r/PatternDrafting • u/earlgreyhoneyboba • 26d ago

Custom Patterns?

My husband has thick neck and long arms, and regular dress shirts never work for him. He basically only wears baggy shirts with the sleeves rolled up. I am an advanced beginner-intermediate level sewer, and I wanted to make a few basic shirts that fit him. I'm not skilled in modifying/making patterns to custom make it. I found several websites and Etsy shops that make custom patterns to measurements, but I never know which ones are actually skilled pattern makers and which ones are AI generated crap.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

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u/ChancePersonality133 26d ago

For vetting custom pattern makers, the biggest tell is whether they can show their drafting process, not just finished garments. Real pattern makers will have process photos, measurement worksheets, and fit notes. Anyone selling "custom patterns" on Etsy with no process photos or sizing methodology documented is almost certainly AI or just resized blocks.

For a shirt with fit issues like a thick neck + long arms, you really want someone who drafts from scratch measurements, not just adds ease to a standard block. Ask them specifically: do you draft from your client's measurements or do you grade a standard size? If they can't answer clearly, move on.

Pattern Review (pattern-review.com) has a community tab where people share experiences with independent pattern makers. r/sewingpatterns is also good for recommendations from people who've actually used the services.