Pattern testing
 

I was just wondering if anyone knew how pattern testing worked or if anyone has done it before. I have designed a few pattern and written up the instructions and need some testers.

I assume they ask friends to try them out or run a workshop and test them out by doing them.

Just ways.

Sounds like it could be fun. Is the pattern for a beginner, intermediate or a highly askilled adventurous quilter?

It might be fun to get a few ladies at one of the guilds I belong to to test the pattern in different color ways. Would you be amenable to that? I'm not promising anything, though.

I tested a pattern for someone that belonged to QB. It was a lot of fun!

sounds like a lot of interesting fun.

I've been testing patterns for a magazine for some time now- the way it works for them is- I sign up/agree to test a particular pattern (they show a picture of the quilt on a tester needed page) they send me the pattern, a test report sheet and a 'must be completed by' date. I purchase fabrics (generally as close to the same colors as the pattern designer used) and follow the instructions completely to create the quilt- if I find there is a problem that causes me to not be able to continue as written I contact them right away for instructions on how to proceed- if there are any math problems, illustration problems, unclear written instruction or errors I write them down on the test sheet. when the quilt top is finished I send in my test sheet and a couple pictures of the quilt top. gives them the opportunity to correct any problems- re-write, adjust what ever. then when I get the quilt quilted & bound I send in additional pictures that are then published in the magazine. the rules are- we are not to share the pattern, show pictures of the quilt, or show anyone the quilt until it has been published- then we are allowed to sell up to 5 of them if we want and can share them on line or where ever.

So I'm assuming that for a full pattern test, all the way thru to quilted & bound, you are compensated for your time & materials.

There is a quilt pattern testers Yahoo group. Might be worthwhile to join. Also if you google 'quilt pattern testers' there are several blogs specific to this topic. One issue that may be covered is copyright of your design before publication.

My mom "tests" my patterns. She's a beautiful garment sewer - not a quilter. So I figure if she can follow the instructions, all must be OK (she's pretty meticulous).

Have people you know follow your instructions exactly as written. And have them jot down anything that doesn't make sense.

If you're looking for QB testers, let me know. I'd be happy to help.

EB use to have free classes at QIAD store when testing out her patterns.

Ask here first. :thumbup:

i do test from start to finish...I supply my own fabric and my time--the *compensation* Is the right to sell *or gift* the quilt after it is published-- your name with the published picture and they add a few extra month's to my magazine subscription... i'm sure different magazines/designers have their own policies

Thank you this helps :)

I tested one once. It was a digital paper piecing pattern and I learned about the testing on a blog I follow. I was given the pattern to try and had to let her know if I had any difficulty with it, plus I sent a picture of the finished block.

I just finished a quilt I pattern tested. She asked for testers on her blog and on instagram, and you had to define which size you were going to make, agree to the deadline, etc. I went in a completely different color way than her original quilt. She asked for feedback for all aspects - from the instructions on cutting to piecing. I provided images along the way where I would have questions and of the finished quilt (quilted and bound). And she asked that no one publish full photos on their blog or other online outlet until she releases the pattern. Interestingly enough, she did rewrite the pattern several times for clarification and 'ease'. It was a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to her next pattern testing event!

I just did one for the original poster.

It was interesting/fun to do something with the intent of finding errors! I would like to do another one.

I have a pattern that needs to be tested if anyone is interested its for a boy or girl ages 2-6 it's 80X55 any takers.

I jumped on your blog I love your work! I just started blogging its fun to see what others do.

When you "test" these patterns do you have to identify the fabric/mfgr of the fab u use...does it have to be newer, or can it just be stash-fab? So they don t publish your rendition of the pattern? In several mags I have seen at end of piece a smaller , different version of the featured quilt..is this what a tester does.....but those published, if I remember, also list the fab they have used......

I believe " Candlequilter" did a PP pattern test here on QB. I made one for her. She sent the pattern which was ours to keep in return for sending her a finished block. She made quilts with the blocks received.

I would be up to doing it again too.
peace

Hi Karie,
There's a group on Yahoo, called Quilt Pattern Testers. They have a huge list of people who are willing to test for you. I've used them myself. There's a quilt tester's contract on the Yahoo group that I recommend -- not all testers will give you much input. They are generally not paid with money, but appreciate quilting supplies as payment. Are you a member of Peace By Piece or Needles and Friends? I'll bet some of the ladies at the guilds would love to test for you.
Annette (at Bernina in Logan)

Just be sure to be honest, don't worry about hurting someone's feelings. If the instructions aren't clear, or the measurements don't work, please say so. There are a couple of pretty famous people out there with terrible patterns, that testers just gave praise, for whatever reason - wanting to be friends with the designer? When I sent a pattern to a few friends for testing, only one gave me the honest feedback I needed - a measurement was wrong - that made a big difference. I am so grateful that she caught it before it was published on my blog.

Absolutely! I've had testers who were all about praise, and didn't find the corrections that needed to be found. And I've had a couple who have been great to find corrections and give suggestions for making the pattern better. That's the kind of testers you need!

Good Luck!