This is a post I wrote for the November 2012 Craftsy Designer Newsletter.
Sewing a project from a poorly written pattern is such a frustrating experience. Instructions that are error ridden and hard to follow can make you throw your hands up in frustration, leaving you with a pile of wasted materials and hours of wasted time. As a designer building a business by selling sewing patterns you want to earn a reputation for writing clear, accurate and complete pattern instructions that help your customers create great projects. Use these five tips when you write your next pattern and make a name for yourself as a source of sure-bet patterns that are easy to use and work
every time.
1. Start each sentence with a verb. Verbs make us feel active and enthusiastic. Some good sentence starting verbs include: stitch, pinch, zip, thread, cut, secure, pin, press, and turn. Sometimes it’s as simple as reordering the parts of a sentence to put the action word first or simplifying a sentence by eliminating extraneous words.
When you could say, “Now you will attach the eyes to the teddy bear’s face using a whipstitch.” Instead say, “Whipstitch the eyes to the teddy bear’s face.” You get the same point across using fewer words and you start with an action.
2. Write with a warm and friendly tone. Just because these are sewing pattern instructions doesn’t mean they need to be dry. Use contractions (like “don’t” and “can’t”) when appropriate to make your sentences sound more conversational. Include articles (like “the” and “a”) so that you don’t sound like a robot.
Instead of saying, “Cut fabric in strips”, say, “Cut the fabric into strips.”
3. Be consistent. Choose one font and one font size for the main text and stick to it throughout. If you use inch marks (“) in one step, don’t use the word “inch” in another.
4. Break the process down into logical sections, then into steps. Give each section a heading such as “Arms and Legs” so that by scanning the headings readers can easily see how all the parts will come together.
5. Check the pattern for accuracy, completeness, and specificity. Be sure you’ve included every step, put the steps in the correct order, and referred correctly to the markings on the templates. Check for spelling errors. Then find an experienced sewing friend and a beginner who are willing to try out your pattern. Incorporate their feedback to refine your pattern to make it perfect.
Writing sewing patterns is a kind of technical writing that can take some getting used to. It’s good to get into the habit of clearly explaining how you’ve made something. You can take those instructions and teach with them or sell them or just remind yourself how exactly you made something. I hope these suggestions make it a bit more straightforward for you! You can also check out other websites to learn more about technical writing.
If you sew from patterns and have particular elements you love (or don’t love) about them please share any further tips in the comments.
good job!
In doing pdf patterns I find that keeping color to a minimum is considerate to your customers. I avoid buying patterns that are filled with too much color as it sucks up ink (that is expensive) from my printer. Color photos are fine but do not need to take up half the page. The cover image should not have a full color background. Highlighting small areas with colored text is ok but refrain from doing all text in color. KISS. Clear black and white illustrations are also a must. Mucky photos and illustrations will add to the frustration of your buyer.
Thank you, Kate, for these tips. I just read your blog and I can see that you have a lot of experience making dolls and that you've sewn quite a few doll and toy patterns so your feedback on what makes a good pattern is really valuable to me. Thank you!
Speaking of patterns people love…I have a question…I was wondering if you have available (and if you do, where can I get) your Humpty Dumpty pattern? I would really like to buy it, and I looked in your shop, but to no avail. I was hoping, hoping, hoping he is for sale somewhere… If it is not too much trouble, would you let me know, pretty please? I have been in love with him for quite a while now, and have decided to make him an early anniversary present to myself if I can…Thank you in advance!
This is a great list and I think it is one that every one starting out in pattern writing should read.
My two pet peeves are:
1. Spelling and Grammar errors – especially now with most of the patterns being done on computers with spell check.
2. Referring to a page, pattern piece or section that doesn’t exist!! If the pattern says look on page 2 section 3 pattern piece X then make sure the labels match!!! I don’t have time to work out what is actually meant – especially if I have paid a premium for the pattern.
I like patterns that the text is written in a reasonable size text (Size 12-14) and in a clear font. I don’t mind if PDF pattern pieces are in different colours as I can read the pattern and see the pictures on the computer if I have run out of ink.
Once again, thanks for this excellent list.
Personally I like patterns with photos of some of the trickier parts of the process (or possibly what I mean is, the parts of the process that are trickiest to explain in words). Sometimes I’ll read something in a pattern and think “whaaaat??” but if there’s a photo (or a good diagram) it often clarifies the issue, and helps me realise what the words are saying.
My Humpty Dumpty pattern is available as a workshop on Craftsy. It's got lots of pictures and you can ask questions and its only $7.99!
http://www.craftsy.com/workshop/Glassenberg-Humpty-Dumpty-Doll/45
Thank you so much! I was so worried it wouldn’t be for sale anymore. I am going there right now so that I can start on this TODAY! Thank you again!
Writing a pattern or tutorial is very time consuming. I always go back and reread my steps to make sure what is so obvious to me can not be interpreted some other way
Hi Darci,
That's a really good point. Sometimes it is difficult to determine what need an explanation and what is self-explanatory. It's probably best to err on the side of too much explanation, right?
I’m a huge fan of photos, too. I actually prefer a good photo to a diagram.
Hello, I’d just like to add a tip and not sure if this is the place to do it.
Instead of buying expensive ‘spot and cross’ pattern paper, you can use lining paper which is £2 for a 10 metre roll in Wilkinsons!!!
I’m just sure that you need to create a YouTube channel, and publish your content in the video format. Your videos will get millions of views. Thank you for sharing your experience.