Frequently Asked Questions About Our Sewing Patterns
Have a question about one of our sewing patterns? Here you’ll find help choosing a pattern, downloading your files, printing and sewing. Simply select the topic you need help with.
1. Finding the right sewing pattern
2. PDF sewing patterns: downloads and files
3. Printing and preparing your pattern
4. Sizes, fabric and sewing
5. Paper sewing patterns and shipping
1. Finding the right sewing pattern
A PDF sewing pattern is a digital file that you download and print yourself. A paper sewing pattern arrives by post as a printed pattern sheet. You can see which options are available for each design on its product page.
You’ll receive the sewing pattern in the format you choose, along with the instructions listed in the product description. Fabric, thread and notions are sold separately.
For your first project, choose a pattern with a beginner-friendly difficulty level and few complicated details. A manageable project helps you get to know your fabric and sewing machine. Before buying, check which techniques and materials the pattern requires.
The difficulty level helps you judge how much sewing experience you may need for a project. Also check for details such as zips, buttonholes or lining. Your choice of fabric affects the difficulty too: slippery or very stretchy fabrics can be more challenging to work with.
Easy peasy: For getting started and gaining your first sewing experience.
Easy: For your first sewing projects or if you’re confident with the basics of using a sewing machine.
Intermediate: For sewing independently with basic techniques and more steps.
Advanced: For sewists with plenty of experience and more challenging techniques.
The pattern pieces are always provided in both German and English. The accompanying eBook with written instructions is available in German, English and French. All three languages are included in one document, so just scroll down to find yours.
The sewing videos on YouTube are in German, with subtitles available in many languages. Select your preferred language in the video settings. Automatic audio translation is also available for some videos.
2. PDF sewing patterns: downloads and files
After your purchase, you can download it from the order confirmation page or via the link in your order confirmation email. If you placed your order using a customer account, you can also find your downloads there.
First, check your spam folder and make sure the email address you entered at checkout is correct. If you still can’t find your download, email us at hello@julianamartejevs.com with your order number. Please don’t order the sewing pattern again.
Our download links never expire. If a link from an older order appears to have expired, contact us with your order number. We’ll check your access and help you retrieve your files.
A4 and US Letter are designed for printing on individual sheets of paper. You can have an included A0 file printed as a large sheet by a suitable print shop, or use it for projector sewing.
If your PDF includes size layers, you can hide the sizes you don’t need in a PDF program that supports layers. Keep labels, alignment marks and other shared information visible. Check the print preview: which layers are printed can also depend on your print settings.
First, save the file completely to your device and open it in a PDF program. If your download is a ZIP file, extract it first. If that doesn’t help, email us your order number, the name of the file you’re having trouble with and a screenshot of the error message.
3. Printing and preparing your pattern
Print the file that matches your paper size. Print at Actual Size or 100%, with scaling disabled. Turn off any option that fits the pattern to the page. Print the page with the test square first and measure it. Once it matches the dimensions shown, print the remaining pattern pages.
Place the pages edge to edge without trimming or folding them. Align them using the markings provided, then check that the pattern lines and labels match up. Tape the pages together only once everything is aligned correctly.
You can find a video tutorial on printing and assembling sewing patterns here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4kExV5XR4A
If your pattern includes a large-format file, you can take it to a print shop that offers large-format printing. Ask them to print it at 100% / Actual Size, without scaling to fit the page. Check the test square on the printed pattern before cutting out your fabric.
Yes, all seam allowances are included in our patterns, so don’t add any extra. Check your pattern and instructions for the specified seam and hem allowance widths, as these can vary by design and seam. Standard seams are usually 1 cm wide; wider allowances are included where needed, for example for hems.
Yes, absolutely! Use the A0 file to project the pattern directly onto your fabric, then trace or cut out the pattern pieces. Make sure the projection is scaled correctly. The test square helps you check the scale before cutting.
4. Sizes, fabric and sewing
Measure your bust, waist and hip, then compare your body measurements with the size chart for the specific pattern. Don’t rely on your usual ready-to-wear size alone. Also check the fit notes: a loose-fitting garment is designed to have more ease than a close-fitting one.
That’s completely normal. Use the body measurements that matter most for the design and follow the fitting advice in the instructions. You can often blend smoothly between sizes. Don’t automatically choose the larger size for every measurement. Sewing a toile helps you check the fit before cutting into your main fabric.
You’ll find the fabric recommendations, materials list and fabric requirements on the product page or in the eBook. Check the fabric width, stretch and size you’re making. Fabrics with a nap, directional prints or stripes you want to match may require extra fabric. Using a different fabric can significantly change the drape and fit of your garment.
A regular domestic sewing machine with suitable stitches is enough for many projects. Whether you need any special features or accessories depends on the pattern and fabric. An overlocker can be useful for finishing seams and sewing stretchy fabrics; check the requirements in the instructions. They often include an alternative way to finish seams without an overlocker.
Check the product description and your eBook. You’ll find the instructions for your pattern there, along with a video link if one is available. You can also find all our sewing videos here. You can pause and replay each step in our video tutorials. You can pause and replay each step in our video tutorials.
Email us at hello@julianamartejevs.com and tell us which sewing pattern you’re making, which step you’re working on and what you’re unsure about. A photo of the area, along with the page number or video timestamp, will help us understand the issue. For questions about an order, please include your order number.
5. Paper sewing patterns and shipping
The printed pattern sheet will be sent to you by post. You can access the accompanying eBook via the link on the order confirmation page or in your order confirmation email. Check the product page for the exact contents of your order.
You’ll see the shipping costs for your order at checkout before you buy. For information about shipping destinations and typical delivery times, visit our shipping page. PDF downloads don’t require postal delivery. You can download the digital files as soon as your order is complete.
Email us at hello@julianamartejevs.com with your order number and a brief description of the issue. If your order arrived damaged, photos of the pattern sheet and packaging will help us assess it. We’ll look into your order and discuss the next steps with you.
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