I've bought 2 patterns from Etsy so far that: 1. don't say if you need to add a seam allowance and 2. don't say if there is a seam allowance already included AND if so, the width of it.
Is this ever normal?
Is it normal for a pattern to not say how much seam allowance is included and also not say if you actually need to add one?
💛Beginner💛Yeah you're right. I actually messaged one of the pattern makers a few hours ago, and they said they forgot to mention to add a 1.5 cm seam allowance on the pattern instructions. *face palm*
Put that in the review for other people to know in case they don't fix it
That's a good idea. And I printed out the pattern and some of the pieces already don't seem to line up perfectly. I feel bad leaving bad or even mid reviews on small businesses, but this kind of feels like a scam.
Supporting small businesses is good. Supporting small businesses doesn't mean they should continue to sell incomplete products and customers would be "rude" to mention it.
If you're buying a pattern and the pattern does not contain the information needed to make something the right size, it's incomplete. Just ask Indiana Jones!
Depends on the pattern maker's country, as an example Japanese patterns by default don't include seam allowances.
In Germany where I’m from, too (Burda magazine for example), it’s commonly known but surely listed somewhere in the magazine. For customers outside the country this ist listed in the instructions and/or on the paper patterns. Its is imperative to know about the seam allowance, I even check if the conversion from imperial to metric was done correctly, because - my bad in the past😔. Off topic, for the japanese, got the sewing books w/patterns (great designs), the challenge lies in different body proportions, compared to western people - I’m short but the dress bodice WAS short 😅.
I'd be requesting a refund. That's not a good start, I wouldn't trust that the pattern was graded properly or tested properly, etc etc
I've had mixed experiences with patterns purchased on Etsy. I usually go there to search for patterns for my dog since options are often limited.
The quality of patterns varies widely and I don't find that reviews are a good measure. I've had some PDF files that were near impossible to assemble or lacking instructions. So from my experience, I find that buying low quality patterns happens quite often on Etsy. I'll now only buy from designers I know.
If you're looking for specific styles of patterns, you can browse on social media or even ask for pattern suggestions in sewing communities.
The quality of patterns varies widely and I don't find that reviews are a good measure.
Most of the reviews I see are things like "5 stars, can't wait to make this pattern!" Like, thanks, that tells me nothing except that you're excited about the project 😂 I've also bought patterns from Etsy and then had the sellers on my butt about giving reviews a day later. Like bro, I haven't had time to sit down and even print the pattern yet, much less make it. Give me a little bit!
Those reviews are the worst. I've also been solicited for reviews and I won't do it unless I've made it once.
I remember one pattern, I couldn't figure out how to assemble the pages. It took me forever to realize there was no border and you just sort of had to line up and tape without overlap. This was for a dog shirt 🤣. Took way too long to get that project started
Yeah, right?! The seller would do good to add to her standard automated reply “once you made it”. Same w/recipes, … sounds great … can’t wait to make it … haha 😆
To me, that's not normal. I also would get some scrap fabric and do 2 test rounds. One with no added seam allowance, and one with my own personal preference of seam allowance. It would allow me to see what the creator was intending. I'd also offer feedback to the creator/seller. If the process of making the garment they're selling the pattern for was too frustrating (especially based on their pattern/instructions), I'd ask for a refund and leave an appropriate review.
I’ve never come across one that didn’t say if a certain seam allowance was given or if you need to add one. I would definitely reach out to the Etsy shop and ask
Edit: looks like you did reach out. I would definitely mention it in your review
I think it depends on the country of origin. For example, Japanese sewing patterns Do Not Include seam allowances. I'm not sure on what the default is on seam allowances by country. From a quick Google, looks like much of Europe doesn't use put seam allowances into their patterns.
This is all completely true, but the issue is not the default, but the silence. Failure to clarify means the instructions are bad.
The European patterns I’ve seen say “no seam allowance included.” Not sure if it’s such a strong default in Japan they don’t even mention it. But it’s reasonable to expect anyone selling in English on Etsy to be aware of some of the basic standards of the American market where it is always made clear.
Seconding on needing better patterns.
That said, I always err on the side of too big, because it is almost always easier to make a garment smaller rather than bigger.
Are you familiar with how seam allowance is marked on a pattern? There isn't going to be a line 1/2 inch in from the edge, there will be notch markings, little triangles or a short little line 1/2 inch or 3/8 in from the corners telling you. You cut a little notch, line those up when sewing and then keep that margin as you sew. There will also be notches for matching up key points if the garment like a notch at the waist or sleeve cap to line up.
I know how seam allowances work thanks
I wasn't meaning it as an insult, you could be a new sewer and genuinely not know.
I mean I have no idea how they show on a pattern so it’s a pretty valid comment, no need to get all offended lol. You asked a question
A lot of patterns will show the sewing line as well as the cutting line, especially from new digital-first patternmakers.
A bit strange if there is nothing about it anywhere although many more experienced sewers do prefer patterns without seam allowance so they can add their own ,if your not sure how much you need I would suggest a larger seam allowance the more complicated a garment is
If they’re not giving that information, then their sewing instructions are going to be bad. I’d look for better pattern makers.