PATTERN TESTING
Thank you for your interest in the MBR pattern testing program! I am extremely grateful for my enthusiastic testers!!
Here is some general information about what is involved in testing out a Made by Rae pattern [Updated: January 2025]
what you can expect
I value the time and energy put into testing my patterns, and compensate testers by paying testers directly for the work and cost of materials involved in testing. In return I ask that testers sew a sample and provide feedback within a deadline. I understand that testing garments involves measuring, fitting, and sewing for your body and that this can be a sensitive topic, and so my aim is to create an friendly, inclusive and empowering environment for everyone who tests one of my patterns. I hope that the experience of testing our patterns not only provides a fun peek behind the scenes at the pattern development process, but that you enjoy the satisfaction of supporting an indie sewing company by improving the patterns with your valuable feedback!
how TESTING workS
Pattern testing typically happens in two phases, muslin testing (early) and preview testing (later).
Muslin testers: this group sews a quick test garment with muslin or non-precious fabric to evaluate overall fit of the pattern pieces. Finishing is not necessary. Testers send fit pics and feedback on the instructions. This option is fun if you like having the first look at my new pattern designs, seeing the behind-the-scenes of pattern development, contributing feedback to help make the patterns better, and getting a free copy of the final pattern. Muslin testers are also welcome to create finished garments and share them online (but not required).
Preview testers: These testers receive an advance copy of the pattern in order to create a personalized, finished garment and provide us with modeled garment photos that can be used to help promote and launch the pattern. Images are shared across social media, included in my newsletter for the pattern launch, or used for pattern shop listings. This option is fun if you enjoy taking and sharing photos that show off your personal style and new pattern details.
All testers are provided with a copy of the final sewing pattern after it launches as part of their compensation.
Initial contact: When a pattern is ready to be tested, I send out an email to potential testers to find out who is available to test during the timeframe needed and which size they would be interested in testing. I often have certain views (dress vs top, for instance) and key sizes I need to test, which means I may not have a need for everyone who I reach out to. I will provide a materials list to help testers make their decision and begin procuring fabric and other supplies.
Timeframe/Deadline: We usually have pattern pieces and instructions ready 1-2 weeks from the initial contact, and ask for feedback 2-3 weeks after testers receive the pattern pieces. If there are edits to the pattern pieces, a second round of testing may happen which is optional. This usually begins a few weeks after the initial round of testing to allow us time to improve the pattern pieces and instructions.
Pattern pieces: I provide full-sized digital or printed pattern pieces with seam allowance included, and a rough draft of the instructions. Sometimes I am able to mail physical pattern sheets to testers; sometimes I can only provide print-at-home digital files. It depends on the pattern!
Tester Support: I will check in with you via email (and please feel free to do the same) to provide virtual support as issues or questions arise.
Feedback:
Muslin testers sew a test garment using the instructions provided and answer questions or provide feedback from prompts about the construction process, the fit of the pattern pieces, and the clarity of instructions by the pre-determined deadline. I also ask that testers provide fit photos (for internal use only) of the muslin and/or test garment to help us evaluate fit. Photos can be emailed directly to me (Rae), or uploaded to Google drive and shared with me. Those photos will not be shared publicly.
Preview testers are asked sew a finished garment and provide high resolution images showing the garment from a variety of angles and views (side, front, closeup, for example) that can be used for promotional purposes.
I read and review every single piece of feedback you provide during and after testing, and use that information to improve the pattern pieces and make the instructions easier to understand. Sometimes I have a reason not to incorporate a suggested change, but I try my best to communicate those reasons if that’s the case.
Compensation:
After feedback and fit photos are received and all testing has been completed, testers are paid for their time and material costs. Testers may choose to have direct compensation (Venmo, Paypal), volunteer for testing, or donate their compensation to our designated charity for the quarter.
Compensation depends on the pattern, but typically testers will receive a set amount to offset materials costs and pattern printing expenses (if applicable) and to pay for the time required to cut, sew, and provide feedback, typically somewhere between $50 to $75 total. If testers are asked to try out a new pattern piece, make an edit, sew an additional sample and/or provide finished garment photos for promotion purposes, those things may earn additional compensation. For a muslin-only test, we might compensate $30-$50, as material costs are lower and sewing time is shorter.
Rates for preview/promotional testing will vary depending on the garment.
Marketing and Promotion:
Testers are not required to share finished or in-progress testing photos publicly, or help to promote the pattern when it launches, unless they have explicitly been asked to be a preview tester. If you wish to share a finished garment online as part of the pattern launch, it’s always appreciated, but this is entirely optional and is not part of the testing expectations or requirements.
Other opportunities
Another way testers can collaborate is by creating a tutorial to support the pattern on Rae’s website. I provide additional compensation for this work - let us know if you are interested in this!