FAQs

Q. What are PDF sewing patterns?
A. PDF sewing patterns are full size sewing patterns that have been saved in a digital format - PDF (portable document format), allowing you to download the files immediately and print them from your own home/office using standard printers with A4/Letter size papers. As sewing pattern files are mostly quite large, the PDFs are tiled, with the pattern lines running over many sheets of paper. You will need to piece the patterns together after printing.

Q. What software do I need to view and print PDF sewing patterns?
A. There are many readers that will allow you to view PDF files already. However, as the PDF is layered, which means that the sizes are saved in different layers, it will be best to use the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print the files. You can download the Acrobat reader here. https://get.adobe.com/reader/

Q. I have downloaded the file but it is not a PDF file, it has a *.zip extension.
A. Many of the patterns include multiple files which have been conveniently compressed into 1 single file for easy download and storage. The zip file format is a very common format which can be opened by most modern computers (PC or Mac) simply by double-clicking the file. You do not need to install special software to unzip zip files.

Q. I can't find the email with the download links
A. Please look into your Spam folder. Some email filters may divert it to the spam folder instead. 

Q. How do I piece the PDF patterns together?
A. You only need scissors and glue. Some people just overlap the pieces, but I prefer to trim away the right and bottom edges, and then match the marks (which have been marked alphabetically). Glue the pieces together following the pattern layouts provided in the instructions file. 

Q. The pattern does not suit me/I don't like how the dress looks on me, can I get a refund?
A. As PDF patterns are digital goods, once they have been downloaded they cannot be refunded or exchanged. 

Q. I am unable to view or print the patterns correctly.
A. First of all, you will need to print the patterns from a device that will allow you to access a printer dialog with options not to resize the patterns. This is most likely a computer such as a laptop or desktop. I have had many users attempting to download or print the patterns from a phone or iPad only to run into problems when doing so. 

Q. Why was I charged tax on my online order?
A. For international shipments, import taxes or custom duties may be imposed by the destination country upon arrival of the goods. The rules and tax amount differs for each country and these charges are the buyer's responsibility. Taxes/duties are not included in the product price or shipping fees on PorcupinePatterns.com.

If you have any other questions, do email me at porcupinepatterns@gmail.com