Thank you for showing interest in becoming a JLH Pattern Tester!
Testing patterns before they're released into the world is a crucial part of getting patterns to be as good as they can be 'out of the packet'. And while I know that I cannot make patterns that will fit everyone perfectly straight away, my goal here is to create a great base that allows you to make a well fitted garment that you can hopefully make just a few adjustments too to fit your unique body shape.
Testers often point out inconsistencies I've missed, help to stream line fit throughout sizes and are just great sounding boards in general for whether a style will work or if there need to be additional tweaks or even whole new views added (which I have done before - hello Ivy!!).
Please take a moment to read the Tester FAQ's below so that you know what you're getting into before you sign up...
1) Do I get paid to pattern test?
Unfortunately no, but you do get a (hopefully) cute pattern! Once all feedback is collated and any changes are made, I'll also send you a final copy of the updated digital pattern as a thank you.
2) How do you pick who get's to test?
Once I have the next pattern ready, I'll email the entire database to let you know. From there, testers will be chosen on a first in per size email basis.
If the first 10 people signing up are all a size 16, obviously I need a range of sizes to test for me, and sending the pattern to a large group who are all sewing up the same size isn't going to give me a good idea of how the pattern works across all sizes. So in that instance, the first few in that size group will get to test.
If the first 10 people signing up are all a size 16, obviously I need a range of sizes to test for me, and sending the pattern to a large group who are all sewing up the same size isn't going to give me a good idea of how the pattern works across all sizes. So in that instance, the first few in that size group will get to test.
3) What do I have to do?
Once you've received my email with a description of what the next pattern is, if you want to test it, all you have to do is let me know. If I receive your email before the testing group is full, I'll email you the pattern with a list of questions I'd like you to answer.
After you've made the pattern, you'll need to email me back with the answers to my questions and any other comments you think might be useful for me to put into the pattern (whether it's fit, typos, missing information, instructions that are hard to understand etc). This usually needs to happen with a 2-3 week turn around.
After you've made the pattern, you'll need to email me back with the answers to my questions and any other comments you think might be useful for me to put into the pattern (whether it's fit, typos, missing information, instructions that are hard to understand etc). This usually needs to happen with a 2-3 week turn around.
4) What if I'm too busy to test a pattern with a 2-3 week turn around?
I'll always let you know what you're in for before you commit to testing a pattern and I always try to give you at least 3 weeks to test.
If you think there's no way you'll be able to provide feed back in that time then I'd appreciate it if you'd pass on testing that time and let someone else do it.
Don't worry, just because you pass this time, doesn't mean you get a black mark next to your name for next time :)
If you think there's no way you'll be able to provide feed back in that time then I'd appreciate it if you'd pass on testing that time and let someone else do it.
Don't worry, just because you pass this time, doesn't mean you get a black mark next to your name for next time :)
5) Is the pattern going to be in pdf? Do I need a printer? I hate pdf's by the way...
At this stage, all tester patterns will be delivered to you in digital pdf format. You won't necessarily need your own printer though as you will receive both the A0 Print Shop file and the A4/Letter Print-at-Home file. All digital files now come with layers as well.
I do understand the difficulties of working with pdf patterns, however, if you're yet to try one of my PDF patterns, I hope I'll curb some of that dislike. My pdf's are laid out in a way that you don't end up needing to rearrange your entire living room to tape together one big blob of paper. You get to print out only the version you want to make, and you'll save a bunch of paper and time doing it my way :)
6) What if I don't like the style of the pattern on me?
I'll hopefully describe the pattern to you as best I can without actually showing everyone what the pattern looks like (cause that'd be giving it away!). Based on that information, you'll need to decide if you think it's something you'd like to make, and then fingers crossed you like it.
If you end up hating the style, I'd still need your feedback but I guess you'll just need to look at the pattern objectively (rather than emotionally) so you can let me know any issues with it.
If you end up hating the style, I'd still need your feedback but I guess you'll just need to look at the pattern objectively (rather than emotionally) so you can let me know any issues with it.
7) What if I'm a beginner seamstress?
Great! I release a range of different patterns that suit all levels of sewing experience. If I've stated in an email that a pattern is intermediate or advanced but it sounds like something you'd like to have a go at making, then please feel free to sign up. You never know, while I think it's an advanced pattern, you might think it's super easy, which would then mean I'd need to re-think my classification of the pattern anyway.
8) If I sign up and give you my email address, will you use it for other spammy
purposes, or give it to spammy people who will send me spam?
No way! Your email address will specifically go onto my testers database, and you'll only ever get an email from me if it's about pattern testing (unless you'd like other emails of course! You can sign up to my actual newsletter here). And I'll never give your email address to spammy people either, don't you worry.
9) How do I know what size to make?
Fitting information is included in the instructions with all patterns, including the intended final fit of the garment. Read through this info and if you have any questions or are in between sizes, just send me an email.
There is a cross over between the Original and Curve sizes of the C + D cups, sizes 16 to 24.
Right click tables below and open them in a new tab or window to fully expand.
All JLH Patterns are based on a height of 170cm or 5'6".
9) You haven't asked for my size when signing up for the Tester Database, why not?
I don't require your size when you sign up initially, only when you apply to test a pattern. This is because our bodies change and therefore our sizes change! So, while you may be one size when signing up, you could be an entirely different size when actually testing.
Also, you may want to sew/fit the garment for someone else! While a pattern description may not sound like it's your kind of thing, it may sound like something someone else in your life would like.
xx
J
