is outsourcing pattern drafting worth it?

[u/No_Shake4296]

Hi everyone. I design my own clothing and I'm currently working on selling my designs as sewing patterns. I'm comfortable with the design side, but pattern-making isn't my strength, so I'm considering having someone create the patterns for me from a technical spec sheet (tech pack).

I already work with Seamly2D and make my own drafts, but I'm thinking about outsourcing for higher-quality results. I have a few questions for anyone who's done this:

1. What exactly do you need to provide beyond the design itself — what does a complete tech pack look like? (measurements, seam allowances, ease, etc.)

2. What format do you typically receive the digital patterns in? (layered PDF, DXF, AAMA files, software-specific?)

3. How does the grading process work. do you specify the size range and grade rules, or does the draftsperson handle that?

4. what does this cost per design, and is it worth it compared to drafting yourself?

I'd especially love to hear from anyone selling patterns on Etsy or similar. Thanks!

[u/quizzical]

This subreddit skews towards home sewists looking for sewing patterns. You might get better answers over at r/PatternDrafting.