Welcome to the Aletheia Pattern Testing Page
Thank you for your interest in testing Aletheia Patterns! Pattern testers are vital collaborators that help ensure the patterns and instructions are clear and accurate. Although all Aletheia Patterns are designed particularly for a pear-shaped figure, other body types are welcome to apply–I am always on the lookout for enthusiastic new testers to join my team. This page is here to guide you through the process of becoming a pattern tester or simply to help you learn more about the process. If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, feel free to reach out via email at he***@***************ns.com
Why become a pattern tester?
All patterns are drafted by a professional pattern-maker. Testing is for the purpose of checking instruction clarity and format compatibility, and for overall impressions of the design & instructions. Pattern testers become part of an online membership group with the following benefits:
- Sneak peeks and early access to new patterns
- Free finished pattern you have tested within the agreed time (please note this is not a paid position).
- Credit for your work and link to your socials (if desired & provided)
Pattern testing can be a great way to improve skills, try something new, share makes with a lovely community, and grow your pattern library.
What makes a great pattern tester?
- Happy to communicate during the testing period and beyond within the membership group
- Ability to mark issues and respond to queries during testing
- Aptitude for constructive criticism
- Availability to test patterns when required
- Able to source materials (fabric, thread, scissors, needles, sewing machine(s), etc.)
- Willingness to share pictures in the membership group – worn photos for fit checks (not to be shared without permission) and/or display photos (on person or flat lay) to be shared on social media and the Aletheia Pattern website. Display Photos are images to be shared across social media, included in my newsletter for the pattern launch, or used for pattern shop listings.
- Prepared to complete a short survey after completion
How does testing work?
1. Once registered as a pattern tester you will be allocated to a membership on the site (Pattern Testers: free membership). When a pattern is ready to be tested, I will send a call out to potential testers to see who is available and who would like to test during the time-frame set. Sometimes my patterns will have different views and sizes needing testing–for example a pattern could be a top or dress and may have multiple design options such as sleeve variations. I may not have a need for everyone in the group, but I will strive to include all those who have expressed an interest in testing to see what different looks can be created!
2. Patterns may not be ready to send out to testers once interest has been registered for testing the pattern, so please be patient. If the call goes out to registered testers, and you are not available, that is fine–there will be patterns to test in the future. All sewing patterns are sent in a A0 and A4 printable format. My timeframes can vary anywhere between 2 – 6 weeks depending on the item and the details within the pattern. While testing, I encourage you to contact me with any queries so that you can complete a garment you are proud of – and I can make note of any issues to fix them immediately. As a pattern tester, you agree to keep garment details confidential and within the membership group until the pattern launch.
3. Once your garment(s) are completed, I ask for genuine, constructive feedback–occasionally in the form of a survey or simple email. All edits will be considered and the pattern will be amended as necessary. I will also ask for photos–either worn or flat lay–to be shared on social media. By participating in the the sewing pattern testing process, you are agreeing to these finished photos to be shared on social media. However, fit photos taken to check fit will not be shared without your permission.
4. You receive the full copy of the pattern on release day!
Marketing and Promotion:
Testers are not required to share finished or in-progress testing photos publicly nor are they expected to help promote the pattern after it launches. If a tester wishes to share a finished garment(s) online after a pattern launch, though appreciated, this is entirely optional and is not part of the testing expectations or requirements.
Pattern Tester Application
For anyone who would like to be considered for pattern testing for Aletheia Patterns
Meet the Maker
Meet Mandy Fleener
Sewing is more than a hobby—it’s a stewardship of skill and resources, a creative cultivation of community, a gift of love. From fiber and thread, cuppa and playfulness, Mandy’s studio is a colourful mix of creativity and joy. If you love making all things beneficial, you’ll feel right at home here.
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