How much does it cost to create a pattern?

Free sewing patterns are often sought after. Etsy offers pattern bundles at very low prices. But many underestimate how much work goes into developing a professional sewing pattern—and why it comes at a price. Let's take a look behind the scenes!

Ingrid from B-patterns estimates €6,099 per pattern, Astrid Hein estimates €3,000 to €8,000, and Miriam Strotkötter @nannapatterndesign landed at around €4,000 . All three have created very detailed invoices that are worth taking a look at.

We consider these amounts to be realistic. Depending on the complexity of the pattern and the location of the work, a pattern can cost several thousand euros.

Who is working on a pattern?

Developing a professional pattern can take weeks or even months and is a team project:

Designers develop the idea and create the first sketches of the cut.

Pattern directors create technical drawings and calculate darts, fits, and size adjustments. Their training is lengthy and requires a great deal of expertise.

Seamstresses test the pattern. They sew several versions, provide feedback on the fit, and help correct any errors.

Graphic designers and copywriters are working on the sewing instructions and the website.

Photographer, Marketing, eCommerce, Content Team : To successfully sell the pattern, appealing photos, videos, and instructions must be created. An online shop and social media must be managed.

Especially in small companies and start-ups, the managing director takes on many of these tasks or works with external service providers.

What are the costs involved in developing a pattern?

The main cost points are:

Labor time/salary is the largest cost factor. The labor of pattern directors and seamstresses is usually billed by the hour. Depending on the complexity of a pattern and the location of the labor, this can range from several hundred to several thousand euros. Additional costs are incurred for the creation of photos, graphics, text, sewing instructions, etc., which also cost several hundred euros.

Taxes and labor costs also apply, of course. For example, corporate tax, solidarity surcharge, trade tax, and social security contributions.

Online shop & platform fees: Domain hosting, shop hosting, payment processing, download management – ​​a professional online shop costs several hundred euros per month.

Marketing & Sales: Anyone who wants to sell a pattern needs reach. And that costs a lot of money.

Material costs : Machines, fabrics, thread, sewing accessories for the patterns also add up.

What about free or inexpensive sewing patterns?

We're talking about professionally created sewing patterns here. There's now a veritable flood of sewing patterns, for example on Etsy, that were created entirely in 3D or by AI. Jade's video "Learn to spot AI sewing patterns" and Noémie 's " How To Avoid Etsy Scams Sewing Pattern Edition" shed light on this topic.

There are also large companies that want to attract new customers and therefore offer free patterns alongside paid patterns. This is simply another form of reach gaining—that is, the attempt to bring as many customers as possible to their own shop.

Fair pay

Imagine your employer doesn't pay you at the end of the month because the company didn't make any money.

All the people who work on our patterns live and work in Germany, and we pay them fairly. This is only possible if we sell our patterns instead of giving them away. Fair prices ensure that (small) businesses like us can operate sustainably.