how to make sewing patterns

Keep Reading this post to learn:

- How to design quality sewing patterns

- What are the exact steps from concept to launch

- Why it’s worth the effort

In order to have a successful and sustainable sewing pattern business, you need to design patterns that people actually want to buy. The best way to get started is to create and follow a tried and true workflow.

So here are the three big questions:

1. Where are you starting?

2. Where are you going?

3. And how are you getting there?

All great patterns start with an idea, and while I could go on about where to find pattern inspiration, I’m willing to bet you’re already bursting at the seams with design ideas.

Beyond the concept phase, you need to design the pattern pieces, ensure they fit your sample size as intended, and then you can get into pattern grading. This process can be outsourced or done by you. If you choose to outsource, you’ll want to ensure that you choose the right grader for your project.

After that, a few steps can be worked on simultaneously: writing instructions, creating illustrations, and fit testing. I can’t stress enough how important the fit testing process is. Do yourself a favor and don’t skip this step (or any of these steps for that matter).

These are all important aspects that should happen before moving into pattern testing, marketing, and launching your pattern!

So to recap, here are the workflow topics…

1. Pattern Concept

2. Patternaking

3. Pattern Grading

4. Fit Testing

5. Instruction Writing

6. Creating Illustrations

7. Pattern Testing

8. Marketing

9. Pattern Launch

The amount of time each step takes is SO variable! Do you have a full time job? Children? is the pattern simple or complex? Does the pattern have multiple design options? Are you making a YouTube tutorial? There are so many factors.

Unfortunately, offering a timeline for each step is not straight forward, but you can use the list above to help you create a schedule based on your unique needs and lifestyle.

So what’s next?

After you create your schedule, stick to it! Bring your first pattern all the way to market, then use this roadmap over and over again to build your pattern library.

Here’s the thing - successful sewing pattern businesses aren’t built overnight, but the bigger your pattern library is, the more patterns you’ll sell, and the more sustainable your business will become.

It’s a slow and steady process that can have a big return on investment.

That’s the beauty of a digital patternmaking business. You get to put all the time, love, and care up front to create high quality sewing patterns, and then you can reap the benefits forever and ever.

If this sounds like the life giving business of your dreams, but you don’t know how to make it a reality, you’re in the right place. Inside Confident Patternmaking and Grading, we teach you all the skills you need to draft your dream designs and grade them into an inclusive size range.

If you’re already patternmaking or self drafting, Pattern to Market is your step by step program to create a successful, sustainable sewing pattern business, one high quality sewing pattern at a time.