Pattern Testing

What is a pattern tester?

A pattern tester is an essential part of the creative process! You’ll be one of the first to try out new designs, helping me refine patterns and instructions to ensure they’re clear, accurate, and a joy to sew. As a tester, you’re part of a collaborative community that shapes each pattern before its release.

New testing opportunities will be announced via my Newsletter or Instagram. You can sign up for newsletter notifications here or keep an eye out on the instagram here

How does it work?
My patterns are designed with sustainability and versatility in mind, with a size range is AU 0-32, and my aim is to work with testers in all sizes. Testing is held in a private group. I will share updated files via this page and testers can provide feedback as they progress or ask questions as they arise.

How to apply

If you interested in being a part of the inner tester circle, you can apply via the Pattern Tester Application Form. I will have links to this in my Instagram Bio and on my website. Comment on the tester call on Instagram so that I can verify your account and link it to your application.

You will receive an email letting you know if you have been chosen with an invitation to join the private group.

Pattern testing timeline

The typical testing period lasts about two weeks:

• The first 4 Days: Toile testing
  Since this is the first time this pattern will be tested on most sizes, now’s the perfect moment to sew a toile. A toile is a simple, no-fuss version of the dress made from inexpensive fabric to check the sizing and fit. You can keep it shorter and skip any finishing touches—its only job is to help us spot any tweaks needed for the final garment. Once you've made any adjustments to the pattern, please share your notes over in the Private group. If we notice a common fit issue, I’ll update the pattern files and post the new versions. Remember, we all have unique body shapes, and many sewists already know their personal adjustments. If you need to tweak your toile just for your project, go for it! Just be sure to let me know so I can keep track and improve the pattern for everyone.

• Day 5-14: Final garment creation
  Once your toile is all set, it’s time to bring your dream garment to life in your chosen fabric. I’d love for you to share your detailed thoughts and snap some beautiful photos that show off your unique style. Don’t forget to upload your final feedback and pics before the deadline — I can’t wait to see what you create!
  
  How to use the Platforms:

1. Instagram Love:
   I’d absolutely love to see how your sewing journey is coming along! Share your progress by tagging @sustainably.gabrielle and using our special hashtag. It’s such a joy to witness your creativity bloom! Just a little heads-up: please hold off on posting any finished photos until the launch day. That way, we can celebrate all your beautiful creations together when the pattern goes live.

   Online Tester Group:
   This is our cozy corner to connect, share progress, and support each other like a warm sewing circle. Here you can post fit videos and progress photos (which stay just within our group). It’s also the perfect spot to chat about any questions or tweaks you find in the instructions—together, we’ll smooth out all the bumps with kindness and teamwork.

   Final Photos & Feedback:
   Your feedback is the heart of this testing journey. Honest, thoughtful, and detailed feedback is essential to achieving the best final product. I deeply appreciate the effort and time testers dedicate to this process, and I am truly grateful for every insight you share. Your kindness combined with thorough honesty helps us grow and create something wonderful together. The final photos are equally special—they help show off the pattern’s unique features and give others a real sense of how it might look on them. When you fill out the final feedback form, there’s a section where you can say if it’s okay to share your photos on Sustainably Gabrielle’s socials, website, or other places. Of course, I’ll always credit and tag you, because your creativity deserves to shine! Your photos are what inspire so many other sewists in our community and highlight the beauty of this pattern.

   To show my heartfelt thanks for your wonderful support, you’ll receive:

   • The final, watermark-free PDF pattern after successful testing.

   • Any updates or expansion packs for free.

   • An opportunity to meet fellow sewists who share your passion, pick up fun new skills, and make something you truly adore.

     
     What will you receive?
     Although I can't provide monetary compensation, I truly appreciate the invaluable contributions of my testers. As a pattern tester, you will receive:
     - The final, watermark-free PDF sewing pattern after successful testing.
     - Free updates, including expansion packs, for the pattern.
     - The opportunity to learn new techniques, connect with other sewists, and create a garment you’ll love.
     
     What does the test include?
     You’ll receive:
     - A layered A4/US letter PDF file for printing at home, an A0 large format file and a Projector file.
     - High-quality sewing instructions, complete with illustrations.
     - A video sew-along will be provided once all instruction steps have been perfected.
     - Direct support from me throughout the testing period and access to the pattern tester group.

Thank you so much for joining me on this wonderful journey!