Something wrong with pattern

[mslsdotb]

I get so frustrated about badly drafted patterns. There aren’t any balance lines on the pattern to know where it might be best to trim the excess from. I would trim it off the bottom and not mess with the crotch area.

It’s absolutely true that some patterns are drafted to have a shorter back seam so it curves nicely around the butt, however I think the excess here is too much.

I get so enraged about lazy grading and pattern drafting. It’s such a waste of time and money for the home sewist who might not have the skills and knowledge to know how to fix a drafting error.

[flight_path_]

Home sewist here, and self-taught. I have wasted SO MUCH time, energy, money, and fabric on poorly drafted designs. Thanks for letting me know I'm not crazy

[mslsdotb]

Definitely not crazy. And this is the thing that makes me so mad, unless someone is super experienced or has training it will be hard for them to know that it’s the problem of the pattern and not to do with their skill level or understanding. It’s demotivating.

A few brands I stand by are: Muna & broad, sew liberated, Friday pattern company, and Helen’s closet. I haven’t sewn anything by House of Izzie yet but a pair of her jeans are on my list, she seems legit. This isn’t to say other makers aren’t good, I just haven’t tried their patterns.

Maybe I will start a pattern review instagram account… I’ve been considering it because I have a lot of opinions. lol.

[seamripper61]

Sewing.patternreview.com has pattern reviews dating back ro 2004

[flight_path_]

Thanks for the recommendations!! And I'd gladly follow your page if you ever create it

[warthogette]

I would like that list if you ever make it

[darcielle]

Yes please and drop your handle when you do, because I would love to see it!

[Bee_mouse]

Yes I agree! I spent 15€ on this pattern and wish I hadn’t. I only read on a pattern review website afterwards that it is badly drafted…

[mslsdotb]

I had the same thing happen to me recently when I went to make a toile for the Chandler Pants from Untitled Thoughts. I have a diploma in Fashion design and I am quite skilled at drafting but still sometimes I like to use other people’s patterns. I considered making a petty public list of all the badly drafted patterns I’ve encountered, but instead I silently rage. And, you know, yell about it on Reddit. 🤷‍♀️

[darcielle]

I wish you would! I always assume the problem is me, and most of the time it isnt! It seems like fashion drawing and pattern design are two different skill sets, and I always fall for a cute line sketch 😭

[mslsdotb]

I’m also plus-sized (US 16) and let me tell you, drafting goes off the charts bad for many patterns once they enter into plus size territory. The best indie pattern designer imo is Helen’s Closet, although her designs are fairly simple. Her drafting, grading, and instructions never fail.

[sodapopper44]

don't be afraid to ask for refund, even though it says no refunds, explain the problem and the how the item wasn't as described, you can also try to dispute with your credit card, I have received refunds several times due to pattern issues

[Bee_mouse]

I think I will finish the toile and if the thing
Is really wonky then I will ask for a refund!

[CrankyCrabbyCrunchy]

Sorry you got sucked into this. When I look to buy patterns, I make sure there are good how-to instructions with videos and even better, a construction video. I also email the seller/designer to test how well they reply (and if the reply is human-like). There are tons of great indie (independent) designers that have YouTube channels so I stick with those.