How do pattern companies work out how much fabric is needed?

General
1

I had 1.5 metres of fabric and thought that would be enough for the short version of the Sylvia robe by Sew Over It but when I looked at the fabric requirements it said I needed 2.1 metres. Which is the same for the 115cm wide. Mine is 150cm
Well I’ve cut mine out of the 1.5m and I used 113cm ! And I didn’t do any fancy pattern tetrus. I’m sure it must be a mistake but how did it get past testers?

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2

I always feel like Sew Over It over-estimate the fabric needed, probably to be on the safe side. I just lay out the pieces on my fabric to check if they fit

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3

Yes that is what I do but for a beginner that hasn’t already got fabric and looking how much to buy they could end up buying more than they need. I bought 1.5 metres of this ages ago so that wasn’t an issue for me. Though I can see how one might have to buy 2m anyway because not all places sell in half metres but you definitely wouldn’t need 3m for the recommended 2.1m
So I suppose the best way to decide how much to buy is get some fabric out of the stash and try it.

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4

I agree. The amount of 0.5 metres or even 1 metre left over pieces I have is really annoying and expensive!

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5

I think most of their older patterns were based on directional prints or nap although its not mentioned on this one. Being only 5ft I always use less anyway from most pattern companies.

Thanks for the info, I’ll add this pattern as another scrap buster :blush:

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6

That is what irritates me, fabric can be expensive, and then you are left with a piece not quite big enough to do a lot with. I knit also, so end up with extra balls of yarn or partial balls. I expect this, since you buy by the skein, but with sewing it can be avoided

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7

Companies often ask testers to test the pattern and instructions. Rarely do i see anyone question the fabric estimates. I do if it is significantly different to my findings. Also testers are rarely compensated anything more than the pattern so it is certainly not much reward for the process

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8

Yes and they have pattern insiders who make up the patterns after the testers. I have found mistakes in the patterns and construction in places which is not ideal and sometimes messy. I’ve never heard anyone mention these. I would have thought with the amount of people who have previously made these that it would have been brought to their attention.
Also I cut this out all in one direction as if it did have a nap.

9

@Tina43 that’s what I do too! I rarely trust the stated fabric requirements until AFTER I’ve made a pattern. Then, if I use significantly less fabric than the pattern asks for I update in the app a) the Project notes + b) the Pattern record too (so that I know for future versions :wink:).

On the plus side of things… I gain particular satisfaction from using waaaay less fabric (say 0.3 / 0.5m or more) verses the pattern envelope :flexed_biceps:t3::grin:

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Please note, this only works for smaller sizes. I made size 8