vibe coding a sewing helper app

Seamless: AI Sewing Pattern Generator

ROLE

Product Designer

focus

Vibe Coding

timeline

2 Weeks

The Problem

Hundreds of saved inspo images.
Zero finished garments.

When I designed a collection for my first fashion show (see my collection - and namesake - here!), I had several ambitious ideas but didn't have the skillset to execute confidently. I spent hours staring at reference images and fleshing out my designs, knowing exactly what I wanted to make but having no pathway from inspiration to reality as a novice seamstress.

This isn't just my problem, it's systemic. Hobbyist sewers save hundreds of Pinterest and Instagram images but can't translate them into actual garments.

→ Commercial patterns never match their vision and can be expensive

→ Pattern drafting requires years of training and expertise

→ The gap between 'I want this' and 'I can make this' feels impossible to bridge

The inspiration is there, the desire is there - what's missing is the bridge.

The Problem

Hundreds of saved inspo images.
Zero finished garments.

This isn't just my problem, it's systemic. Hobbyist sewers save hundreds of Pinterest and Instagram images but can't translate them into actual garments.

→ Commercial patterns never match their vision and can be expensive

→ Pattern drafting requires years of training and expertise

→ The gap between 'I want this' and 'I can make this' feels impossible to bridge

The inspiration is there, the desire is there - what's missing is the bridge.

200+

Saved inspiration images per user

5-10%

Images that become actual projects

1-3hrs

Spent searching for matching patterns

$15-30

Cost per pattern that needs modification

"When I sit down to sew, I don't know how to make what I envision. I spend hours scouring for similar patterns online that don't quite match."

— Research Participant, Beginner Sewer

Research

Understanding the gap

I conducted 2 formal interviews with home sewers (beginner and intermediate levels), supplemented with 5 informal conversations. The research revealed systematic barriers preventing sewers from translating inspiration into finished garments.

Terminology is a barrier for beginners

Sewers use phrases like 'the flowy part' instead of technical terms. Pattern instructions assume knowledge beginners don't have.

Material choice is critical but confusing

Multiple project failures from wrong fabric choices. Patterns give vague recommendations while fabric drastically affects construction and appearance.

Commercial patterns don't match inspiration

Hours spent searching for patterns, settling for 'close enough' options at $15-30 that require modification anyway.

Community support is invaluable

All participants active in online communities. Peer validation trusted more than company descriptions.

Users

Who I'm designing for

The Enthusiastic Beginner

Background

6 months sewing experience, self-taught via YouTube

Pain Points

Doesn't know how to translate inspiration into garments. Finds pattern instructions intimidating. Unsure which projects match skill level.

Goals

Learn progressively without overwhelm. Understand construction concepts. Build confidence for complex projects.

The Capable Intermediate

Background

3 years sewing experience, confident with most techniques

Pain Points

Spends too much time finding and modifying patterns. Wastes money on patterns that need extensive changes. Lacks pattern drafting skills to create from scratch.

Goals

Reduce time from inspiration to cutting fabric. Get patterns that match vision from the start. Access detailed technical guidance without condescension.

The Solution

AI as your knowledgeable sewing assistant

SEAMLESS analyzes inspiration photos and generates custom sewing patterns - but it's more than just pattern generation.

→ Teaches terminology contextually

→ Provides material recommendations with rationale

→ Connects sewers with community support

The AI offers expertise and possibilities, but you make every decision. Your vision, your choices, your garment.

Design Principles

Collaborative AI

Position as knowledgeable assistant, not authoritative expert. Users retain creative control.

Progressive Disclosure

Reveal complexity gradually based on user needs and skill level.

Contextual Education

Teach terminology and techniques where they're needed, not in separate glossaries.

Community-Driven

Integrate peer validation and shared knowledge throughout the experience.

User Flow

→

Start

Upload
Inspiration

Enter
Measurements

Select
Skill Level

AI Pattern
Generation

View Pattern
Pieces

View
Assembly

Track
Progress

Complete

Key Learnings

What this project taught me

Systems Thinking Reveals Complexity

Designing every screen forced me to consider AI implementation, data flow, and backend requirements—not just surface interactions.

Feasibility Defines Direction

I researched AI training for garment recognition and pattern generation. Understanding feasibility helped me scope features appropriately.

Transparency Builds Trust

Learned to position AI as collaborative assistant through clarifying questions, transparent limitations, and progressive disclosure.

Constraints Force Prioritization

Limited time meant choosing between breadth and depth. Focusing on core flows over edge cases resulted in a more cohesive solution that addressed real pain points effectively.

Key Screens

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