FAQs

Shipping and Refunds

Patterns will be emailed to the email address you provide. Nothing is shipped (unless you add on a large format print) - these are digital items. Because of the nature of digital items, refunds are not available, even on large format print orders (because those orders also include the digital files). 

Large format prints are shipped without instructions (see large format prints question below) within 2 business days after your order unless a shipping delay is in effect. If there is a shipping delay, there will be a banner across every page on the site notifying customers of dates. You will receive an email when your pattern has shipped. 

What sets Blank Slate Patterns apart from other PDF patterns?

Blank Slate Patterns are designed by someone with over 30 years of sewing experience, and then digitized and computer graded for professional pieces. In addition to testing the fit of our patterns, we also test alteration instructions on all our women's patterns to make it easy for you to customize the pattern to fit your body. 
Patterns are formatted for international customers-all patterns will print on standard paper sizes outside the U.S. without losing edges. All patterns include measurements in metric units as well. We also have an active support group on Facebook if you want to share your creations or get advice and help here

What is a PDF Pattern?

A PDF pattern is a digital file that you download from an emailed link or from your account in this shop. It includes sewing instructions with color photos and/or diagrams, and pattern pages. You print the pattern pages on your home printer. The pattern pages require some trimming and taping together to get your complete, full size pattern. Instructions for printing and piecing your pattern together are included in the file. PDF patterns are great in that you get them instantly and don’t have to wait for a trip to the store to start sewing! And since they’re digital, there’s no shipping charge. Because of software limitations, we recommend downloading a printing with a computer, not a mobile device. 

This is a video of the printing process:

Do patterns include a copy shop file? 

Copy shop files are available on all our women's patterns and formatted to print on either 36 inch wide or A0 size paper. If you are printing on A0 paper and the file for your pattern is longer than one A0 size sheet, ask your copy shop to choose the "Poster" option in Adobe Reader to automatically tile the pattern to multiple A0 pages. 

What is a large format print?  

Large format prints are 36 inch wide prints of the pattern pieces that are shipped to you so you don't have to print and tape the PDF version of the pattern. This option is available for U.S. customers on all our women's patterns. When you choose the large format print option, you will also receive the digital print at home file, which you will need to download to view or print the instructions at home. 

Do the patterns print in layers so I can print just the size I want? 

No, we have found the layers option to create too many printing problems that require extra customer support. However, patterns do include printing guides so you can print only the pages you need and are all done in grayscale to save your colored ink. 

Where is my pattern?

You're shown a download link immediately after purchase, and you can also sign into your account on this site to download your pattern. You also receive an order confirmation email that contains the download link. Please check your inbox or spam folder to find that email. If you are unable to find it please contact us with your order number. Remember, these are digital, not paper, patterns, so you will only receive an email with a download link. Please check your Paypal email address if you choose to pay with Paypal and have a different email address associated with that account. 

 What software do I need?

Adobe Reader is recommended, you can get it here for free. There are other PDF viewing programs, but I have found that they may not be as accurate when printing.

 Can I sell items made from these patterns?

You are welcome to sell items you personally make from patterns you have purchased. Manufacturing of any scale where others besides you would be using the pattern is not permitted. 

Can I share this pattern with friends?

Again, these patterns are licensed for personal use only. That means you can print as many copies for your own personal use as you want, but you are not allowed to redistribute, sell, or reproduce the pattern for anyone else. Emailing to, printing for or digitally sharing the pattern with anyone else is a violation of copyright law. 

Sizing Information
Women’s patterns are drafted for a height of 5'6" and a C cup (smaller half of letter size range) or D cup (larger half of letter size range) and cover the following range of body measurements

High bust 28-49 inches, 71-124cm
Bust 31-53 inches, 79-135cm (with instructions for pattern specific full bust adjustments)
Waist 24-48 inches, 61-122cm
Hips 34-55 inches, 86-149cm

For specific measurements for any women's pattern, please check the pattern listing. 

Below is the sizing guide I use when designing children's patterns. Please note that these measurements refer to your child, not to any measurements on the finished pattern.

Please note that NOT ALL CHILDREN'S PATTERNS COME IN ALL THESE SIZES.
Make sure to check the specific pattern you're interested in for which sizes are included. 
Children's sizes, Blank Slate Patterns sewing patterns