10 Pro Tips for Getting 5 Stars on Every Commission
I struggled with 4-star ratings for weeks before I figured these out. Now I get 5 stars consistently. These are the tricks that actually make a difference.
Getting 5 stars on commissions in Dressmaker isn't about using the most expensive fabrics. It's not about having the rarest materials. And it's definitely not about luck.
It's about understanding what the game actually rewards, and systematically hitting every single requirement.
These are the 10 tips that took me from "I'll be happy with 4 stars" to "I expect 5 stars on everything."
1. Cover every required tag — but cover them WELL
This is the #1 most important thing. Every required style tag needs to be covered by at least one fabric. But not just "covered" — you want a fabric that has a HIGH score in that tag. A fabric with a strong tag contribution is way better than one that barely has it.
2. More fabrics ≠ better score
I used to think "3 fabrics must be better than 2!" Nope. Two perfectly matched high-quality fabrics will beat three mediocre ones almost every time. Only add a third fabric if it adds something important — a missing tag, a required color, or significant quality.
3. Start with your star fabric, then build around it
Don't pick fabrics one by one randomly. Pick your main fabric first — the one that has the most required tags and the highest style/quality. Then pick supporting fabrics that fill in the gaps. Your main fabric carries the score; the others just add what's missing.
4. Hit all color requirements with meaningful amounts
If a commission needs red and black, having 90% red and 10% black probably won't cut it. You need each required color to be present in a meaningful percentage. I aim for at least 30-40% of each required color.
5. Quality matters more than you think (but less than style)
Quality is important — don't get me wrong — but I used to overprioritize it. Style tags have a bigger impact on your final score than raw quality numbers. Focus on style first, then make sure quality is above the minimum threshold.
6. Know your client's priorities
Pay attention to what the client says during the consultation. Some clients are "style first" people, some care more about quality, and some are all about the budget. Play to what they value most and you'll see higher scores.
7. Use the right fabric TYPE for each role
Different fabric types serve different purposes. Silks and satins are great for elegance and formality. Lace adds romance and delicacy. Velvet adds drama and luxury. Cotton and linen are casual and comfortable. Match the fabric type to the commission's vibe.
8. Don't be afraid to use "budget" fabrics as support
Tulle Ivory is only 70 quality, but I use it all the time. Why? Because it adds volume, romance, and lightness without costing a fortune. Budget fabrics make great supporting players — you just don't want them as your star.
9. Save and reload — there's no shame
If you finish a commission and get 4 stars when you wanted 5, just reload! It's a single-player game — you're not cheating anyone. Save before every important commission and reload until you get it right. Life's too short to settle for 4 stars.
10. Use tools (this isn't an exam)
I spent way too long trying to do everything in my head. Then I started writing things down. Then I made a spreadsheet. Then I built a whole calculator. You know what? Using tools doesn't make you worse at the game — it lets you focus on the fun parts instead of arithmetic.
🌟 My #1 Secret to Consistent 5 Stars
Okay, here's the big secret: there is no secret. It's just about systematically checking every box.
Before you start sewing, go through this checklist:
- ✅ All required style tags covered?
- ✅ All required colors present in meaningful amounts?
- ✅ Average quality above the minimum?
- ✅ At least 2 different fabric types?
- ✅ The combination fits the client's style?
- ✅ You have enough money to buy everything?
If you can check all of these boxes, you're almost guaranteed 4+ stars, and very likely 5 stars. That's it. That's the whole trick.
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