Sewing pattern testers

Thank you for your interest in my sewing patterns!

I hope that you will find everything you need on this page, but if you feel that something is missing, please email your question to: info@silversaga.se.

What is a pattern tester?
A pattern tester is someone that tests a sewing pattern and provides feedback to the sewing pattern designer. It's a collaboration where I get to have my patterns and instructions tested with different sewists and the tester get to work with new sewing patterns before they are released.

How does it work?
I work in sample size 34 and welcome pattern testers of all sizes within my size range (34-50). My patterns are in English and I use the metric system (centimeters). I try to convert most of the measurements to inches also. You need to be fluent in English to take part in the pattern testing.

When I have completed a pattern and it's ready for pattern testing, I will publish information on the News page and in my Facebook Pattern Group.

If you are chosen I will email you to join the private pattern testing group on Facebook. Please keep an eye out in your spam folder. The pattern and instruction will be shared in a private Facebook group. I will send you one or two Google forms to fill out. Any other feedback + final photos will be sent to my email: info@silversaga.se (send your final photos in high resolution without filters). If they are too large for the email, use Sprend, Google Drive or WeTransfer (or send multiple emails and mark each mail Photos 1/5, Photos 2/5 etc).

A sewing pattern testing timeline is 2-3 weeks:
- Week 1 is for testing the pattern with a muslin fabric, also known as making a toilé. The toilé is important because it will tell you necessary changes needed for the final garment. During this week you may send basic fit photos and feedback to my email. The photos should showcase the garment being worn and point out any issues you may have. The fit photos will not be shared publicly, they are only to help me evaluate the fit. Transfer the changes from the test garment to the sewing pattern. Your toilé can be a simplified version of the garment, you don't need to make the full length garment or install zipper, overlock seams etc.

- Week 2-3 is for making your second garment in the final fabric, take photos and share your feedback with me through email (construction process, fit of the garment, if you think the difficulty level for the pattern is correct, clarity of instructions etc). I will upload a photo guide for taking your final photos in the pattern testing group. Send your final photos in high resolution to my email: info@silversaga.se. Please don't use any watermarks or filters.

Important:
- Don't share your final photos on Instagram before I have released the pattern. I would love to see your progress on the garment, so sharing the journey and tagging @silversagapatterns is appreciated. I will share an official release date by email and I would appreciate if you share your final photos on this special date with the hashtag #silversagapatterns and @silversagapatterns.
- You are encouraged to participate in the pattern testing group on Facebook and post about your experience and share photos.
- Do not sign up if you know that you are not likely to participate. If you do not honor our collaboration I will ask you to pay for the sewing pattern. Keeping the deadlines are important as I’m working on a schedule with each pattern.
- My sewing patterns are for personal use only. By copyright law you are not allowed to share or sell my patterns, or sell finished garments made from my sewing patterns.

What will the sewing pattern testers receive?
I unfortunately don't have the possibility to compensate for the pattern testing at this time. I'm very grateful for my pattern testers and their hard work. Hopefully you will get to learn some tips, make new friends and have a finished garment that you'll love. When the pattern testing period is over I will send the final digital sewing pattern to you, as long as you have meet the criteria and deadlines.

What will the sewing pattern test include?
The sewing pattern will be emailed as a layered A4/US letter pdf file for printing at home and A0 copy shop pdf file. A sewing instruction in English with illustrations will be included. I will be available throughout the pattern testing period to answer questions if needed and you will also have access to the pattern tester team. You are also welcome to join my Facebook sewing pattern group: Silversaga patterns.

Look at the current sewing patterns available for pattern testing here.