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PATTERN

TESTING

All you need to know

Setting the expectations…

I really appreciate the effort you're willing to put into testing my pattern. I value your time, and I hope that goes both ways – so I aim to build my testing groups on mutual trust and transparency.

What you can expect from me:

  • Direct communication with me and the rest of the testing group via Slack
  • Guidance and extra advice if needed, to help you make your Jigsaw Pants
  • Lots of encouragement and of course eternal gratitude for all your help!
  • Transparency on received feedback, decision making & changes made
  • Final pattern files will be shared with testers ahead of the public launch
  • This is an unpaid test – but all testers will receive the full bundle of sizes & lengths*

What I expect from testers:

  • Sewing your own Jigsaw Pants & completing it during the testing period
  • Constructive feedback on pattern, fit, instructions, anything else of relevance
  • Photos and/or videos of you wearing the garment to assess the final result**
  • Transparency & communication in both ways: please keep me in the loop if anything comes up in your planning, or causes any struggle to meet the deadline. No need to stress over these pants, I’d just appreciate a heads up.

* Final files will be shared with all testers who complete testing within the agreed timeline
** Photos & videos shared during testing (privately, and on Slack) will not be shared publicly on social media.
I would love to share your work, but you always have full control over which media you do, or don’t wan’t me to share on socials.

Frequently asked questions

How far along is the pattern / how final is the fit?

The fit has thoroughly been tested through multiple rounds of internal testing, as well as a small early fit testing group and additional tests by individuals. Tested sizes were carefully selected to ensure all parts of the size chart were represented, and all length options have been covered in testing as well.

I feel confident about the current fit and at this stage I don’t expect any major issues or surprises related to the fit anymore. So this testing phase will be focussed on the clarity of instructions, pattern files, and new interactive PDF features – and a final check of the fit on a full variety of bodies. Updates wil be made as needed.

I'm a beginner but up for a challenge, can I still apply?

Even though this pattern is rated intermediate in sewing level, this difficulty mostly comes from the time and patience required to sew these pants. It’s a time-consuming project that tends to need more concentration and patience than an average pattern.

But in terms of sewing techniques and difficulty of construction it’s not too hard: the majority of seams are straight and you can always go for faux flat felled seams to make it easier. Where applicable, the instructions include suggestions about different methods and how steps can be simplified if desired.

So if you think you’ll have enough patience for these pants, apply for sure! I’d love to test the pattern with a variety of experience levels.

How much fabric is needed to make these pants?

The charts below show the fabric requirements for the main fabric of the pants, in groups of 4 sizes and 2-3 lengths. All calculations are based on the most efficient layout for the biggest size in each group. Other sizes may require slightly less fabric.

Additionally, you need 0,5 m (0.5 yd) of pocket lining for the front pockets.

Which fabrics are recommended for these pants?

These pants were designed with a wide range of fabrics in mind. The majority of versions were made using woven fabrics, with low- to no stretch. The pants’ playful construction utilizes the natural stretch that can be found on the along the true bias of a fabric, so we don’t need a high percentage of stretch when working with woven fabrics.

Go for light- to mid-weights up to 200 gsm (6 oz) for airy, flowy and summer-proof pants, or go for bottom-weights up to 340 gsm (10 oz) for more durable, sturdy pants for colder weather.

Suggestions: twill, canvas, denim, linen, cotton or stretch ripstops

Knit fabrics are also an option, and will give the pants a completely different look and feel. Medium- to heavy-weight knits will work well: double knits, technical knits, french terry or sweatshirt fabrics will give you an extremely comfortable loungewear version.

Can I test the fit with a simplified toile before committing to all the panelling?

Absolutely! The instruction booklet includes a section with suggestions and recommendations for ways to simplify the pants if you wish to sew a simplified test version before committing to all the work of the panelling. It explains which pattern pieces can easily be ‘merged’ by temporarily taping them together, and provides some considerations for other things you can test or leave out.

Who are you looking for / how do you choose testers?

My goal is to select a group as diverse as possible, to ensure as many people as possible will feel represented and some examples of how the pants might look on themselves.

So first and foremost I’ll be aiming to select some testers in every “corner” of my size chart: a variety of sizes as well as lengths. Additionally, I hope to find a good balance of genders and body types, as well as people interested in both rise options.

Afterwards, I’ll focus on getting a mix of sewing experience, pattern file type preferences (so all files get tested!), and ideally mix of people with and without pattern testing. And if I still can’t choose at this point, I might peek around some of your socials to see if I can diversify the testing group even further!

Your privacy preferences filled in at the end of the form are purely intended for administrative purposes and to ensure I handle your data with care, I won’t pick any favourites based on whether you do or don’t sign up for my mailing list 😉

What happens if I can't make the deadline?

No one will die 😉

All jokes aside, but the last thing I want is for you to stress out over sewing these pants. I’m aware that something urgent or unexpected can come up at any time, so please know you can message me anytime and we can discuss what’s achievable. No details asked, just give me a heads up if anything comes up.

Do you need more male testers? I can sew them for my partner/brother/...

In my previous testing application form I received a handful of messages along these lines: offering to sew a pair for a male partner, friend or family member – assuming the male body type would be underrepresented in my applications. Which is 100% true, so I really appreciate that offer (and it might also increase your chance to be selected haha!)

So if this applies to you, feel free to either submit the form twice: same name/email but different measurements & size preferences, or use the open question at the end of section 4 to share the measurements and preferred size, length & rise of your lucky friend/brother/partner/…!