Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about our sewing patterns, sizing, and orders.
What is isa in stitches?
Isa in Stitches is an independent sewing-pattern studio creating downloadable PDF patterns for people who want tomake distinctive clothes themselves. The patterns are designed to be practical to use at home, with clear digital filesand supporting instructions that vary by pattern.
What do I receive when I buy a pattern?
You receive a digital sewing pattern, not a finished garment. The exact files included are listed on each product pageand may include A4, US Letter and A0 pattern files, layered sizes, written instructions and/or video tutorials.
Are these physical patterns?
No. The patterns sold on the website are digital PDF files delivered electronically. Nothing is shipped to you unless aproduct page explicitly says otherwise.
Where can I see exactly what is included before I buy?
Check the product page for the pattern you are interested in. It lists the available sizes, file formats, languages,instructions and tutorials, as well as fabric recommendations and other pattern-specific information.
Can I preview the tutorial before buying?
When a pattern includes a public video tutorial, you can watch it before purchasing to get a feel for the construction process and techniques involved.
You can also preview the PDF instructions directly on the product page. The preview shown is in English, but whenever a pattern is available in French, your purchase will also include the French version of the instructions.
How do I know whether a pattern is suitable for my sewing level?
Each product is given a skill level, such as Beginner, Advanced beginner or Intermediate. Use this as a guide rather than a strict rule: the product page and tutorial will also show you which techniques are involved.
What does 'Beginner' mean?
Beginner patterns are intended for sewists who are still building confidence with basic construction. You should becomfortable using a sewing machine, sewing seams and following simple pattern markings.
What does 'Advanced beginner' mean?
Advanced beginner patterns introduce a few more steps or techniques, but they do not require expert sewing. You may encounter details such as gathers, collars, plackets, facings, elastic or more precise assembly
What does 'Intermediate' mean?
Intermediate patterns usually involve more construction steps, greater accuracy, or techniques that benefit fromprevious garment-sewing experience. The product page and tutorial will help you judge the specific project.
I am a beginner. Which patterns should I start with?
Use the Beginner filter on the Shop page to see patterns specifically marked as beginner-friendly. You can also check the tutorial and construction details before purchasing.
How do I choose my size? Our measurement table.
Choose your size from your body measurements, not from the ready-to-wear size you usually buy. Sewing-pattern sizing is its own system and can look very different from shop-bought clothing sizes. Measure yourself, compare those measurements with the chart, and also check the finished-garment measurements when they are provided.
Women’s A–L
| Size | Bust | Waist | Hips |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 80 cm / 31½ | 62 cm / 24½ | 86 cm / 33¾ |
| B | 84 cm / 33 | 66 cm / 26 | 90 cm / 35½ |
| C | 88 cm / 34½ | 70 cm / 27½ | 94 cm / 37 |
| D | 92 cm / 36¼ | 74 cm / 29⅛ | 98 cm / 38½ |
| E | 96 cm / 37¾ | 78 cm / 30¾ | 102 cm / 40¼ |
| F | 100 cm / 39¼ | 82 cm / 32¼ | 106 cm / 41¾ |
| G | 104 cm / 41 | 86 cm / 33¾ | 110 cm / 43¼ |
| H | 110 cm / 43¾ | 92 cm / 36¼ | 116 cm / 45¾ |
| I | 116 cm / 45¾ | 98 cm / 381½ | 122 cm / 48 |
| J | 122 cm / 48 | 104 cm / 41 | 128 cm / 50⅜ |
| K | 128 cm / 50⅜ | 110 cm / 43¼ | 134 cm / 52¾ |
| L | 134 cm / 52¾ | 116 cm / 45⅝ | 140 cm / 55⅛ |
Individual patterns may use different size ranges. Always check the size chart on the pattern instruction booklet before cutting.
Why is my sewing-pattern size so different from my usual clothing size?
That is normal. Ready-to-wear brands and sewing-pattern companies use different sizing systems, and the letter or number on the label is not important. Choose the pattern size that corresponds to your actual measurements.
What if I am between two sizes?
Use the finished-garment measurements and the intended fit to decide. For a loose garment, you may prefer the smaller size; for a closer fit, you may prefer the larger size. When in doubt, making a toile or test version is the safest option.
Should I make a toile or muslin first?
For fitted garments, unfamiliar silhouettes, expensive fabric or significant size adjustments, a toile is strongly recommended. It lets you check fit and construction before cutting your final fabric.
The pattern is designed for a different height than mine. What should I do?
Use the pattern's stated reference height as a starting point and compare key garment lengths with your own body (the inseam or outseam of pants for instance - given among the garment measurements). Lengthen or shorten where needed before cutting your final fabric. Don't hesitate to write us for more support.
Can I lengthen or shorten the pattern?
Usually, yes. Many garments can be adjusted using the lengthen/shorten lines or by making a controlled alteration in an appropriate area of the pattern. Because every design is different, check the instructions or contact us if you are unsure where to make the alteration.
What are finished-garment measurements?
Finished-garment measurements tell you the actual dimensions of the sewn garment. Comparing them with your body measurements shows how much ease is built into the design and helps you understand whether the finished fit will be close, regular or oversized
What is ease?
Ease is the difference between your body measurement and the finished garment measurement. Positive ease makes a garment larger than the body for comfort or style. Some stretch garments may use very little ease or negative ease.
How do I know which fabric to use?
Each product page lists recommended fabric types. Pay attention not only to the fibre content but also to the fabric's weight, drape, structure and stretch, because these qualities strongly affect the finished garment.
Can I use a different fabric from the ones listed?
Often yes, but the result may look and behave differently. Try to choose a fabric with similar weight, drape and stretch to the recommendations. If you deliberately choose something heavier, stiffer or stretchier, expect the silhouette to change.
What does 'woven' mean?
Woven fabrics are made from threads crossing over and under each other. Most have little or no stretch unless elastane is added. Examples include poplin, linen, lawn, voile, denim and many suiting fabrics.
What does 'knit' or 'stretch fabric' mean?
Knit fabrics are constructed in loops and usually stretch more than woven fabrics. Jersey, rib knit, sweatshirt fleece and many polar fleeces are examples. If a pattern requires stretch, check the minimum stretch recommendation on the product page.
How much fabric do I need?
Fabric requirements are listed for each pattern and usually depend on size, garment length and fabric width. Always check the product-specific fabric-consumption information before buying fabric.
Should I prewash my fabric?
Yes, in most cases you should prewash and dry the fabric the way you plan to care for the finished garment. This helps prevent unexpected shrinkage after sewing.
How do I receive my pattern after purchase?
Your digital files are delivered electronically after payment is completed. Follow the download link provided with your order.
If you created an account, you may also be able to access your order from your account area.
I did not receive my download email. What should I do?
First check your spam, junk and promotions folders and make sure you are checking the email address used atcheckout. If you still cannot find the files, contact us with your order details.
Can I download the pattern again later?
If your order/download link remains available, you can re-download the files from there. We still recommend saving a copy of your purchased files somewhere secure once you receive them.
What file formats are included?
The available formats are listed on each product page. Many patterns include A4, US Letter and A0 PDFs, and some files include size layers.
What are PDF layers?
Layers let you show only the size or sizes you want before printing. This can make the pattern much easier to read and cut.
How do I use the size layers?
We will work quickly to ship your order as soon as possible. Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email with further information. Delivery times vary depending on your location.
The layers are not showing or are not working. What should I do?
Make sure you are opening the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader rather than a browser preview, phone preview or another PDF app. If the problem continues, contact us and tell us which pattern, language and paper format you areusing.
Can I open the files on my phone or tablet?
You can view many PDFs on a phone or tablet, but for printing, checking layers and confirming scale, a computer with Adobe Acrobat Reader is usually the most reliable option.
What is A0?
A0 is a large-format paper size commonly used by copy shops and sewing-pattern printing services. Instead of assembling many small home-printer pages, you can have the large A0 sheets printed professionally.
What is the difference between A4 and US Letter?
A4 is the standard home-printer paper size in many countries, including most of Europe. US Letter is the common home-printer format in the United States and Canada. Use the file that matches the paper loaded in your printer.
Can I print the pattern at home?
Yes, when an A4 or US Letter file is included. Print at 100% or Actual Size, never 'Fit to page', and check the test square before printing the whole pattern.
How do I know if I printed at the correct scale?
Print the page containing the test square first and measure it with a ruler. If the square measures exactly as indicated, you can print the remaining pages using the same settings.
Why are there so many pages?
Large garments, wide pattern pieces, multiple lengths and larger size ranges can require many home-printer pages. If you want to avoid assembling them, use the A0 file when one is included and order large-format printing from a copy shop or online pattern-printing service.
Do I need to trim every page before assembling the pattern?
Depending on your preferred method, you may trim all the edges or only two, thus overlapping the pages to stick them together.
Can a copy shop print the file for me?
Yes. Send them the A0 file when available and ask them to print at 100% / actual size with no scaling. It is a good idea to confirm the scale box before accepting the full print job.
Can I print only one size?
If the PDF includes layers, yes: use Adobe Acrobat Reader to hide the sizes you do not need before printing.
Do all patterns include written instructions?
Not necessarily. Some earlier patterns were released with video instructions rather than a full written booklet, while newer releases may include written instructions as well. The product page clearly states what is included, so please check it before purchasing.
Do all patterns include a video tutorial?
Yes, with maybe one or two exceptions.
Where can I find the video tutorial?
When a video tutorial is available, the product page or instruction file will direct you to it. Public tutorials can also be viewed on the Isa in Stitches YouTube channel.
Can I watch the video tutorial before buying the pattern?
If the tutorial is public on YouTube, yes. You are welcome to watch it first to see the construction process and decide whether the pattern is right for you.
Are seam allowances included?
Yes, unless a specific pattern clearly states otherwise. Check the pattern instructions or product page for the seamallowance amount used in that design.
What if I get stuck during construction?
Rewatch the relevant section of the tutorial, check the written instructions if included, and compare your pieces with the pattern markings. If you are still stuck, contact us and tell us the pattern name and the exact step causing trouble.
Can I get a refund on a digital pattern?
14-day money-back guarantee: If you’re not completely satisfied with your purchase, simply contact us at isabellebae.schultz@gmail.com within 14 days of purchase with your order number, and we’ll issue a full refund.
I bought the wrong pattern by mistake. What should I do?
Contact us as soon as possible and include your order details. Whether we can change or refund the order depends on whether the digital files have already been accessed and on any applicable legal requirements.
I bought the same pattern twice. Can you help?
Of course! Contact us with the order numbers so we can check the duplicate purchases.
Which languages are the patterns available in?
Language availability varies by pattern. Check the product page before purchasing to see whether the files and instructions are available in English, French, or both.
Will anything be shipped internationally?
No physical item is shipped for standard digital sewing-pattern purchases. You receive downloadable files electronically.
Which paper format should I use in my country?
Choose the file that matches the paper size used by your printer. A4 is the standard in most countries worldwide, while US Letter is commonly used in the United States, Canada, and parts of Latin America. If you're unsure, check the paper loaded in your printer or your printer settings before printing.
For large-format printing, use the A0 file when included. A0 is part of the international ISO paper-size system and is widely accepted by copy shops and specialist sewing-pattern printing services. If A0 is not standard where you live, your local printer may still be able to print the file at 100% / actual size on an equivalent large-format paper or roll. Whatever format you use, always print the test square first and measure it before printing the entire pattern.
Can I share the PDF pattern with someone else?
No. Your purchase is for your own use. Please do not copy, upload, distribute or share the digital pattern files.
Can I sell garments I make from the patterns?
The standard pattern license is for private, non-commercial use. If you’d like to sell finished garments made using an Isa in Stitches pattern, you can purchase a Commercial Maker License. Each license covers one pattern and allows you to sell up to 50 finished garments within 12 months. Learn more and purchase a Commercial Maker License here.
Can I use the patterns for a sewing class or workshop?
Please contact us before using a pattern in a paid class, workshop or studio setting. We can help arrange the appropriate pattern purchases or permission for the participants.
Can I print and resell the patterns?
No, not without written permission. The pattern files and printed copies may not be reproduced for resale
How can I contact you?
If your question is not answered here, email isabellebae.schultz@gmail.com. When asking about an order or technical issue, include the pattern name and as much relevant information as possible.