Frequently asked questions
Help! I can’t find my pdf pattern and my download link expired.
Send us an email at help@sewdiy.com along with your order number and we will do our best to get you a new link as soon as possible.
I’m new to digital products. How do I get started?
I have a detailed blog post with tips for buying and downloading pdf patterns. Check it out here.
How do I get my digital products?
After purchase, there will be a link to download the pattern on the order confirmation page. You will also receive an email with a link to download the pattern. Our digital products are zip files, containing multiple pdfs. It’s best to download your files using a desktop or laptop computer. A desktop or laptop allows you to download zip files, organize your pattern files and easily back them up to the cloud (see number 5). It’s also the best place to print your pattern from.
I clicked to download but can’t find the files.
First, make sure that you’re downloading using a desktop or laptop computer. Then, check your downloads folder. Still not there? Check your browser settings to see where it saves downloaded files.
What if I don’t have a desktop or laptop computer to download the zip file?
I also have an Etsy shop where you can purchase the patterns. In most cases, you’ll be able to download the files as individual pdfs. Visit the Etsy shop.
How do I print and assemble a pdf pattern?
I have a few tutorials all about that. Check out the video tutorial here and photo tutorials here and here.
I don’t want to print and assemble my pattern. What are some other options?
All Sew DIY patterns include US copy shop files (28 inches wide) and A0 size files. These can be printed full scale at most copy shops. I’ve had good experiences printing A0 size patterns with pdfplotting.com.
What are your operating hours?
I generally work weekdays, 8am to 5pm (Pacific, US time). If you send an email over the weekend, I’ll do my best to get back to you Monday morning. Shipments are usually processed within 24 hours of receipt, weekends excluded. In general, I try to respond to inquiries within 24 hours.
How much is shipping?
Shipping is calculated by the weight of the order. You will be able to preview the cost in your shopping cart and select the best shipping option for you. At this time we only offer USPS.
Do you accept returns?
At this time we are not able to accept returns. However, if your order arrived damaged or you are unhappy for any reason, please contact us.
Can I use one of my patterns for a class that I’m teaching?
Certainly. The only requirement is that each student purchases their own copy of the pattern. The best place for them to purchase is from my shop, that way if there are any pattern updates then we’ll be able to send the updates to them directly.
Will you ever sell printed patterns?
Maybe. I know that a lot of people prefer printed patterns and they can be more convenient for classroom scenarios but there are a few reasons I’m resistant to producing them. The biggest reason is that a printed pattern potentially creates more waste than a pdf pattern and I have a hard time justifying producing a lot of patterns because of the environmental impact of production, materials and shipping those physical goods. A printed pattern requires a booklet, all the pattern pieces and an envelope to be printed. A pdf pattern only requires the pattern pieces that you are using to be printed, and when printed at home, it can be printed on upcycled paper.
