Episode 55: Behind the Seams - Pattern Testing

What actually happens before a sewing pattern is released to the public?

In Episode 55 of The Sewcial Hour, we’re going behind the seams to talk all about pattern testing with two guests who bring very different perspectives to the process: Catherine Holbrook of Bringing Sewing Back, who specializes in garment sewing, and Delia Birch of A Stitch is a Stitch Quilt Co., who designs quilt patterns and provides technical editing services to fellow designers.

While the basic purpose of pattern testing is the same, to have experienced sewists make a pattern, identify issues, and provide feedback before it is finalized, the process can look surprisingly different between garment sewing and quilting.

Catherine and Delia help us break down both sides of the process, including:

🧵 What exactly is pattern testing and why is it important?✂️ What are designers actually looking for when they select testers?📋 How many testers do you need and how do you manage a testing group?💰 Do pattern testers get paid or compensated in other ways?📣 What about affiliate links and promoting the pattern after release?📸 How important are photography and social media promotion?⏰ How important are deadlines and commitments?🔎 What makes someone a GOOD pattern tester?💬 How should testers communicate when they find a problem?👗 What makes garment testing different from quilt testing?

Whether you've ever wanted to become a pattern tester, you've wondered what happens behind the scenes of your favorite patterns, or you're a designer looking to build a better testing process, this episode is packed with practical insight from both sides of the sewing world.

Meet Our Guests

Catherine Holbrook - Bringing Sewing Back

Catherine discovered sewing in 2014 and quickly went from refashioning thrifted garments to drafting her own patterns and sharing her sewing journey online. Today, she creates everything from Barbie clothes to full ball gowns and has partnered with brands including Simplicity, Mettler Thread, BERNINA, and Styla Patterns.

📸 Follow Catherine on Instagram: @bringingsewingback👉 https://www.instagram.com/bringingsewingback/

Delia Birch - A Stitch is a Stitch Quilt Co.

Delia creates original quilt patterns and offers technical editing services to fellow quilt designers. Based in New Mexico with her husband and three kids, Delia loves creating approachable quilt designs with clear instructions and thoughtful construction.

🌐 Website: https://astitchisastitchquiltco.com/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_stitch_is_a_stitch/

You Love to See ItBethany also shares some exciting news about her first-ever virtual sewing retreat, coming in January 2027! If you've been collecting gorgeous jelly rolls, layer cakes, charm packs, and other precuts without knowing exactly what to make with them, this retreat is for you.Learn more here: https://www.craftwithbethany.com/sew-at-home-quilting-with-precut

Connect with The Sewcial Hour

Follow The Sewcial Hour on Instagram and Facebook.

🎥 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video episodes.

💬 Join The Sewcial Sewists private Facebook group and continue the conversation with fellow sewists.

⭐ Enjoying the podcast? Follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your reviews help other sewists discover The Sewcial Hour!

The Sewcial Hour Podcast - A Podcast for Sewists by Sewists. Bringing Creativity & Community Together.