FAQs
Let's get you sewing on the right foot.
We've collated the following questions and queries we've received from previous customers so you can get to sewing your next project without any confusion or delay.
General
“Where can I see my workshops and patterns?”
To access the workshop you just need to log in to your account on the top left corner of the website and your workshop will be viewable from there.
If you went through checkout as a guest you just need to create an account using the same email address.
If you can’t log in with your password, you probably don’t have an account, so you will have to make an account with the email address you used to make your purchase first. Your purchases will than automatically link to this new account.
“I made my account with an email address that’s different from the one I used to make the purchase.”
No worries, if you have two email addresses we can merge the account for you, please reply to your receipt email with your new email address.
“How do I know how much fabric I should buy? And where should I buy it from?”
Size based fabric requirements can be found in the instructions for your pattern.
And here in the UK we love the following fabric shops:
- The Cloth House
- Merchant & Mills
- Ray Stitch
“How do I reduce/ add length or make adjustments to my pattern?”
The 'Using Our Patterns' document that is included with your PDF Pattern has a section with this guidance, along with support on sizing. Our online workshops also come with fitting tutorials with instructions on making adjustments to your pattern so you can get the perfect and intended fit.
We also have many blogs and step-by-step guides on our journal for hacks and changes to our patterns.
"What cup size and height are your patterns drafted for?"
Our patterns are initially drafted for a height of 5”8 and a cup size ‘C’. To get the right size for you note your own body measurements and compare them to our Body Measurement Chart which you can find in the pattern instructions.
The majority of our patterns are generally a relaxed fit, so cup size shouldn't be too much of a factor, especially if the pattern doesn't have a dart.
"What sewing machine do you use?"
Hetty uses an industrial brother sewing machine in the studio but all the patterns have been designed for home sewing. All of our workshops have been filmed using a domestic machine.
Hetty's industrial sewing machine is a Brother DB2-B755-3.
The domestic sewing machine Hetty uses in the workshops is a Bernina activa 220 which she has used since she was 18!
"What iron do you use?"
Hetty uses a Batistella Vapour Baby, it's great for getting really crisp seams. Any decent gravity fed iron is a great option.
Printing
“How do I download my PDF pattern?”
First you’re going to want to open up your ZIP file - if your computer doesn’t open up zip files automatically, you can use a free programme called 7zip. You’ll then want to download and open the pattern and select your size in the layers.
All of our patterns come with an A4 and an A0 version.
“How do I select my size layer?”
We would recommend using Adobe Acrobat Reader to select your layers. Using the ‘layers’ panel you simply deselect the sizes you don’t need and save the file. If you don’t have an Adobe account, you can use a free to download PDF reader called PDF Stitcher to select your desired size layers and save.
“How do I print my A0 Pattern?”
To print your A0 pattern, a quick google search of ‘A0 sewing pattern printers' in your country should bring up some options for you. We're based in the UK and in the past we’ve used netprinter.co.uk, clcprints.com, patternsy.com or planprintinguk.com. Or you can ask a local print shop if they print up to A0 size.
“How do I print my A4/ US Letter pattern?”
To print your A4/ US Letter pattern you can use your printer at home - this takes a bit longer but is a good way to get familiar with your pieces before cutting your fabric.
Make sure your printing settings are at 100% scale before printing, and remember to double check by measuring your printing tile. Our settings are always the same so any issues in printing may be caused by system settings on your printer or computer.
The number of pages to print is included in the instructions document.
Then you will have to trim your pages so that the tiles match up accurately. This is super satisfying and a tip – you only have to trim the top and one of the sides for the pages to fit together.
Then use tape to stick your tiles together to make up the full pattern. Use ample tape to really secure the pattern tiles together if you want to make your pattern last multiple uses.
Then cut out your individual pattern pieces, ready to pin onto your fabric and start cutting out your garment.
“Are your Patterns Projector Friendly?”
Our patterns are currently not usable with projectors but it's something we're working on!
If you have any other queries or require support, please email hello@modernsewingco.com.
Before you do reach out to us with a question, we kindly ask you to please read all of the instructions and guides provided - we’re a small team and we try our best to get back to you as soon as we can!
If you have a specific sewing question or get stuck with your make, please include photos to help us help you. And if you’re having account issues, screenshots are super appreciated too!
We can't wait to see what you make - feel free to send us photos or tag us in your posts!
Hetty x
