Should You Create and Sell a Pattern of Your Work?

Have you ever been told, “you should write a pattern” for something that you make? If you are active in your medium at all, the answer to that question is probably “yes”. But is it a good idea? I’m not able to answer that question for you beyond that, yes, it is an idea. What are the pros and cons of writing and distributing a pattern for do-it-youselfers to make what you make?

Is What You Do Unique Enough to Warrant a Pattern?

We all think that what we do is special and unique.  Maybe we learned it from a relative or a class in school.  We’ve been doing it for years.  Everyone wants to be able to make this.  But how unique is your finished item?  A web search will help you answer this question.  Are there already patterns out there for what you do?  Worse… are there patterns out there already that are free?  There’s no reason for you to spend the time to produce something for purchase if it can be had at no cost.

Writing the Pattern

The very first issue you will face is the actual writing of the pattern.  Think about it… this is something that you can do with your eyes closed.  But can you explain it in such a way that someone who has never done it can follow the directions and end up with a viable result?  Sometimes, it’s incredibly difficult to put into words that which seems to come naturally to you.

Then there is a terminology issue.  You are experienced in your field and are comfortable with the lingo.  But if you use that lingo in a pattern, will Joe or Julie Beginner have any idea what you are talking about?  Can you explain the process in simple English so that everyone will understand?  Or do you want to write your pattern using the correct terminology and abbreviations that may open you up to complaints from novices?

Will you write step-by-step directions or are you going to present something more in a discussion style to the pattern purchaser?  Are you going to include pictures and diagrams?  Just measurements?  None or all of these?

Writing the pattern will be time consuming and possibly frustrating.  Are you ready for that challenge?

The Up Side

Once the pattern is written and listed for sale, unless you decide to revise it, there’s nothing else for you to do beyond marketing the product and collecting the revenue.  There’s no need to “make more” if it sells.  It’s also a great way to connect with future customers.  Encouraging purchasers to share their finished item made using your pattern opens some wonderful dialog.

The Down Side

Although copyright laws protect your written work (the pattern), nothing adequately protects that which someone else makes using your pattern.  You might just be teaching your future competition how to go into business for themselves.  Are you ready to take that risk?

And the Decision Is…

… completely up to you!  I know of some people who enjoyed the pattern creation process so much that they only write patterns now (no more creating for sale).  I know others who never finished writing the first pattern.  Whatever decision works for you is the right decision!

 

Written By iKnitQuiltSew

 

 

Tags: directions, Handmade, handmade business, information, pattern, sell a pattern, tutorial, write a pattern

Posted in Handmade, Handmade Artisans, Information, Promote Handmade, Selling Tips, Tutorials