Frequently Asked Questions

The majority of our vintage patterns were originally published in a single size. Sometimes there are two sizes, and we provide these when we find them.

Vintage patterns can differ greatly in size compared to contemporary standard sizing, and these differences can vary further based on the specific era and brand.

Size tables for vintage patterns may show different size differences than modern ones. The size differences in modern patterns are typically standardised to intervals of 4 cm, 5 cm or 2 inches, equally for the bust, waist and hips. In contrast, the size differences in vintage patterns can vary widely; for example, the difference in bust measurements between two sizes for one brand might be 6 cm, yet the difference in their waist measurements might only be 4 cm. There are also half sizes and sizing designed for younger and older body types, which are no longer addressed in modern patterns.

It is important to note that vintage patterns may fit differently to modern ones. This is often evident in the positioning of the shoulder seam and darts. The fit of vintage garments is also influenced by the types of structured undergarments (such as bras and girdles) that are uncommon nowadays. A very noticeable difference is the position of the shoulder seam in vintage patterns dating from before the late 1940s. Often, the shoulder seam is positioned further back than in more modern patterns, rather than lying directly along the body's natural shoulder line. This difference is further exacerbated nowadays due to modern postures, which often involve rounded and forward-trending shoulders – all that computer work and slouching!

Once you have made your purchase, you will receive an email containing a link to a download page. If you cannot locate the email, please check your spam folder first, as this is where the email may end up unexpectedly.

DESKTOP COMPUTER
1.              Double-click the ZIP file.
2.              A folder containing the files is created on your computer. To change the folder's name, touch and hold it, then tap 'Rename'. Write and replace the filename as you prefer.
ANDROID & GOOGLE DEVICES
1.              Open ‘Files’ by Google on your Android device.
2.              Tap Browse at the bottom.
3.              Navigate to the folder containing the .zip file you want to unzip.
4.              Select the .zip file.
5.              A pop-up showing the contents of the file appears.
6.              Tap 'Extract'.
7.              A preview of the extracted files is shown. 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 that you want to unzip.
2.              Tap the ZIP file or archive.
3.              A folder containing the files is created. To change the folder's name, touch and hold the folder, then tap 'Rename'.
4.              Tap to open the folder.
IPAD
1.              Open the 'Files' app, then find the ZIP file or archive that you want to decompress.
2.              Tap the ZIP file or archive.
3.              A folder containing the files is created. To change the folder's name, touch and hold the folder, then tap 'Rename'.

There are many PDF readers available to download from the Internet, or they are already installed on your computer or device. They may activate automatically when you click or double-click on the PDF file.
The free Adobe Reader is available here via this link: https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/pdf-reader.html

Yes, this would save you time. All our patterns include an A0-sized PDF of the design. You can upload this to your favourite online print shop, or take it to a local print shop on a USB stick or your phone (ask them what format they need). If they cannot print the A0 file, please 'Contact Us'.

Here is a link to the PDF document, with pictures, that shows you how to put the PDF patterns together. There are English and a German language versions:
LINK: How to assemble the PDF patterns.

The guide provided with each PDF pattern includes a description of how to assemble the pattern, as well as print layouts for both A4 and US Letter paper sizes. This will help you align the pages correctly. 

In some instances, yes. For example, if you purchased a printed paper pattern and it has not been dispatched yet, then we offer a complete refund so that you can repurchase the pattern in the PDF format.

Yes, it is. Some people prefer the convenience of a paper pattern but would also like a PDF copy for their files. You may want to print the pattern again at a later date because the first copy of your pattern is 'too used'. We also offer to reprint another copy of an already purchased pattern at reasonable rates. Please contact us to arrange this. 'Contact Us'

We only offer refunds if we have made a mistake ourselves. However, please contact us if you have any problems, as we will be happy to resolve them. We pride ourselves on achieving customer satisfaction, because we want all our customers to be able to sew great garments.

Please note that refunds are not accepted for instant PDF downloads.

Yes, we do. We enjoy working on creative projects that require authentic and era specific historical patterns. We support dressmakers whose needs differ from those usually catered for by commercial sewing patterns (e.g. different formats). We encourage collaborations, so please contact us!

This is a common question! We are currently working on grading many of our designs to be one or two sizes different from the originals. We do not grade patterns with a size difference greater than this, as this would likely result in a change in proportions that could affect the intended fit and styling.

While it is mathematically possible to grade 'anything to any size', achieving a good fit on a real body (even one that matches a size table) can be difficult. In these instances, sewing a test garment is recommended, which is the process that currently slows us down the most when providing multiple sizes!

We are located in Germany and post our patterns using Deutsche Post and DHL. Most patterns are dispatched in A4 envelopes, with larger orders in cardboard packets. There are tracked and un-tracked shipping options. See Shipping information.