Hello & welcome back to the blog! Today is part 2 of the pattern testing series, but this time we’re chatting pattern testing from a designer’s perspective. I’m covering the dos and don’ts, how to run a test from start to finish, and diving deep into the hot topic of whether we should be financially compensating pattern testers for their work!

In today’s blog post we are going to be talking pattern testing! First, we will do a brief overview of what pattern testing is & why it is important. Then, we will get into the nitty gritty of being a pattern tester – from how to become one in the first place, to being the best rockstar pattern tester that every designer is going to want to work with! Much of the focus of this post will be around garments and wearable items, but all the non-sizing specific rules apply to all tests whether you’re making a crocheted sweater or an amigurumi!

One of my most frequently asked questions from makers wanting to break into designing is “How do I know if my idea is unique enough?”. This can be both a difficult and an easy question to answer so let’s dive into the nuances of ensuring that your design idea does not exist already OR is different enough from an existing design so you can feel good about publishing it!

If you find yourself wondering how on Earth designers make money, thinking “what does “affiliate link” mean?” or wondering which platform to purchase a pattern on to make sure as much of your hard earned income gets into the pocket of an indie designer – then you’ve come to the right place!

As a maker and pattern enthusiast it may be difficult to know how to best support your fave designers, and we don’t blame you! It’s a confusing world to navigate. I’m going to run through all the ways designers make money and how you can help support designers – from things that will cost a bit more to things that are absolutely FREE! Yes, you heard it – there are FREE ways to support designers!

When I first started Tinderbox I was a Craft Show Queen! I learned a LOT from the dozens of craft shows I did each year and I’m here to give you my biggest secret to success in today’s blog post!