Help – Frequently Asked Questions
Downloads
I get an “invalid email” message when I try to download a pattern
Since we’ve launched our free patterns when trying to send the emails we have been getting a lot of errors caused by:
- you have spelled your email incorrectly
- the server of your mailbox rejects our emails due to very, very strict rules
- the server of your mailbox malfunctions
As a consequence, we have implemented very strict email filtering. In the end, the reasons are to help you successfully receive our emails with the patterns. As such, if you’re getting the “invalid email” error when you try to download a pattern, even if we’d allowed the download chances are the email would not have reached you. Please use a different email address.
I did not receive any email(s) with the pattern
Double or triple-check the email you input in the download form. Maybe some letters were swapped. If the email address is correct but you still can’t see our emails, please check the Spam or on some systems, this is called the Junk folder. Some email providers tag our emails as spam and this is why it ends up there. If however, the email is still not there, note that some email providers enable very aggressive rules which filter and block our emails. Try using a different email address in this case.
I can’t open the PDF file attached to my email, it shows an error
Please download and open the file from a laptop or a computer. Download and save the PDF file to your computer or laptop. Open the PDF file using Adobe Reader. Avoid browser PDF viewers or any other applications.
Bra Sizing
How to measure for your bra patterns
Please visit this page for all the information you need on how to take the measurements and how to determine your bra pattern size.
Your measuring system does not work for me, what can I do?
If you have deflated tissue/totally unsupported breast mass, one alternative is to mark the bottom point on the breast root (where the wire curve would be), then wearing nothing above the waist, lean you body forward (only the upper part). Ideally it would be for the torso to be parallel to the floor. With breasts hanging down freely, measure the BCD from the marked point to the nipple.
I don’t see sizing charts. How can I determine my bra size for your patterns?
As of 2020, we have a bra size calculator that outputs your size based on the measurements you type in. Please visit this page for information on taking the measurements and using the calculator. The determined size should be a starting point for you.
I wear a different size than what the calculator shows
Our sizing systems are listed at the bottom of the page here. Please do not compare our sizes with the sizes from other designers. The sizes should be close to many RWT (Ready To Wear) sizes. But please note RTWs are also very different. There is no standard to date for bra sizing.
You can also download our FREE Maya bra pattern in 2 sizes: the size you know you wear, and the size the calculator displays. Print the cups from both sizes. You can quickly sew test cups from the waste fabric and assess the volume of the cups. Another way is to simply print, cut, and tape the pieces. With the test cup, you will get a solid understanding of the sizing you need.
I made a Maya bra and it fits. With the new system, the calculator shows a different size
Please know, bra sizing is a complicated chapter because it is based on at least 3 things: measurements, shape, and tissue stiffness. Our Calculator takes into account the measurements but not the others. While a real-made bra takes into account everything. And this means if you’ve found and made a good fitting Maya bra, then go with the Maya size. All our bra patterns try to keep the same volume across the same cup sizes.
My size falls in the middle of several packages, how can I choose
I recommend you download our FREE Maya bra pattern in 2 sizes: the size you know you wear, and the size the calculator displays. Print the cups from both sizes. You can quickly sew test cups from the waste fabric and assess the volume of the cups. Another way is to simply print, cut, and tape the pieces. With the test cup, you will get a solid understanding of the sizing you need.
The Calculator
The calculator says my size is not available
For the moment we work with a determined set of bra sizes. At this point, we are not able to say if we are going to expand the area. However please check in regularly to see updates on this subject.
The calculator does not show the result
Please use the calculator from a computer or a laptop. Please open the page with the size calculator from a browser application like Firefox, Chrome, or Opera. Do not open the page with the calculator from a mobile application like Facebook or Instagram etc.
If you’re using an old Mac OS computer, the Safari browser won’t be able to print the result. You can install the Chrome browser and access the page using Chrome.
PDF Patterns
How to print our PDF patterns
Please visit this page for a detailed guide on how to set the printer settings and print our PDF patterns correctly.
How to assemble our PDF patterns
Please visit this page for a detailed guide on how to assemble PDF files correctly.
The printer blocks when trying to print the pattern
Are you printing the entire document? In case you need just one size, find the pages with your size only and print those.
If you want to print the whole document, try printing in batches. Send to printer 5-10 pages, wait for those to print, then select and print the next ones and so on. This is because older printers can’t handle larger data.
I found an error in your pattern
We would appreciate it if you’d get in touch with us via the Contact page and let us know. Thank you!
Can I use your commercial patterns for my business?
It depends on what activities you are going to use our patterns for. We provide 2 types of licenses for our pattern. Please read details about license types on our Terms of Use page.
Is there an upgrade option from a personal package to a business package?
Yes, we can offer a special coupon you can use when purchasing the business package. The amount is the value (VAT excluded) of the personal package. Please note, you can upgrade to the same package size. Please use our Contact page to obtain the coupon.
Sharing & Collaboration
Can I share some of your images/content?
You can share at most one picture and only with a link back to the source. This means a link back to our website. Please give explicit credit to where you got the picture from. Otherwise sharing any images from our website is strictly prohibited. Sharing any of our content without our consent is strictly prohibited. Please get in touch if you want to share more images or some of our content.
Can I translate any of your content / article(s) / instructions
Please get in touch to discuss terms.
Can you design a pattern on demand?
You can get in touch but please note I tend to decline any custom work whether it’s a designer task or a pattern grader. Please do not be disappointed with my answer. Due to personal reasons, I simply do not have enough time to accomplish everything I set my mind to do.
Can I request a custom-made garment?
At this point, I do not take commissions. Our mission is to help others discover the wonderful world of making their garments whether it’s a dress or a lingerie item.
Hourglass Dress
Where is the pattern? Where are the instructions?
The pattern is discontinued indefinitely. This was my very first PDF sewing pattern. Looking back at it, I consider it needs heavy updates to bring it to the high standards you’re accustomed to my patterns to have. I have decided to withdraw the pattern indefinitely. I may choose to make it better or not continue with it at all. Thank you for understanding.