Questions & answers

Right after checkout, your download link appears on the order confirmation page, and I’ll also send it to you by email. Click it to download your pattern straight away. Nothing is posted, so you can start sewing the same day!

All your patterns are kept safe in your account. Click Account at the top of the page and sign in with the email you used to order. You’ll receive a short code by email, so there’s no password to remember. Your patterns will be waiting for you, ready to download again any time.

First, have a peek in your spam or promotions folder, and check that the email address on your order is correct. You can also sign in to your account to download your patterns directly. If you still can’t find them, write to me at love@lizziestudio.com with your order number and I’ll send them to you.

All my patterns are digital PDF patterns, so you can download them straight away and print them at home or at a copy shop. I’m dreaming of releasing paper patterns one day, so stay tuned!

Each pattern page lists exactly what’s included, but in general you’ll receive:

• the instruction booklet, with step-by-step instructions
• A4 and US Letter pattern files, to print at home
• an A0 large-format file, to print at a copy shop
• a projector file, for some patterns (check the pattern page to see if yours has one)

Some patterns, usually the intermediate ones, also come with an alteration guide. In it I explain step by step how to adjust the pattern for common fit issues, like a full bust adjustment or changing the length, so you can make it fit you beautifully.

Every instruction booklet has a printing section that walks you through it step by step. Here are the main points:

• Open your pattern in Adobe Acrobat Reader, a free app for opening and printing PDF files. My patterns use layers, so in Acrobat Reader you can choose to print only your size.
• Print at 100% scale (or “actual size”), never “fit to page”.
• Print only the first page and measure the test square (5 × 5 cm / 2 × 2″) before printing the rest.

My earlier patterns don’t need any trimming. My newer ones use a more versatile layout, where you trim or fold the edges of the pages before taping them together; your booklet tells you which method to follow. If you’d like to see it in action, Sydney Graham’s video shows the whole process of printing and assembling a PDF pattern at home, in lovely detail.

Some of my patterns include a projector file, but not all of them yet. I’m working on adding one to every pattern. In the meantime, check the pattern page to see whether yours has one.

Take a fresh measurement of your bust, waist and hip, and compare them with the chart in my size guide. Always go by your measurements rather than your usual shop size, since brands and countries all size a little differently.

If your measurements fall into different sizes, for example your bust in EU 34, your waist in EU 40 and your hips in EU 42, you can blend between sizes: trace each area in its own size, then draw a smooth, gradual line from one to the next.

Most of my booklets also include a final garment measurements chart. Compare it with a similar piece you already love to wear, and pick the size and fit you prefer.

Choose the size closest to your measurements. If you’re right in the middle, go up a size for a looser fit or down for a closer one, depending on how you like to wear it. Some patterns also come with an alteration guide to help you fine-tune the fit.

Yes, seam allowances are included in all my patterns. Most seams have 1 cm (⅜″). Where a seam is different, it’s marked right on the pattern piece.

In my earlier patterns, you’ll also find two lines on each piece: the cutting line and the sewing line. The sewing line makes it easy to adjust the pattern to your body before cutting it out.

Absolutely! You’ll find all my easiest patterns in the beginner friendly collection. The confident beginner patterns are a lovely next step if you’d like to stretch your skills. Every pattern comes with a very detailed instruction booklet and a video tutorial, so from my own experience and my makers’ feedback, they’re very doable for beginners. It mostly takes a little patience and a love for the process.

Yes! My instruction booklets are full of real photos, and for the trickier steps I add illustrated drawings to make everything even clearer. Every pattern also comes with a video tutorial, so you can sew along with me step by step.

Choosing the right fabric is one of the most important steps for a successful make. If you’re a beginner, I suggest choosing your project by its fabric first: look for patterns made with well-behaved fabrics like cotton poplin, linen, chambray or denim, which are easy to cut and sew. As you grow more confident, you can move on to projects with more slippery fabrics, fur or beaded fabrics.

Whatever your level, each pattern page lists the fabrics that suit that design best, so that’s always the best place to check.

Sewing on a budget? Upcycling is a lovely way to try a pattern first. An old sheet or a thrifted piece makes a perfect test version before you cut into your final, more precious fabric.

I’m always happy to help! Write to me at love@lizziestudio.com or send me a note through the contact form, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. You can also browse #lizziepatterns to see how other makers sewed theirs and share tips.

Because my patterns are digital files that are delivered instantly and can’t be returned, all sales are final.

Yes! I’d love to see my patterns become something beautiful out in the world. You’re welcome to sell garments made with my patterns in small quantities, up to 30 pieces per pattern. A little credit, like “made with a Lizzie Patterns design”, is always appreciated! For anything larger, please contact me beforehand so we can talk about it. Production of more than 30 pieces without my agreement isn’t allowed under my terms and conditions.