FREQUENTLY ASKEd QUESTIONS

How do I access the free patterns you make in collaboration with Peppermint Magazine?

You can find them all here. Enjoy!

How do I print a PDF pattern?

Check out the Digital Product FAQs below for all the details.

IS SEAM ALLOWANCE INCLUDED IN YOUR PATTERNS OR DO I HAVE TO ADD IT MYSELF?

Seam allowance is included on all pattern pieces, and varies according to the seam line (although most seams are 1.2cm / ½”). Seam allowance is specified in the pattern instructions. Digital patterns have both the stitch line and the cutting line indicated so that it is easier for you to make adjustments / hack your patterns. Printed patterns just have the cutting line to save any confusion. Instructions include both metric and imperial measurements.

What sewing machine do you use?

I use an old Janome (the model is a Mystyle 16). It was passed on to me by my Mum when I was 9 or 10 years old when she realised that I was more interested in sewing than she had ever been. My Mum was gifted the machine for her 30th birthday and now 25 years on, it is still going strong.

What are your favourite sewing tools?

I really like to keep things simple when it comes to sewing tools. No fancy machine feet (just an invisible zip foot and a standard zip foot) or tools for me. The tools I use constantly are: my pearl head pins, sewing scissors, thread snips (that I have attached to some cord so I can wear them around my neck) and Clover fabric chalk. I have also recently learned that a plastic bowl on my sewing table is a great addition as I can put all my threads / clipped fabric in there and it’s way less of a clean up when I’m done. When it comes to patternmaking, it is my flexible transparent ruler, tracing wheel, awl/stiletto, notcher, scissors, pacer pencil and eraser.

CaN I USE A PHOTO FROM YOUR BLOG ON MY WEBSITE?

Yes you can! But please remember to credit www.inthefolds.com and link back to the original image. Tutorials are for personal use only and cannot be reproduced without permission.

I’m a beginner, where should I start?

Try sewing a tote bag or a cushion cover (there are loads of free tutorials online). If you’re ready to start garment sewing, try the Collins top. It is an easy sew, and you will get a chance to practice stitching seams together (there are a lot of seams). Due to its shape, you don’t have to worry too much about fit, which is also why it’s a beginner-friendly pattern.

I don’t sew. Could you make me a dress?

Unfortunately this is not a service I offer. I love making patterns that empower YOU to sew your own clothes, which means I don’t have time to make one-off pieces.

Will you make a pattern for me?

Unfortunately this is also not a service I offer. I love making patterns for the home sewing market and therefore do not make individual patterns or patterns for design labels.

CAN I GIVE A COPY OF THE PATTERN TO MY FRIEND?

No, you may not copy, resell, share, distribute or publish (online or otherwise) any portion of any of In the Folds patterns.

CAN I SELL ITEMS MADE FROM YOUR PATTERNS?

No, patterns are for personal use only. I am happy for you to use the pattern to make a gift for a friend though!

What is your size range?

In the Folds patterns are available in sizes between Australian size 6 and 24. More details can be found here. Patterns are drafted for a B cup bust, so please refer to the finished garment measurements on the pattern to work out if you need to make an adjustment. Patterns are drafted for height of 170cm (5'7") and include lengthen and shorten lines so that you can adjust the pattern to suit your height.

CAN I TEACH A SEWING CLASS USING YOUR SEWING PATTERNS?

Yes! I would love that, although each student will have to purchase their own copy of the pattern for the class. I offer wholesale rates for classes of a certain size, so please get in touch if you would like to place an order.

WHAT IS YOUR PRIVACY POLICY?

DIGITAL PRODUCT FAQS

WHAT IS A DIGITAL PATTERN?

A digital pattern is a PDF version of the pattern that will be sent to you automatically after purchase. You will be sent a link (to the designated email address) that will give you access to a zip file that includes the pattern and instruction booklet as PDF files. You can print the pattern at home on A4 or US letter sized paper (this is the same file and is formatted to fit on either size paper), and then trim and assemble to create the full size pattern. The purchase also includes a copy shop file (A0 size) - if you would prefer to skip the assembling and take the file to a copy shop for printing.

Digital patterns can only be downloaded a maximum of 3 times. Be sure to download the pattern and save it to your computer (or storage service) so that you can use it as many times as you like.

DO I NEED A SPECIAL PRINTER TO PRINT DIGITAL SEWING PATTERNS?

No! You can print the file on any home printer and then trim and stick the pieces together to create the pattern in the correct scale. Pretty neat, right? This means that you can see a dress you like (while sitting at home drinking tea in your pyjamas), purchase it, and then be making it that very evening!

HOW DO I GET MY DIGITAL PATTERN?

When you purchase a digital product you will be given a unique URL to download your pattern from, which will be given to you after the order is processed. The URL will be displayed directly after purchase, as well as emailed to you. From there, click on the link provided to download the zip file of the pattern.

Inside the file you will find everything you need to make the pattern. Download and save the files to your hard drive (or storage device) for safe-keeping. If you can’t see where the pattern is, check the downloads file on your computer.

WHAT IS A ZIP FILE AND WHY CAN’T I OPEN IT ON MY PHONE OR TABLET?

A zip file is a file that has been compressed so it can be sent and downloaded, without taking up too much storage. In the Folds patterns are compressed into zip files, so you will need to download and open the pattern on a desktop or laptop.

HOW DO I KNOW I AM PRINTING THE PATTERN TO THE CORRECT SCALE?

Open the pattern file in a PDF viewer (Acrobat Reader can be downloaded for free here). Before printing the file, you will need to check the scaling settings on your printer. You want to print the pattern at its true scale (the scale it was designed in). To do this, go into your print settings and select ‘actual size’ or set page scaling to ‘none’ or ‘turn off page scaling.’ Print only Page 1 of the pattern, and check that the large test square measures 5cm x 5cm, or the smaller one measures 1in x 1in. It really needs to be precise, so if it is not quite right, you will need to go back and check your printer settings again.

DO YOUR SEWING PATTERNS HAVE LAYERS?

Yes! All In the Folds digital patterns have embedded layers. This means that you can select only the size/s you would like to print. Layers make it much less confusing to cut out the pattern, and also saves on printer ink (and paper in some cases).

To turn layers on and off, open the pattern in Adobe Reader and click on the ‘layers’ option on the left hand side. There will be an eye next to each layer in the pattern. Turn off (by clicking) all the layers* you do not need. Please note, at the time of writing, layers are not available on Preview (Mac). You will need to install Adobe Reader to access this feature.

*Please note : The ‘PATTERN INFO’ layer needs to be on for all sizes.