FAQs
DIGITAL PRODUCTS
WHAT IS A DIGITAL PATTERN?
A digital pattern is an electronic copy of a sewing pattern that is emailed to you as a PDF (portable document format) You can print the pattern at home on a regular home printer on either A4 or US letter sized paper (this is the same file, it is formatted to fit on either size paper). You then assemble the pages together to create the full-scale pattern. Click here to see the tutorial on how to assemble a pdf pattern. The purchase also includes a copy shop file - if you would prefer to skip the assembling and take the file to a copy shop to print onto large paper for you. Sewing instructions, lay plans and measurement charts are included in the PDF.
HOW DO I GET MY PATTERN?
Once you have purchased a pattern you will be sent two emails to the email address associated with your order. The first email is an order confirmation/receipt, the second email contains a unique link to download your pattern and the associated instructions/guide book. Click on the link to download and save the files to your hard drive (or storage device) for safe-keeping. If you can’t see where the pattern is, check the downloads file on your computer. Once you have saved your files you can access them as many times as you like.
I NEVER RECEIVED MY DOWNLOAD LINK?
If you don't receive an email containing a download link, it's probably because your email account has blocked it due to an unknown sender. Check your spam box. To avoid the problem, please add hello@papertheory.com to your list of contacts before placing your order. Also note that if you pay via PayPal and have a different email address associated with your PayPal account, the email with the download link will go to the address attached to your PayPal account regardless of what address you enter into the online shop as PayPal overrides this.
If you need to get in touch about a missing pattern, or a problem with your pattern, please email hello@papertheory.com and include the pattern name and the order number in your email so I can help assist you faster.
I CLICKED THE LINK TO DOWNLOAD MY PATTERN AND NOTHING HAPPENED?
When you click the link, the pattern will automatically download to your computer’s downloads folder. Check your downloads folder, you should see your pattern. If you don’t see it, make sure your internet browser is up to date and you don’t have any firewalls preventing downloads from occurring.
HOW MANY TIMES CAN I DOWNLOAD A PATTERN?
You can only download the files a maximum of 5 times. It is highly recommended to download and save your files to your hard drive or storage device immediately, meaning you will only need to download once, and you can reuse and reprint the pattern as many times as you like. Unfortunately, due to the volume of orders, we're unable to reset expired download links. If you exceed 5 downloads and need another, you'll need to place a new order.
DO YOU SELL PAPER PATTERNS?
We used to! They were beautiful little packages but unfortunately paper patterns were discontinued in April 2023 due to the closure of our manufacturer. Many of the worlds best fabric and haberdashery stores stocked them and some may still have stock available. There is a full list of stockist available here.
WHERE CAN I PRINT THE PDF PATTERNS?
You can print the pattern at home on a regular home printer on either A4 or US letter sized paper. Alternatively, If you would like your digital PDF patterns printed onto large sheets I can recommend getting in touch with your local printing shop. Most copyshops and some stationary stores print onto large paper (often called Plan or Poster printing).
Some recommendations of companies I have used previously.
UK:
USA / CANADA:
New Zealand:
PATTERN INFORMATION
IS SEAM ALLOWANCE INCLUDED IN YOUR PATTERNS OR DO I HAVE TO ADD IT MYSELF?
Seam allowance is included on all pattern pieces. As per industry standard most seam allowances are 1cm, but this varies according to the seam line. Seam allowance is specified in the pattern instructions. The patterns have just the cutting line printed to save any confusion and pattern pieces never overlap so you don’t have to trace anything off, you can simply cut your size out.
WHAT HEIGHT DO YOU DRAFT FOR?
A person who is 5’7” (170cm) talll.
Please take your height into account before cutting, especially if you are making jumpsuits or trousers, you may need to lengthen or shorten your overall length/body rise accordingly.
WHAT CUP SIZE DO YOU DRAFT FOR?
Generally speaking, I draft my sample pattern for a size 14 person with a C cup. Then I have my patterns professionally graded down to a size 6 and up to a size 20. At size 20 I refit my base pattern again on a person with a D cup and grade up to a size 28.
However, please consider that Paper Theory patterns generally have a very relaxed and oversized fit, and cup size is not as important for our styles as total bust measurements are. Many people who regularly make full bust adjustments or small bust adjustments for other pattern companies find they do not need to so with our patterns if they are within two cup sizes, either up or down.
HOW DO I PRINT MY SIZE?
Paper Theory Patterns come in UK sizes 6 - 28. To waste as little paper as possible the patterns are split up into two size groups, so you don’t have to print the full size range. One file contains Sizes 6 - 20 and a separate file contains sizes 16 - 28. Both size ranges contain sizes 16/18/20 (size 16/18/20 are the exact same pattern regardless of which size range you are printing). Please see “sizing info” on our website for full details.
All patterns released after March 2019 have embedded layers. This means that you can select only the size/s you would like to print. Layers make it much less confusing to cut out the pattern, and also saves on printer ink.
We will be updating and adding embedded layers to older patterns going forward but please double check for this on the individual info page in our online store for the pattern you are interested in to see if this feature is included.
WHOLESALE
CAN I TEACH A SEWING CLASS USING YOUR SEWING PATTERNS?
Yes! However each student will have to purchase their own copy of the pattern for the class - but, I offer wholesale rates for classes, so please get in touch at hello@papertheory.com if you would like to host a class and place an order for your students. It is a breach of copyright to distribute my patterns without my permission (so please ask my permission first).
CAN I SELL YOUR PATTERNS IN MY RETAIL STORE?
No. Unfortunately paper patterns were discontinued in April 2023.
CAN I SELL ITEMS MADE FROM YOUR PATTERNS?
No. As the legal copyright notice printed on all our patterns states, all designs, illustrations, images and text are © Paper Theory Patterns. Our patterns are for personal, non-commercial use only and no part of these products may be reproduced, transmitted, or shared in any form. Items from these patterns may not be produced for resale.
CAN I USE YOUR PATTERNS FOR MY CLOTHING BRAND?
Still No. I take breach of copyright and intellectual property very seriously.
CAN I GIVE A COPY OF THE PATTERN TO MY FRIEND?
No, you may not copy, resell, share, distribute or publish (online or otherwise) any portion of any Paper Theory Patterns. You are welcome to sew a garment from our pattern and gift it to a friend or family member though!
CONTACT
HOW DO I CONTACT YOU?
My studio is based in Dunedin, New Zealand and my business hours are Monday-Friday 9-5 NZST. If you cannot find what you are looking for in the FAQ page Email me at hello@papertheory.com It is a one person operation around here but I will get back to you as soon as possible!