Hi,

I have recently made a toile of the Jorinde blazer and found the instructions (especially for the pockets) to be awful. I noticed that most of the other people that have made the jacket have also commented on the incoherence of the instructions. I am considering doing a photo tutorial and rewriting the instructions for the trickier parts of the pattern as I think it’s a nice jacket and I don’t want people to be put off of making it based on crappy instructions.

My first question/suggestion is that perhaps there could be a feature whereby if a set of instructions is marked by a few people as being incoherent then it gets flagged for review and perhaps a list is created so that anyone who thinks they can do a good job of explaining the process can do a tutorial.

Does anyone else think this would be a good feature?

My second question is, if i do my own tutorial for the Jorinde blazer, where can I put it so that it has the full potential to help anyone who downloads the pattern? I know I can link to it on my own project page but someone downloading the pattern won’t necessarily also look at my related project.

Cheers,
Candy

Apr 6, 2011, 07.11 PM by candyjoyce

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17 Posts Sign in to add a post

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    May 7, 2011, 07.45 PMby Sapsorrow

    I agree, I have bought 4 Burda patterns now and I find the instructions for all of them just awful. I’m a novice and without my mum’s sage advice and assistance I would have wasted a lot of money attempting to make anything with them (in Ireland the crappiest cotton starts at E6.99 per 45" wide yard and there is no where to buy second hand fabrics here), luckily she has usually been able to save the day using her 30 odd years dress making experience.

    The instructions are far far to vague for novices who are trying to teach themselves pattern cutting, I think digital diagrams that you could browse on the site to make it clearer would be a great idea without needing to do any extra printing.

    I also find it very annoying that the seam allowance doesn’t seem to be included in patterns, I made the peplum blouse today and realised after cutting that the seam allowance wasn’t included. After using lots of vintage patterns lately I took it for granted (stupidly, I know) that it would be included, Again, luckily, my mum has figured out various ways for us to make it fit using the fabric scraps and bias binding but it has taken nearly a days worth of mucking about! I think there should be a big bold statement at the top of each pattern to warn people that they need to include it themselves or include it in the instructions.

    Although honestly, if I pay a fiver for a pattern I have to print out, assemble and then cut out myself the last thing I really want to do is go around with a ruler for half an hour adding the seam allowance! Surely it would be easy to include it on the pattern pieces that aren’t free??

    2 Replies
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      May 8, 2011, 11.15 AMby bekaem

      You’re right, the way the instructions are done for – especially – the download patterns on this site is more than confusing. You wouldn’t think someone has actually thought about it before issuing them. – But regarding the seam allowance, I have used patterns from different magazines, not just burda, from different countries and different decades and none of them included seam allowance. Burda keeps it the same way on the download versions it seems. If you have cut a few patterns it is really easy to add the same seam allowance around the pattern by eye, without a ruler. I only measure hem allowances or similar where the dimension is different. There is also a little tool you can get to fix to your scissors that helps you keep the same distance while cutting. On the sewing machine you can then use the lines on the plate to align the edge and make sure you stick to the same width seam allowance. Because I started with them I prefer patterns without seam allowance, I find it easier to ‘see’ the finished garment in them, and better to measure from, change them etc.

    • Morris7041_3772__large

      Jun 11, 2012, 07.53 AMby smallpaws1

      Good morning from Rainy London

      Yes I totally agree with the very bad instructions. I paid $5.40 for a pattern for a very simple wrap around blouse which when I cut out the chiffon simply did not fit me – and also the instructions were so vague and like you I did not realise that the seam allowances were not included. Yes why can’t Burda just make the pattern pieces include the seam allowances – like you it was a waste of the pattern price and also the price of the fabric and my time. I will certainly not be purchasing any more patterns online from Burda.

      Regards

      Anne

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    May 8, 2011, 06.21 AMby Ralf Schmitz

    i have to agree but the worst instruction are coming from the burdastyle magazin. if i compare these with lets say kwiksew ore vogue patterns or simplicity, i have to say, that these are so much more clear for people like me (who never learned sewing on a profi base). my biggest help have been two books (one from german burda and one from vogue) explaining all kind of things in a step by step way and with picutres. that is the only way, how you really can do things, especially, if you pay for each of the pattern seperatly!

    1 Reply
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      Feb 24, 2013, 06.16 AMby warsawgirl

      I agree that instructions given by Burda are often very hard to understand. When I am completely lost, I look for help at youtube.com and often find it. Also, I often use a book “Complete Guide to Sewing” by Reader’s Digest.

  • Missing

    May 8, 2011, 10.47 AMby superalicat

    I have just bought a burda pattern number 7555 and am trying to sew the A pattern. I am very confused, can any one help me with this please. I must be very stupid but I cant seem to see what goes where. Please help,

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    May 8, 2011, 11.53 AMby Sapsorrow

    Thanks Bekaem, good tips there, I won’t make the same mistake again (hopefully!). I didn’t realise it wasn’t standard to add the seam allowance, it must be one of the plus points of using the vintage patterns! That’s interesting that you prefer the patterns without the allowance added, I must keep an eye out for that in the future myself and maybe I’ll be converted too :)

    Regarding the patterns, I also find the lack of notch marks a bit annoying, it’s much harder to get all the pieces to line up without them, especially for people without dress makers dummies. Again such a small thing wouldn’t be hard to incorporate when the patterns are initially being drafted. This in itself would put me off paying for any more Burda patterns in the future, at least until I’m much more confident at dress making.

    I’m a bit suprised at how badly designed the patterns are overall, I appreciate one can’t expect too much from the free patterns but when you pay so much (between the download fee and printing) I would expect a much better product for my money.

    On a more positive note though it is great being able to see the photos of other peoples finished projects before you buy a pattern and the potential support in the forums and on site is brilliant.

    1 Reply
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      Aug 7, 2012, 06.26 AMby Livonet

      I agreed about the lack of notches,and that brings to another problem, some pieces do not simply match, I have tried 3 times to sew this bustier, I thought I was doing something wrong, but no, it doesnt simply match the pieces, and of course, there is not notches at all, to use as guide in assembly the piece and Burda said that this bustier is for novice, I cant believe it.

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    May 8, 2011, 05.02 PMby anajan

    Nice idea, candyjoyce. I think the best place for your tutorial would be in the Learning section, since I guess some parts of the instructions would be applicable for numerous patterns. Another issue is how to relate the technique/instructions with the pattern. Maybe making a comment on the project page of the pattern, that links to your instructions?

    It would be great if BS included a feature for members to link the pattern to the tutorial, even if the pattern and/or tutorial weren’t made by the same author/member…

  • Missing

    May 17, 2012, 03.02 PMby Gem-of-Cali

    Many years ago I bought a handy tool burda put out that used chalk to add the seam allowance on the fabric. But I don’t know if they sell it any more. . I never got why they didn’t add the seam allowances either.

    1 Reply
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      May 20, 2012, 09.13 PMby katexxxxxx

      Patterns are drafted without seam allowances. You can add as much or as little as you need depending on whether or not you need to build in size adjustment, how much the fabric might fray, and how much you prefer. Sometimes it’s better to add the seam allowances after transferring the stitching line to the fabric. You then sew along the marked stitching line rather than relying on a possibly inaccurate cutting line. Cutting lines don’t need to match up with anything. Stitching lines need to be accurate to get a decent fit.

      I usually mark the stitching line when transferring a commercial pattern to dot & cross (I tend not to cut the original pattern), but where you mark the seam line is sometimes guesswork when extrapolating from a cutting line, especially as some patterns have differing widths of seam allowance in different places. When drafting a pattern, I add the appropriate seam allowance to each seam, depending on the type of garment, the type of seam I’m making, and the the stability of the weave of the cloth.

      These days there’s a handy chalking gadget by Prym that will allow you to chalk in various widths of cutting or stitching line, and Clover produce a double wheeled tracing wheel that can be adjusted to different widths.

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    May 24, 2012, 05.49 PMby jenss-1

    Generally, I think that Burda patterns are quite accurate compared to other big pattern makers. (Had a nightmare Simplicity pattern awhile ago that sticks in my mind). By accurate I mean the precision of the pattern pieces. I agree that the Burda instructions are often vague and confusing. They also do not include any seam finishing techniques, and I think that this indicates that they are intended for sewers that already have a fair amount of skills. Also, finishing techniques (just to continue my example) are one of those things that can be quite varied — it’s personal choice often. Realistically, Burda magazine patterns are incredibly cheap (in the U.S.). I have the subscription and this works out to about $10 an issue or less, and includes 30+ patterns (usually at least 2 of which I may use).

    Lately the magazine has had a feature focusing on a particular “easy” pattern in the issue—with more detailed instructions and pictures. So I think that is how they are dealing with this complaint. As for the downloads, they are really just copies of the BSM patterns, so they use the same instructions as the magazine, i.e., vague and geared towards experience. Different expectations in the U.S. versus Germany, I guess.

    I usually suggest that beginners do not use Burda patterns at least until they’ve made up a few of the “easy” category patterns from the big 3 pattern companies and the like (McCalls, Simplicity, Butterick, etc.). Expand your skills and technique base. If, for example, you’ve never installed a zipper, learn how to do this first with a standard Big 3 pattern. Then move on to the most beginner level Burda patterns if you like. I mostly use the magazine’s patterns, and so I typically trace them with a large piece of pattern carbon paper and the Clover double-wheel device that Kate mentioned above. It’s great because I can make a smaller (1/4-3/8") seam allowance for knits instead of the usual 5/8." For downloads I used to mark the seam allowances with one of those compass devices from geometry class…

  • Missing

    Jul 17, 2012, 07.57 AMby alura

    Hello everybody

    Last weekend i’ve been busy making the “sailor pants” But my zip (22cm) doesn’t fit. Has anybody encountered the same problem or am i doing anyting wrong? regards laura

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    Jul 24, 2012, 10.11 PMby JillStraw

    I’m working on http://www.burdastyle.com/patterns/flowy-vest-042012 (burda flowy vest). I’m nearly finished but am hung up (a lot of things on my mind right now is not helping) with the last steps: the hems and facings. Has anyone finished this project, or possibly explain to me what I may be doing wrong? I’ve hemmed the front facings forward and back (to right sides) but now as I think about the next step the instructions are just going over my head! Any help or EXPLICIT made for a child type of assistance would be welcomed! As I said I’ve got a lot on my mind right now and I know I’m making this more difficult than it should be. Thanks in advance for any help that can be offered.

    2 Replies
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      Aug 2, 2012, 06.26 PMby wzrdreams

      Hey, I took a look at those instructions and without pictures or pattern peices I can’t tell what the heck the instructions mean exactly. The style looks fairly basic though so I would advise you to use your set judgement and make it work. Good luck!

    • L_9e61a4b02dc09090874b07a96e25187d_large

      Aug 6, 2012, 03.57 AMby JillStraw

      Thank you wzrdreams! i appreciate you taking the time to look at this project. I have had it set aside for a while. I think I’ve figured out where I am taking it next. As you said – it is a basic style, but for some reason those are often the ones I have the most difficulty with! :-) Anyway… having decided how I want to finish the vest, your post just gave me the confidence to actually pick the piece up and finish sewing it! Thank you again so much!!!! (another UFO out of the pile – whew!)

  • Missing

    Aug 3, 2012, 06.54 AMby denvitroy

    hi girl, iam newbie, iam from indonesia, help me on this discussions

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    Aug 7, 2012, 06.22 AMby Livonet

    Hello, I bought a bustier pattern in Burda, I also found the instructions not very helpfull, I ended up doing it by myself, and using my logic thinking. I wonder if any of you have experience that some parts of the patterns tend to be bigger, I cut 3 times the same pieces thinking That I probably was doing something wrong in my sewing, but no, some pieces do not match. and I felt frustrated, Does someone have experiences the same problems as me?

  • Missing

    Aug 25, 2012, 05.34 PMby xxyyzz

    No matter how accurate a pattern is, always remember to crosscheck your size measurements and do some adjustments if needed after tracing out on fabric; bust, waist, hip, etc Especially for full figured women whose body parts usually don’t fall into a particular size!!!

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    Aug 31, 2012, 06.14 PMby Sallyanne Smith

    I have several patterns from Burda and have found the instructions to be simply awful. They are vague and leave out steps. I can’t believe they don’t give you all of the pattern for $5.40 plus the cost to us, for printing. I like the styles they offer, but feel the end product (pattern) is poorly put together and eventually you will have little to no business. Wake up folks! Give us something for the money we are paying. Find employees who know how to sew and complete a pattern! Thank you.

    1 Reply
    • Whiteb_large

      Oct 23, 2012, 08.45 PMby BurdaStyle Support

      Hello Sallyanne,

      I apologize for your frustration with our service and product.

      All patterns by burda style magazine are created in the Burda Fashion Factory in Germany. We are recently collecting customer feedback on their behalf regarding the instructions. With all of the comments gathered from our forum we hope to make an impression.

      As for patterns previously published on the site, please feel free to contact us if you feel a pattern’s instructions need to be reviewed and redrafted. Two out of three members of the BurdaStyle.com staff sew professionally and are willing to offer assistance (and or point you in the right direction).

      Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to go through all previously published patterns at at time. As requests come in, Meg is personally reviewing and redrafting instructions.

      Please feel free to e-mail us at Answers@burdastyle.com with the name of any pattern you feel has inadequate instructions and we will do as much as we can to rectify the situation.

      Best,

      BSS

  • Missing

    Aug 31, 2012, 09.54 PMby debycoles

    Sadly I have to agree that I find Burda terribly hard to work with. I’m a novice sewist and have only used self drafted patterns untiI bought a recent Burda magazine. I made a dress where the pattern was clearly wrong – I cut out and sewed all day, only to find the straps for the full halter that went from under the bust to the top of the back of the bodice were 6 inches too short. I checked again and again, and I had cut them correctly – they just no where near fit the design. All that time, effort and money scrapped. No spare fabric to cut them again.

    So then I followed the ‘easy’ project to make a shirred top. I cut the fabric, shirred, followed the measurements exactly until I had two pieces 25 inches wide after shirring, sewed up the side seams to make the bodice 48inches round. So how on earth then is this supposed to fit my 36 inch bust? I checked the instructions again and again – its a step by step beginner project. And they clearly give instructions to make a top 48 inches round for a 36 inch bust ! Another piece of fabric scrapped.

    Both of course partly my fault as I don’t know what I’m doing and so simply followed the pattern and instructions exactly expecting the end result to be as described. I’m too new to sewing to see things aren’t right until they are nearly finished.

    Sorry Burda, I love the styles but I’m gonna think more than twice before I waste my money again.

    1 Reply
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      Aug 31, 2012, 10.44 PMby katexxxxxx

      Two things to take away from this:

      When you draft a pattern, you don’t have instructions. Treat the Burda pattern as if you drafted it. Identify all the pieces, think about the order they need to go together in, and the processes needed, and go from there.

      And before cutting, CHECK that pattern pieces fit each other! ‘Walk’ seamlines round to check that they fit and have the correct ease where ease is needed, and make a toile to check that it fits you… Just today I finished drafting a pattern, and on checking that the sleeve head fitted the armscye, I discovered that the formula is a little off and I needed two more inches in the sleeve head. Easy to correct on paper by adding a little width to the sleeve (it’s for a LARP costume doublet: LARPer blokes tend to have muscular arms. More is always better!)

      With the shirred fabric… Were you supposed to shirr the fabric and then cut the pattern piece out? Or shirr down to a particular size?

  • Missing

    Oct 17, 2012, 05.05 PMby Bonita Bon Bons

    I just bought coat pattern ‘Short coat #112A’ and I thought I could figure it out despite the vaguest instructions (the instructions also have random typos popping up all over the place- anyone else had this problem adding to their confusion?) but now im looking at this its a different coat ..the one pictured online doesn’t have a split or even a back seam in the technical drawing but the pattern I have is for a coat with a split in the back…I would have thought the drawing or the photo should include the split detail. http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/022011-short-coat this is the coat anyways..maybe I’m just getting confused ..I never brought a pattern like this before that I had to asemble, I was thinking so far so good and now this has thrown me off. Has anyone made this coat? please help me I have a ton of questions!

    1 Reply
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    Oct 30, 2012, 10.55 PMby xxjen454xx

    I purchased several patterns at once. Once I started working on the first pattern I quickly noticed the instructions were inadequate. I felt like I had to try to guess when the insturctions were saying and found it so very frustrating. I couldnt get a refund either so I am stuck with a bunch of patterns with inferior instructions. Its sad :(. I really love the style of Burda’s patterns however, unless you enjoy pulling your hair out I wouldnt recommend them to others. Cant Burda just add some more detailed instructions and pictures for goodness sake? is it that expensive? Other patters cost relatively the same and they include adequate instructions. Some pics and more details would make this process functional.

    1 Reply
    • Whiteb_large

      Nov 14, 2012, 07.51 PMby BurdaStyle Support

      I apologize for this frustrating experience.

      I will pass your frustrations on to the appropriate department.

      Thank you for voicing your opinion.

      BSS
      Answers@burdastyle.com

  • Missing

    Dec 30, 2012, 04.33 PMby Claire Sommer

    I recently started sewing after a very long break. My first attempts at sewing patterns I’d purchased and downloaded from Burdastyle.com have left me feeling frustrated and humiliated. I will not purchase any more of these awful patterns that lack reasonable instructions and sensible guidelines.

    1 Reply
    • This is a question
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