Our challenge was to create the first and disruptive sewing technology in 160 years.

Ditto™ is the first-ever digital pattern projection system for home sewists that combines algorithmic intelligence with digital projection to make patterns paperless, customizable, and adaptable to body measurements – all in real time. This joint venture between JOANN and SVP Worldwide was developed with the team at Nottingham Spirk. The result is the only evolution of paper patterns since their invention in 1860.

The revolutionary new Ditto system required innovations in both hardware and software to create a solution that addresses sewists’ pain points uncovered during extensive qualitative and quantitative research conducted by Nottingham Spirk. And it needed an ecosystem to realize its full potential as a highly functional connected product. The patented Ditto system includes the projector, beam, proprietary cutting mat, accessories, an e-commerce website where sewists can customize and purchase patterns, and the Ditto mobile app.

Until Ditto, sewists have used PDF patterns by printing them 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 projection. Ditto eliminates the errors, frustrations, and time-consuming process of paper and PDF patterns.

Developing the "Future of Sewing"

To win over sewists long accustomed to paper pattems, we designed a system that was easy to set up and take down. A sturdy tension rod, called the "beam, extends from floor to ceiling and has a carrier for the projector, which attaches easily and twists securely into place.

Transitioning from paper to digital required a mobile app that introduces new features while still maintaining some patteming conventions.

Pattern Library: Purchased patterns download into the Patter Library and include sewing instructions and suggested layouts.

The Workspace: The sewist sends the selected pattern to the Workspace where they position pattern pieces for projecting onto fabric.

Calibration: To ensure the pattem projects at an accurate size, the sewist photographs the proprietary Ditto cutting mat with their mobile device and the software scales the pattern.

Splicing: Larger pattern pieces are projected in multiple frames, and users are guided by an interactive layout.

To create the optimal user experience, the NS insights team tested the product with actual sewists throughout the development process.

In addition to the many benefits of paperless, projectable patterns, ultimately Ditto is a tool to enable creativity. It contributes to the growing movement of makers and indie fashion designers and reignites the love of sewing for sewists.