quick-start

Testing a pattern

You've been invited to test a quilt pattern. Here's the whole flow, start to finish — it takes about two minutes to read.

New here? A tester makes a quilt from a designer's draft and reports back on what's clear, what's off, and how it finishes. Your notes are how a pattern gets better before it's released — thank you for lending your eyes and your quarter-inch.

Accept your invitation

Click the link in your invitation email, then sign in — or create a testeraccount if you're new (name, email, a password). Being invited lets you apply even when the designer has closed public applications.

Fill out the short application

Tell the designer your skill level, whether you're comfortable with their construction methods, your social reach, and your photo setup — plus anything else worth knowing. You'll see Application: pending until they decide. If the designer has a public profile, tap the by [their brand] link on the pattern page to read their bio and past patterns before you commit.

Once you're accepted

Reload the pattern page. You'll now see the pattern PDF (newest version first), a progress tracker, a feedback form, and photo upload. Open the PDF to start quilting.

Make the quilt, moving through the stages

The Your progress card walks through six stages: cutting → piecing → quilting → binding → photos → complete. Tap a stage, or click Move to [next stage] as you go. The designer sees your stage live and uses it to plan the round — so keep it current.

Give feedback as you go

Use the Submit feedback form for each observation. Pick the section (cutting, block construction, assembly, and so on) and a category — clarity, error, suggestion, or praise — then write what you saw, expected, and tried. One focused note per submission beats one giant comment: the designer groups notes by section, so smaller items are far more useful.

Upload photos — you set the rights

Share progress shots, finished photos, and detail close-ups. For each one you pick the stage, add a caption, and tick exactly which rights you grant the designer: social media, pattern cover / listing, and/or website / blog. You're in control — change the rights or delete a photo any time.

What happens next

When the designer approves and releases the pattern, you'll get a thank-you email. Every pattern you're accepted to shows up on your dashboard at /tester, so you can jump between rounds any time.

Questions? Email support@quarterinchcollective.com or see the FAQ.