Frequently asked questions
Can’t find your order? Wondering how to piece together a PDF pattern? The answer might be here.
Is the seam allowance included in the patterns?
Yes it is, and it is 5/8” (1.5cm) wide. This is the standard seam allowance we have seen in most sewing patterns, and the easiest one for beginners. After doing several polls over the years, the majority always voted to keep this width!
I didn't receive my order confirmation email.
The email is sent automatically after purchase. If you can’t find it, it is most likely in your spam folder. If it isn’t, please send us an email.
I have trouble printing the PDF pattern
Use the layers to select only the required sizes: this will get rid of unnecessary lines and notches and save ink. To do this, open the PDF file in Adobe Acrobat or any other software with the layers feature. Select the layers for your size or sizes. Make sure to select the “All sizes instructions”, “Page numbers” and “Cutting lines” layers as well: they contain important information to piece the pages together and use the sewing pattern.
Files have been tested and should work fine, but each printer is different: sometimes you will need to explore the settings. You need to print your pattern at a 100% scale with no margins. Please use the test square to check the scale. Please use the correct format for your printer: patterns are provided in US letter (for US printers) or A4 (all other home printers) and A0 (copy shop).
I have trouble piecing the PDF pattern together
We made a little video to help you!
I can't login to my customer account
If you can’t login even after trying to set a new password, it is likely you didn’t create an account during checkout.
If you want to link your past orders to a newly created account, you can create one anytime and drop us an email. We will link the orders for you.
I lost/deleted my order confirmation email
No problem! Drop us an email and we will find your order with your name or email address, and resend it to you.
Why are not all sewing patterns available in the extended size range?
Three patterns are already offered in an extended size range, up to hips 66”: the Pleiades 1 dress, Pleiades 2 dress and the Stella dress. This represents an important amount of work as we had the sewing patterns entirely redrafted for this new line, in order to fit actual body shapes in this size range. We hope these patterns are successful so we can extend others as well! Spread the word to help us achieve a fully inclusive sewing patterns collection.
Sewing tips video tutorials
We gathered several video tutorials we found useful. We hope this helps! Please find the links below. Please note that we are not affiliated to any of these links or their authors.
The adjustments
How to take measurements
Top 5 adjustments to do (and in what order)
How to adjust to your size (bust, waist, hips)
How to do a full bust adjustment (pattern with classic side dart)
How to do a small bust adjustment (pattern with classic side dart)
How to do an FBA – pattern with side and waist dart
How to do an SBA – pattern with side and waist dart
How to do an FBA on princess seams
How to do an SBA on princess seams
How to adjust for narrow or wide shoulders
How to lengthen or shorten a pattern
How to finish hems
Narrow hem
Rolled hem
Blind hem (machine-stitched)
Blind hem (hand-stitched)
Curved hem
Additional tips
How to make elastic casings
How to make a bound slit
How to make spaghetti straps, bow ties and more
How to finish seams with bias tape (bias binding)
How to finish a neckline with bias tape
How to finish a neckline with bias tape – NO topstitch
How to finish raw edges with double fold bias tape
French Poetry patterns video tutorials
How to use a PDF pattern with margins
How to sew the Stella dress
How to sew the Orion shorts
Adjusting patterns
Here is a list of tutorials to help you adjust your French Poetry sewing patterns to your own unique and beautiful body shape.