Ditto, a joint venture between specialty craft retailer Joann and sewing machine major Singer, has launched the first-ever digital pattern projection system for home sewists.
- The technology combines algorithmic intelligence with digital projection to make patterns paperless, customisable, and adaptable to specific body measurements — all in real time.
- This system is being described as the first evolution of paper patterns since their invention in 1860. The Ditto platform will feature original Ditto patterns and options from major pattern producers.
What's New: Ditto allows sewists to get to the fun faster. The system:
- Creates a custom fit: Pattern dimensions adjust in real time using measurement inputs, reflecting the reality that no two bodies are the same.
- Customises the design: Changing a neckline or sleeve, or flaring a skirt or pant leg are all possible in a few clicks.
- Is accurate: Once calibrated, sewists can trust pattern pieces are accurate and ready to cut. Ditto also has a splicing feature to accurately handle pieces that extend beyond the cutting mat.
- Simplifies setup: From box opening to patterning in minutes, no tools, mounting, or engineering degrees are needed.
- Includes a digital sewing gallery: Hundreds of customisable patterns and more from top brands and indie patternmakers will be available at launch, with more added monthly.
- Saves paper and the space to store it.
How it Worked So Far: Traditionally, sewists have used PDF patterns by printing and laying them out on fabric like traditional paper patterns or projecting them through DIY setups.
- These homespun options require ceiling or wall mounting, are not movable, and are highly challenging to calibrate for accurate pattern dimensions.
- Everyday sewists have a growing interest in projected patterns because it offers an improvement over traditional paper. Facebook groups that troubleshoot home-grown options have tens of thousands of members.
- There are 35 million active sewists in the US and sewing machine sales continue to grow, adding new consumers who are sewing younger.
How it Now Works: Ditto works by attaching a small digital projector to a tension rod, which is set up vertically between the floor and the ceiling.
- Using the Ditto app, sewists calibrate the projector to the cutting mat within minutes, then choose a pattern on dittopatterns.com, add their measurements, and customise the design and project. It can be set up and taken down quickly and easily.
- Ditto addresses both a top frustration among sewists — 33% rank patterning tasks as their least favourite part of sewing — and a sizable market opportunity.
The Disruption: The idea for Ditto began as a way to simply solve these pain points, but it has since grown into a tool that makes sewing and patterning more inclusive, more accessible, and more creative.
- By collaborating with real sewists throughout the three-year development process, Ditto developers identified bigger-picture needs, including made-to-measure sizing and the ability to easily modify a pattern's design.
What They Said:
Ditto compresses hours into minutes, eliminating the errors, frustration, and time-consuming reality of traditional patterns. Most importantly, Ditto is a tool to enable creativity. The same technology that accurately and easily projects patterns gives sewists the ability to customise measurements and modify the designs in just a few clicks — a concept that once seemed impossible.
— Filippo Robotti
General Manager
Ditto
Every Ditto capability was created for sewists and by sewists, which resulted in a tool that delivers the freedom of expression, the freedom of fit, and the joy of garments reflecting your personal style.
— Niasia Pinnock
Lead Designer
Ditto
