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Avoiding dodgy or AI Slop Sewing Patterns
Sadly, Artificial Intelligence slop sewing patterns are becoming a real problem. Buying directly from indie designers, or from reputable aggregated stores like the ones we covered in Part 1, is one of the best ways to avoid them. AI may eventually handle the heavy lifting of drafting patterns and grading size sets, but we’re not there yet.
This is the second article of Screen to seam: PDF sewing patterns, in it we’ll look at tips to avoid AI Slop.
When browsing sewing patterns the information (pre-purchase) should detail; a description of the pattern, photos of samples, reviews from makers, the sizes included, and detail of what you need to make it. These details may have been copied from a real pattern for a dodgy listing, do they all refer to the garment shown in the photos?
Tips to avoid AI slop:
Cost – The number 1 give-away! Sewing patterns are approximately $20-$35AUD. An online shop full of patterns that are below that range is a bad sign. Way too much work goes into pattern designing, drafting, grading, writing instructions, and producing samples to do it for a couple of bucks!
Photos – Realistically, expect one or two models photographed in a handful of poses to bring the pattern to life. If there are multiple models who are too good looking to be true and in exotic looking locations… they’re probably not real. Zoom in to see the details; can you see the stitching, is there a zip, buttons etc – are they in the same location for each photo?
Reviews – The sewing community loves to share their experience making sewing patterns and they usually have a lot to say. Lots of reviews in online stores on the same date is a dodgy sign. Skip the store’s reviews and try searching for the brand and also the name of the pattern on Instagram (or your favourite social media platform) or via Sewing.PatternReview.com – have other makers posted?
Sizes – At a minimum you need to know what sizes are included in the pattern. A size by name only (eg: 8, 12, M, XL) doesn’t mean much. The sizes should include body measurements like bust, waist and hip. The inclusion of finished garment measurements is a great sign of a detailed pattern with meaningful information provided.
Fabric Requirements – It’s common practice to break down the fabric required for a pattern in detail. Expect to see a table that includes how much fabric is required by size and also by the two most common fabric widths 115cm/45″ and 150cm/60″ (this is often missed in AI slop). Suggested fabrics should be listed, but again these may be copied from a real pattern.
Line Art – The drawings that accompany the description of sewing patterns are a technical drawing. You should be able to identify the key design elements and consider do they match the garments in the photos? If there are bust darts or princess seams in the photos, they will be in the line art. Additionally, it is common practice for different views (versions) to be included in a sewing patten, for example; differing lengths of a skirt, or options for sleeve variations and the top only section of a dress.
Description – Sewing terminology should appear in the description of the garment. The fit should be described and these terms describe the ease in the pattern, for example; close fitting, loose fit. How is the neckline, waistline and armholes finished, eg; facing, lining. Are closures described, eg; invisible zip, hooks and eye, 6 x buttons.
If you’re in Melbourne and like learning in person, we go through actual examples in the workshop – How to buy & print sewing patterns online. If it’s not currently scheduled, join our waitlist.
In Part 3 we’ll discuss the process of buying, downloading and storing your sewing patterns.