about our patterns
Our patterns are multi-sized, with all the sizes in one envelope; our woman's wear patterns come in sizes 6 to 26 OR sizes S-M-L-XL-XXL. You can check out our size charts here.
We're currently only offering our sewing patterns as downloadable .PDF patterns. You'll get these emailed to you straight after you complete checkout as a zipped file. For more info on our downloadable patterns check out our Print-At-Home Patterns FAQ here.
Check the size charts here or on the back artwork of your pattern, to decide which size to use. Our patterns are sized like ready-to-wear or RTW clothing; we all know that one store's size 12 is another store's size 10 or 14, so the easiest thing to do is find your usual RTW size on our size charts, and see how that compares to your measurements.
We give you estimated fabric & notion requirements; we recommend that you buy your fabric AFTER you’ve made & fitted your muslin, as you may need less or more fabric, depending on how you’ve fitted it. We also know you're likely to ignore this and just buy your fabric anyway. We do it too ;)
We give you instructions, including the suggested order of work and a skills list, and diagrams to show you how your garment goes together.
All of our patterns come with seam & hem allowances included; you'll find the seam & hem allowance details in the 'about this style' section of the instructions.
We assume that our customers have a basic knowledge of simple sewing techniques; our patterns won’t teach you to sew, and they’re not suitable for absolute, never-threaded-a-needle beginners. However, we know from customer feedback that sewists with just a little experience can tackle our beginner level patterns with confidence.
Our patterns come with a difficulty rating on the front & back of the pattern artwork:
1 dressform means beginner level;
2 dressforms means advanced beginner level;
3 dressforms means intermediate level;
4 dressforms means advanced level;
5 dressforms means couture level.
Only you can decide what level of sewing difficulty you're comfortable with; but the truth is you're probably more skilled than you think...don't forget the HotPatterns sewing motto, "Feel The Fear...And Do It Anyway!"