Dressmaker FAQ
37 questions players really ask in the Steam forums, with short answers and a link to each thread.
Updated · checked against Build 443
What do Dressmaker players ask most?
The most common Dressmaker questions are about the interface: how to zoom (Z, middle-click, or Ctrl + scroll since Build 443), how to remove an accessory (right-click with the accessories tab open) and whether there is controller support (not yet; it is the next priority). Next come money (sell off-rack dresses and do not overspend early), greyed-out collars (they need a matching bodice), the fabric table that only shows the first 10 m, and achievements such as Trim and Proper and Opulence and Excess. Technical questions cover the save folder, Steam Cloud quota errors and crash fixes. Each answer below links to the Steam discussion it came from and to our deeper guide.
- 37 questions
- 7 topics
- Each linked to its Steam thread
Controls and interface
+How do I zoom in Dressmaker?
Press Z or middle-click; since Build 443, Ctrl + scroll also zooms smoothly, and there are zoom buttons on the right. See controls.
+How do I remove an accessory?
Right-click it while the accessories tab is open (L2 on Steam Deck). See accessories & trim.
+Can I re-cut a pattern piece?
Yes. Use the seam ripper on sewn seams, then drag the piece back onto the cloth area and place it again.
+How do I duplicate or mirror accessories?
Shift-click an accessory to duplicate it. Build 443 also added a duplicate-trim button.
+Can I turn off the bouncing dialogue text?
Yes. Build 443 added a Less Animation option along with switches for the red outline and bloom. See the update log.
+Does Dressmaker have controller support?
Not proper support yet; on Steam Deck you play with the trackpads. The developers list gamepad and Deck support as the next priority. See controls.
+Why does my sewing line veer off?
Slow the machine down with S, rotate the fabric with A/D before the curve, and keep the seam under the needle. See the 100% quality guide.
Commissions and clients
+Are measurements in inches or centimetres?
Players disagree in the forums and the game does not label the unit. Most read them as centimetres; what matters is matching the client's numbers.
+Why does Prudence reject my funeral dress?
A client rejects a dress that misses the sketchbook requirements. Check every tag bar and the quality target before you finish.
+How do I make a dress under 80% quality?
One Prudence commission asks for an uncomfortable dress, so you need low quality on purpose: skip grain alignment or sew roughly.
+Edith's opera dress is stuck at 90%. Is there a fix?
Several players report it. There is no confirmed fix yet; re-check the sketchbook tags and post in the thread if you are stuck. See the quality guide.
+Adora's coronation dress soft-locks at 95%?
Players report it in the forum. Keep a save backup before story commissions and report it to the developers.
+Does the newspaper change the story?
No. Newspaper choices plug in colour and trait tags for commissions; the story itself is fixed.
+Which pattern does each client unlock?
Patterns unlock at friendship stars. See unlocks by star and the characters guide.
Money and shop
+How do I make money fast?
Sell off-rack dresses between commissions and do not overspend on fabric early. Check each order in the profit calculator. Full plan in how to make money.
+My off-rack dress will not sell. Why?
Players usually find a small piece left unsewn or uncut. Check every piece; restarting the dress is the fallback.
+Do off-rack dresses need a size?
No. Off-rack dresses have no sizing requirement.
+Do gifts raise reputation?
Players discuss gifts as a friendship boost; the in-game effect is not documented. See characters & friendship.
+Do failed commissions still pay?
Since Build 403, yes, if the client still accepts the dress.
Scoring, fabric and tags
+Do accessories raise stats?
Players report accessories add little or nothing to tag bars; fabric and pattern choice drive the score.
+Where does the Flowers tag come from?
Flowers is a fabric tag. Pick floral fabrics. See the fabric guide.
+Why is a collar greyed out?
Collars only fit some bodices; deep-V ones need the Wrap, Double Breasted or Waterfall bodice. See collar compatibility.
+Why does extra fabric not show up?
The fabric table shows only the first 10 m. You did buy it. See the fabric guide.
+How do I align patterned fabric?
Line up the grain arrow first. Cone-shaped skirt pieces can never match a print perfectly; aim for grain 100%.
+How do I make a dress look less cute?
Use plain cotton or wool, professional styles and the shop filters; avoid ruffles and bows.
Achievements
+How do I track 5,000 gold for Opulence and Excess?
There is no meter. Total fabric and accessories in the calculator and make sure the client accepts. See achievements.
+Trim and Proper did not unlock?
Players report it needs a little over 50 m (51 m to be safe) and fires when the dress is finished.
+Birds of a Feather popped early or not at all?
Both happen. More pigeon commissions arrive later, so keep finishing Berty's deliveries.
+How do I get Sucker for Punishment?
Pick the leech option when Vivian talks about animals. It is missable. See all achievements.
Saves and technical
+Where is the Mac save file?
Under ~/Library/Application Support in a Unity folder. Exact paths for Windows and Mac are in save file location.
+Steam Cloud sync is broken?
Players report cloud quota errors. Back up the save folder, then let Steam re-sync. See save file location.
+My save was wiped?
On Windows, check the LocalLow folder first; the file is often still there. See save file location.
+Dressmaker crashes or shows a green screen?
Players fix it with Frame Limit 30 or the -force-d3d11 launch option. See system requirements.
Other
+Is there New Game+ or a creative mode?
Not officially. Players use a Nexus Mods mod loader with sandbox settings; we have not tested it.
+Why are there no trousers?
The game is built around dresses; the developers have not announced trousers.
+Was generative AI used?
The developers say no generative AI was used in Dressmaker.
+Why is the 福 sign upside down?
An upside-down 福 is a Chinese custom meaning good fortune has arrived.