Last updated on October 21st, 2023 at 09:49 pm
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Sewists have actively used projectors for sewing since 2019. The Ditto Pattern Projector is the first commercialized version of a projector system for sewing.
If you are considering buying the Ditto Pattern Projector, please read this article to be fully informed on the decision-making process. At ProjectorSewing.com, I review, and test projectors used in Do-it-yourself projector setups for sewing. I also provide resources, recommendations, and tutorials.
A more recent and complete review of the Ditto Pattern Projector can be found at Ditto Pattern Projector Review: An Experienced Sewist’s Opinion.
The Ditto Pattern Projector was released for presale on February 8, 2023. It is a joint venture between JoAnn and Singer and their version of a sewing projector system.
Ditto claims they are “the first disruptive sewing technology in 160 years“.
However, projectors have been used by thousands of home sewists, indie pattern companies, and small businesses since 2019.
A Facebook Group “Projectors for Sewing” was started by Missy Pore in December 2019 to explore using projectors to project sewing patterns down onto fabric.
The group quickly grew to over 60K members by 2023.
As a further resource, ProjectorSewing.com was started to provide tutorials, reviews, and recommendations of projectors to use for sewing.
Since the movement of sewing with a projector began, many digital PDF pattern companies have designed and delivered PDF “projector files” for sewists to use.
There are also many sewing companies that offer “made to measurement” patterns, including Apostophe patterns, Tailor Nova, Bootstrap Fashion, Lekala, and FreeSewing.org.
Ditto the First Sewing Projection System
The Ditto projector is the first commercialized produced system that combines made to measure patterns with a projector for sewing. Looking for a complete story about the Ditto and how it relates to the evolution of sewing? Check out this in-depth article by Crafty Industry Alliance.
Ditto Pattern Projector System
The It is a tool to be used with the Ditto App and DittoPatterns.com to easily customize sewing patterns and project them onto a cutting mat.
Ditto patterns are available on a subscription basis or pay per pattern, per size.
Calibration of the projector seems to be simple and straightforward for those looking for a quick and easy solution. The projector will produce a 24″x36″ image.
The projector system price is currently listed at $799 US.
On Joann.com you can find the following description:
“The future of sewing is here. Ditto is transforming the world’s oldest sewing problem of patterning into a journey of creative simplicity. It’s a digital projection system with paperless patterns that makes it possible to adapt to any body measurement and make design changes on the fly. Start by shopping hundreds of patterns size 0-28 with infinite customizations. Simply launch the app and project your personalized pattern onto the included Ditto cutting mat and start cutting fabric in minutes.
Ditto patterns are made to your measurements which takes out the guesswork of sizing. Expand your wardrobe options while you stop wasting money on buying or creating things that don’t fit properly. Since everything is digital with Ditto, each Ditto pattern can now change as you do. Reuse patterns again and again with one simple subscription. Let’s Ditto!
Product Detail:
- In the box you will receive a Ditto Projector, set up beam, 36×24 inch cutting mat, Fiskars rotary cutter, ½ lb. fabric weights (x4), pattern target stickers, power cord and cord covers.
- Workspace should be a flat area with a minimum width of 37 in x 25 in with the best possible Wi-Fi signal and a power outlet within 10 ft.
- Fits in any room with a flat ceiling and a height of 7.5 ft – 10 ft.
FAQ’s:
- Patterns are bought digitally through DittoPatterns.com. New patterns are added every month!
- You will need to download the Ditto App on your tablet or phone.
- Pre-Sale starting 2/8 through 3/30. Will ship at an estimated date of 3/1. Available for purchase in-stores starting 3/31.
**Please note all Ditto Projector returns of an unopen box require a $25 restocking fee. Boxes that have been opened are unable to be returned. Learn More!**”“
Learn more about the Ditto on Joann.com: https://www.joann.com/is/ditto/
Who Might Want to Buy the Ditto Pattern Projector System?
While sewing with a projector is not new to the Projector Sewing community, it is a new concept for many. Those just learning about sewing projectors will be very intrigued by the system. Others looking for a quick setup and go projection system will love the Ditto.
They will need to be able to swallow the nearly $800 cost to setup, which is over 4x the cost most people using projectors pay to get started. But, to some the ease of setup and go is worth the cost.
The Ditto projector also only works with the Ditto Patterns and App. While you currently cannot use other PDF patterns, Ditto has stated that they are going to add this capability.
When the Ditto was first released you could not use any PDF patterns you already owned and had to buy the complete system. They have since updated their “About” page to state they plan to include:
- Ability to use your own PDF patterns
- Buy individual components of the system (projector, mat, mount, weights)
- Ditto Designer
You can check out the current pattern library for the Ditto HERE. Some of the pattern designers include DITTO, Butterwick, Kwik Sew, McCalls, Liesl + Co, Madalynne Intimates, Style Arc, Straight Stitch Society, and Named.
Each company has their own size chart and size range, so make sure your size is included before proceeding.
Some patterns are also customizable to measurements. Only the Ditto brand patterns are customizable at this time. They are customizable to your specific body measurements and go up to US size 28 (But, plan to expand sizing). Some of the Ditto pattern styles can be customized for sleeves, length, and neckline. These patterns are included in the subscription or are available for purchase.
Patterns from other companies on the site are not customizable.
Subscriptions to Ditto Patterns start at $9.99/month or $99/year.
The target audience seems to be a sewist just learning about sewing with a projector and those wanting customizable options.
The choices for setup are already made for you and calibration is quick and easy. If you are intimidated by the selection of a projector and want a one and done, this could be it!
So, are you going to purchase a Ditto Pattern Projector?
Should I get the Ditto Pattern Projector for Sewing?
The Ditto projection system is a great option for some sewist. The complete system is designed specifically for projecting patterns and it does the job well.
No decision needs to be made on the mount, projector, or setup. It is one packaged deal!
Calibration is quick and easy as the app communicates with the projector using the guides on the cutting mat!
If you already have a sewing projector setup or don’t have the budget for the complete projector system, then you might opt for the Do-it-yourself sewing projector. It is easy to get started for under $200 if you are willing to do a little bit of research on the right setup for you. I recommend the Get Started page or Complete Projector Confidence Course.
The current Ditto Projection system may work for you if you have between 7.5ft -10ft ceilings. If you have ceilings higher than 10 ft, this tension rod system will not currently work for you. I would wait until they offer other mounting solutions.
*Ditto is working on updating their system which will affect this point.
Ditto Pattern Projector: BUY NOW!Join the discussion on Instagram.com/@projectorsewing or on our Facebook Page
What do you think of the Ditto Pattern Projector? Are you going to get one?
Can I Use Any Projector to Project Patterns?
Almost! A sewing projector is really no different than a projector that you use at home for movies and gaming. Through research we have found that some projectors work better than others for sewing purposes. See the recommended projectors on our Projectors Page.
Projector sewing can be very affordable, with most projector setups costing around $90-$200 for a projector and mount. The projectors are multi-functional in your home too! As long as you are willing to take down and put back after using!
Learn how to get started with projector sewing by visiting the GET STARTED page or let me guide you through the process in the Complete Projector Confidence Course!
Using your own projector for sewing you will need to "calibrate" for sewing, which can be a little bit intimidating at first. However, ensuring a flat surface and following the instruction in our calibration articles will walk you through it!
Most sewist only calibrate their projector once! I am able to calibrate most projectors within 15 minutes of setting up and mounting due to practice.
The patterns that can be used on a home sewing projector are not limited to one library. You can use any digital PDF pattern file or specific "Projector Files" available by many Indie pattern companies.
If you are a pattern designer, you can project directly from your digital design program that allows typable zoom. This include Adobe Illustrator and Affinity Desginer.
Conclusion
The Ditto Pattern Projector system is a high-end sewing projector that will appeal to many, but it is not the only option to start sewing with a projector.
The Ditto Pattern Projector is a complete all-in-one system ready to go! The decision of which projector and mount to buy are made for you.
If you want a packaged system that is ready to go, and the price tag doesn't scare you away, then go for it! But, if you are looking for something easier on the wallet, consider a DIY sewing projector.
Looking for a more affordable solution to start sewing with a projector? Then, you've come to the right place! Check out the Get Started page to see how to choose a projector to get started from as little as $100!
I bought the Ditto projector this week. I really wish I could use the patterns I already own, but I am excited to give it a try anyway.
Wild Ginger has customizable sewing pattern software https://www.wildginger.com/ Boutique is $225 pattern options are endless, you can also duplicate your paper pattern. Simply save patterns as a PDF and project them onto your cutting table. I have also invested in a small projector and ceiling mount. You can demo the software (with limited functionality for free)
Yes! Wild Ginger is another great customizable pattern software. Thank you!
Thank you for the candid review. I am one of the ones who did not realize this technology even existed and would love a way to simplify pattern alterations. Sounds like I’m saving a lot of money doing alterations the old fashioned way but I am going to explore other projector options and research the technology.
You’re welcome! I do all my alterations digitally now! You can use a free program called Inkscape or Affinity Designer (one-time fee). You can see some of the tutorials provided on these programs on my Tutorials page. There are also many pattern companies and drafting software that allows you to customize patterns to your measurements. I can only image the number of companies offering these will continue to grow!
I wish I had run across this article before I preordered my Ditto. I received my Ditto a few days ago and found setting it up to be fairly straightforward. After the setup, things went downhill. I was assured by Ditto Customer Service that any of their 600 plus patterns could be altered to my measurements so I picked a cute top pattern and proceeded with some vague Ditto instructions on getting it to the projector. Yes, they have tutorial videos but the videos skip over some crucial points. First off, I couldn’t enter my measurements into their app. After a call to customer service, they agreed the problem was on their end and had it fixed within the hour. Next I wanted to alter the pattern I purchased to fit my measurements. When I couldn’t do that I got back with customer service and was told to do exactly what I had been doing which still did not give me any option except standard measurements. It was then that their customer service became very perplexed since they thought any pattern on the Ditto site could be altered. They promised to check into it and get back with me. They never got back to me but I figured out that only Ditto patterns can be altered for other than standard measurements. The Ditto patterns, generally speaking, are not geared to my age group so I decided to return the package to Joann. Now I have a $10.99 projector pattern which I can’t use and was charged a $25 restocking fee by Joann to return the unit. Needless to say, I am not a fan of Ditto.
Hello Cathy,
Sorry to hear about your experience. Yes, it is important that buyers understand the full limitations and capabilities of the Ditto before purchasing. Please share this article with anyone you feel might benefit from it. As with any new product launch, there are hiccups and bumps in the road. Hope you can learn about some of the joys of using a projector for sewing in the future when you are ready to try a DIY sewing projector. Take care!
Great review. I’m wondering if the projector can project other pdf patterns.
From what we understand right now is that they use “proprietary” projector files. This means that only their specific “projector file formats” will communicate with their app and Ditto projector. You will not be able to project PDF patterns purchased elsewhere. You will only be able to project the patterns available on DittoPatterns. com
It cannot. Only limited proprietary patterns w a subscription or buy a pattern 1 size per purchase.