Frequently Asked Questions

I love the pattern but it’s the wrong size? Making your vintage pattern larger!

Never miss out!  There are many re-sizing (sometimes called regrading) YouTube tutorials to choose from that will guide you every step of the way and also written tutorials that also guide you every step of the way.  We recommend the following sites:

curvysewingcollective HOW TO GRADE UP A VINTAGE PATTERN: BASIC SLASH AND SPREAD GRADING

The Easy Peasy Method - Old Time Patterns

How to Make a Vintage Pattern Bigger/ Basic Pattern Grading.

I want to adjust my bust size

We recommend a really good YouTube channel on how to do a full bust adjustment with Fina Makes;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVdT77U9IB0

I would like to buy your PDF A0 full-size patterns but want to have them printed at a printing company to keep my shipping costs low.

PatternToPaper - based in the UK, Sandra, Dave and Mike will print your PDF sewing patterns onto their special sewing pattern paper and deliver them to you quickly and economically. Their paper is lightweight (22GSM), strong and translucent, making it easy to align with the features of your fabric.  The paper is up to 42 inches wide and can be cut to any length. for more information contact them via email at patterntopaper@gmail.com

How do I download a PDF pattern?

There is a link on every PDF pattern listing that you can click and it will take you to the 'How to' video. It's easy! 

Where to find your purchased PDF sewing patterns?

Upon purchase, you'll receive an email containing a link to a download page, or you may be directed straight to an instant download page. If you can't locate the email, check your spam folder first, as 98% of the time, the file ends up there. Another possibility is that the email associated with your account has changed, or you might be checking the wrong email account.

On the download page, you'll find all your purchases listed. Simply click on the digital purchase, which will lead you to the download page where you can click on "DOWNLOAD" to save the PDF to your computer. Once you log in, you'll have perpetual access to the files.

How many times can you download the pattern? Unlimited!

How do I open a .zip file

ANDROID & GOOGLE

1. On your Android device, open Files by Google .
2. On the bottom, tap Browse .
3. Navigate to the folder that contains a .zip file you want to unzip.
4. Select the .zip file.
5. A pop up appears showing the content of that file.
6. Tap Extract.
7. You’re shown a preview of the extracted files. If you want to delete the .zip file after extraction, select the “Delete ZIP file” checkbox.
8. Tap Done.
9. The extracted files are saved in the same folders as the original .zip file.

iPHONE

1. Open the Files app, then find the ZIP file or archive you want to uncompress.
2. Tap the ZIP file or archive.
3. A folder is created containing the files. To change its name, touch and hold on the folder, then tap Rename.
4. Tap to open the folder.

iPAD

1. Open the Files app, then find the ZIP file or archive you want to uncompress.
2. Tap the ZIP file or archive.
3. A folder is created containing the files. To change its name, touch and hold on the folder, then tap Rename.

DESKTOP

1. Double click the ZIP file
2. A folder is created containing the files. To change its name, touch and hold on the folder, then tap Rename.

Saving PDF Sewing Patterns:

After downloading the pattern, it's essential to save it in a location where you can easily access it. Here are a few suggestions:

• Dropbox
• Google Drive
• A designated file on your computer
• Other Cloud Storage services

What you'll need to download and print the PDF Sewing Pattern:

• A PDF viewer (Adobe Acrobat is recommended and available for free download).
• Printer
• Paper
• Desktop computer or laptop

Printing the PDF Sewing Pattern

Before printing, open the zip file and check it contains a printing instructions, sewing instructions and the file/files for the actual pattern.

• All printers are different, so printer queues may vary.
• All patterns will require printing at 'actual' size. Ensure that "fit to page" or "page scaling" options are turned off.
• Check the paper size (American Letter or A4).
• Look for a test square provided in the pattern. Print this page only to verify the correct printing size before proceeding to print the rest of the pattern pages.

Print Shop Copy A0 files

If you have A0 files and don't have a large format printer, download them as usual and then email them to your local Print Shop for printing or see our Partners Page for a discount PatternToPaper 

How do I buy a Gift Card?

Type in Gift Card in the search bar. If unsure or you require a different amount contact us on our contact page.

Which shipping service do you use?

Royal Mail fully tracked, which is a key part of UK’s infrastructure. Royal Mail is and always has been the number one reliable shipping service for both the UK and overseas. Any questions please either message us or contact us on our contact page.

International Shipping - We offer a very competitive FULLY TRACKED low shipping rate which is automatically adjusted in the cart at checkout. Shipping is calculated by the weight of the pattern(s). 

When will my order be shipped?

We endeavour to despatch within 1-3 business days once payment has cleared. You can always contact us to request another shipment quote for the quickest delivery method and quote.

Do you offer true to scale shipped printed paper patterns and full instructions?

Yes this is indicated as 'Paper Pattern' in the drop down menu. Sewing patterns, included with full instructions as standard, are printed on A0/A1 size white premium quality paper and full instructions, which are delivered to your door.  Any enquiries please contact us via our contact page.

Do you offer instant PDF downloads?

We certainly do! You will find them on the menu header - 'Downloads'. We are constantly adding instant true to scale PDF digital downloads to our collections and are available as US Letter/A4 size and also A0  Print Shop Copy. The patterns that are now available as Print Shop Copy are stated in the 'What you will receive' in the body of the item description. Instructions are included in all of our patterns as standard.  

How many times can I download the pattern?

Unlimited!

Do you provide a "Print Shop Copy"

We are continpusly adding A0 Print Shop Copies. If we havent reached the pattern that you want, please contact us if it isn't already included. Please note; instant downloadable PDF patterns are non-refundable. Contact us via our contact page if you would like to know more!

'Original Pattern' - What does it mean?

Original Pattern (in the drop down menu of the listing) means it is the original authentic sewing pattern from the 1920s, '30s, '40s, '50s, '60's, 70's. tIf you choose to buy the original - you are buying a piece of history and also an investment.

'Paper Pattern'' - What does it mean?

Paper Pattern means it is the exact reproduction of the original pattern.

What does 'Multiple Sizes' mean?

Multiple sizes mean that the Paper Pattern or the Instant Digital Download is available in more than one individual size. The drop down menu within the listing indicates which sizes are available.

What does 'Multi-sized mean?

Multi-sized means that the pattern is a 'nest' of multi sizes (lots of sizes in one pattern). These are usually sewing patterns that have been re-sized to fit modern day figures.

How do I know if the pattern will fit?

We advise customers to compare their actual measurements to the pattern measurements themselves. We also advise to do a toil (mock-up) beforehand to ensure the correct fit. Any questions?  Please contact us.

Do you offer refunds?

Offers of a refund are only if we have made a mistake ourselves, but please contact us as we will be happy to resolve any problems. We pride ourselves on our 100% customer satisfaction as we want all of our customers to be 'happy sewers'.

Please note; refunds are not accepted on instant PDF downloads.

Do you offer returns?

We will offer a replacement if it was a mistake by ourselves at no extra cost. Returns are not accepted on digital PDF downloads.

I have given you the wrong address?

Don't worry. If we haven't already dispatched, we will amend your delivery address. Please contact us within 24 hours.

My pattern hasn't arrived.  What do I do?

First of all please check that it hasn’t been left at the door and you have missed it or check that your neighbour hasn’t taken it in for you - you may have missed the postman’s note. If your pattern is late there will be a clear explanation, so please check your emails. Please contact us and we will endeavour to help you.

'Help us to Grow our Business' and claim a FREE PDF download of your choice

Have you a fab photo, Instagram reel, tik tok, YouTube or video?

Located at the bottom of every listing there is a 'write a review'.

Criteria:

The photo must be square, clear and high resolution, showing yourself (or a friend) from head to foot (e.g. if it is a dress, suit etc) or your top half if it's (e.g.; a top, blouse, jacket etc)  - basically so that we can see the finished garment at its best. Please - no distracting backgrounds and no phones in the photographs  please.

Photos, Instagram Reels, Tik Toks, YouTube Please email us: vintagepatternssewbeeit@gmail.com. including your IG/FB name please and the pattern number/title of the garment.

Can I pattern test for you?

Of course!  We would love to hear from you.  Please contact us and we will send you the guidelines.

Where can I find recommended fabric companies?

We have a link to our 'Recommended Partners' in each description to help you choose your perfect fabric. 

Are you on Social Media?

Yes, we are on all Social Media platforms - please follow us.  The links are on the bottom of the first page of our website - just click the Social media logo.

Do you do collaborations?

We love collaborations, so please contact us! 

Could we advertise on your Vintage Sewing Pattern website?

We have a Recommended Partners tab on the main menu and as long as we feel it would be beneficial to our customers.

Would I be able to do a Guest Blog?

Just email us with your idea!

I missed the latest pattern release and special offer.  How can I prevent this for next time?

Simple! Subscribe to our mailing list at the bottom of the main landing page for our latest releases and offers. 

Do you sell your patterns to wholesalers?

Yes, please email us for prices and we will be happy to help you.

Don't forget to subscribe, for all of the latest releases and freebies!