How To Request A Pattern

Back to Pattern Requests Forum  Forum Rules

Know The Rules

Please be familiar with the Pattern Requests forum rules before posting. These rules cover posting guidelines, housekeeping, and the all-important copyright information. Although we try to accommodate everybody, some designs might not be possible because of subject matter or copyright issues.

Picture Quality

Picture quality makes a huge difference in creating a pattern. As pattern designers, we need to be able to see the details in the picture in order to translate it into a quality pattern. Dark or grainy photos are very hard to work from. Small pictures are next to impossible to work from. So post the largest picture you can. The higher the resolution, the better.

If you are requesting a portrait, try to keep it to one subject. Not only is it a lot more work to put other people in the picture, often there really isn't enough room for more than one person. Naturally, many will want a "couple's" pattern. This can be done But any more than two people makes it difficult to get enough detail to make the subjects recognizable.

If you're not sure if a picture can be turned into a pattern, just ask. Folks here are very easygoing and willing to help you obtain the best pattern possible.

Etiquette

Keep in mind that patterns take quite a bit of time to make. Patterns can take anywhere between 1-4 hours each to create, which is a lot of time away from our saw too. Our pattern designers are doing this out of the kindness of their hearts, so please don't take advantage of them. Only request one pattern at a time and include a quality picture (see above).

Don't be too impatient. It may take a few days for someone to get to it. If after a few days, and nobody has helped you out, you can inquire about the status. Maybe we just missed your post (sometimes that happens).

Please write something in your request. It's a little brash to just post a picture and assume that's good enough. Include some conversation or a "Hey, can you help me out" message. Remember, this is a favor, not a service.

And finally, the most important part of all...Thank You's. A simple thank you makes all the difference in the world. Our pattern designers have worked really hard to create a pattern just for you. Please thank them for their effort. And after you get done cutting your project, send them a picture of the finished product. Pattern designers get a huge kick out of seeing their patterns come to life.