing as an experience once In a while, but if you don't get compensated plus they use you as a free model, that would be totally unreasonable. I suppose it's really only worthwhile if you have a large social media following and an affiliate link. Either that or it's just a hobby you are doing for fun and to get a sneak peek.
You can chose to only work with companies that pay for your fabric. In terms of photos on social media it depends some say it’s a requirement and some say it’s not. You can submit fit photos and styled photos but that’s more work
I thought pattern companies scrolled social media and asked certain sewers ,who they thought were good ,to pattern test.I did think it would be a kind of honour plus they would give you the pattern,fabric,notions and pay for your time.How naive was I. I am really glad you have made such a detailed and helpful vlog.It will help people who do want to pattern test to ask the pattern companies for more details before deciding to go ahead.Also,a lot of pattern companies will make known their ethics to ensure they support a living wage, particularly in foreign countries.It would be interesting to see where their ethics are regarding pattern testers.
Good points. I think they certainly do ask specific sewists (I assume) but you can also reach out to them. They mostly don’t pay for your time. Ethics is a good point to make. I do think companies are upfront about what they’re offering but it’s just not enough in my eyes.
My skill level is not sufficient to be a pattern tester, but in an earlier video of yours, you talked about having done pattern testing and it just didn't sound like an equitable deal to me. I imagine the only people interested in doing pattern testing would be those for whom the expense time and effort are worth it to them just for the challenge and/or discovery in the process..
I think there’s this idea out there that to be a pattern tester is to have some kind of status which is a pretty messed up idea in my opinion.
@@Penguinandpear Is there an historic side to this? Like people tell stories of family members seeing a dress they liked in the 50's and 60's but couldn't afford so they made it at home much cheaper?
Nowadays you cannot buy fabric cheaper than ready made clothes, fabric purchase (plus notions etc) is way more expensive than the pattern or often even the dress.
I wonder whether a pattern worth so much more than the cost of the fabric when this practice started? So that a dress you could wear would have more value than the cost of the materials and time. It seems to me that the pattern makers are relying on an outdated method of' currency' (ie the patterns are worth less)
@@felicitygee381 I dunno… because big 4 patterns (at least in the USA) are much cheaper than indies. I guess they’re expensive because they work on a small scale so justify it this way.
@@Penguinandpear 🤔 This has certainly got me thinking.... I would be really interested to find out how this practice started in the first place, but I am a bit of a history nerd and always like to find the source.
Edit: Btw, I looked into buying a serger/overlocker this week 😁
@@felicitygee381 ooh which one do you like the look of?
Where's the 'buy me a coffee' link please :)
https//:www.ko-fi.com/penguinandpear :-)
Who would want to put their self through that kind of pressure at their own costs...for nothing! No thank you very much.
I thought I'd like to pattern test, but now I don't want to. If I can't make changes that I need to make it fit, not worth it to me to waste my time and effort.
Companies will let you make changes if you have to it’s just they prefer you to stick to the pattern.
Doesn’t sound like my thing.
Sounds as if personal drafting and creating toiles for your customers is more useful than testing patterns. It's not clearly cost effective for home sewists as well as being stressful!
Wow Claire. I won't bother. All that work and expense you have to do for free. No thanks.
I was going to say - (Having never heard of pattern testing being every day ppl) - that this concept is just plain pure slavery! The volume of time it takes to make something - do they even give you enough money to pay for the fabric, even if its made of calico for a toile? Jeez...this is a total con. Its like being asked to make a costume for a friend of a friend - for free and THEY dictate when its delivered! Im gob smacked this goes on! But given Im super tall for normal patterns, there is not one single pattern out there that doesnt need to to be significantly altered...such that ive made my own blocks now and work with those. So sick of pattern companies making patterns that just plain dont fit average people. WHen will they assume the bust is more than a C cup. I personally would never bother....
I do agree with you that everybody should be paid for the work they do. If a pattern company are going fo make money on selling their patterns because of your expertise and the help you gave them, then it's only fare to share. I was approach to do pattern testing and turn it down because it was not worth my time and effort for someone to make money on my experience. I been sewing for a long time and my mother came from a family of tailor so i sew for my pleasure and family. It's only fair to get your share of profit otherwise they would have staffs to pattern test and having to paid them. All for equal paid for equal work , enough of those free work..
I've never heard of pattern testing. I don't think it's for me. It sounds like they are taking advantage of the testers' expertise without payment.
I just assumed they would at least pay for your expenses. You do the work for free, and pay for everything you need. It’s a bit selfish. If they don’t have the money to pay you, they need to reevaluate their expenses otherwise. Independent or not, you grow your business with the testers work, you need to pay them. Workers get paid, as you said, not the testers problem.
Exactly. I think most will pay for some fabric now but very rare to actually be paid for your time. I agree if you can’t afford to pay for the services you need to run the company then you don’t have a viable business.
So basically, you get pocket change or nothing for hours of work on a timeline to make a garment that will not fit you.
Wow, such a great deal!!
On a serious note, sewing as a business should really start getting into a reality check. Content creators should stop working for free and companies should stop expecting people to work for free. All other industries do. Companies pay people for the work they provide.