FAQ

We’re so happy you’re here & want to ensure you have the best sewing experience with Maven Patterns.

We’ve put together some essential information to guide you through your sewing journey:

SIZING

We know that finding the perfect size can be tricky, so we’ve made it easier for you. All our patterns are available in multiple sizes because we understand that very few ladies fit exactly into a standard chart. You can choose the size that suits you best, providing an excellent starting point for creating your perfect garment. You’ll find our size chart here for reference.

MAVEN1832: EXTENDED SIZING UPDATES

Unfortunately, as these are newly developed patterns, we are not be able to issue free upgrades if you previously bought your pattern in our original size range. We hope you understand that it’s just not possible for us to offer these as free upgrades, develop new ones and still keep paying the rent! 

FUTURE MAVEN1832 RELEASES

Currently, we have released The French Dart, The Rochester and The Somerset sewing patterns in the new extended size range. I’m not planning on updating any more of the older patterns as there isn’t enough interest given the cost of development versus my predicted sales. I am happy to revisit this for future best-selling patterns though.

SEAM ALLOWANCES ARE INCLUDED IN THE PATTERN

Please pay careful attention to the seam allowances listed on the pattern and in the instructions. These allowances are crucial for achieving the desired fit.

TOILE FIRST

Before cutting into your cherished fabric, we highly recommend making a toile first. A toile is a quick mock-up of your pattern using calico or any unloved old fabric you have lying around. This step allows you to check the fit before proceeding with your final fabric.

CAN I SELL ITEMS MADE FROM YOUR PATTERNS?

We understand your enthusiasm to share your creations, but we kindly request that you adhere to our terms of use. Our sewing patterns are designed with passion and love, intended solely for personal use. Commercial activities such as redistribution, reselling, or manufacturing goods for sale using our patterns are strictly prohibited. However, we wholeheartedly encourage you to make garments for friends and family as heartfelt gifts!

PDF PATTERNS

If you’re new to PDF sewing patterns, which are also known as digital downloads, we’re thrilled to share the convenience they bring. They are instantly accessible where ever you are in the world, allowing you to get started right away!

PDF PATTERN FEATURES

Our PDF patterns are designed to be practical and user-friendly, and to be printed at home on standard quality A4 or US letter paper for enhanced durability. We’ve included a “layers” feature (where applicable) so you can toggle layers on and off, letting you print only the sizes you need. Additionally, you’ll find hyperlinks to connect you directly to helpful Maven tutorials, making your sewing experience smoother.

For patterns numbered 1-8, THE PRINT-AT-HOME PATTERN (prints on A4 or US letter paper) IS COMBINED WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS. The instructions will include a list of page numbers, enabling you to print only the necessary pages, saving ink and paper.

For patterns numbered 9 and higher, the print-at-home pattern is now a separate file from the instructions, requiring you to download 3 or 4 files accordingly.

If you need guidance on printing, take a look at our helpful printing tutorial.

A0 COPYSHOP

All our patterns come with a separate A0 file for printing at a copy shop, providing you with more options for printing. Our recommended printer is Orbit Imaging

HOW TO DOWNLOAD YOUR PDF PATTERN IF YOU PURCHASED THROUGH THE MAVEN WEBSITE

Upon completing the checkout process, your order will be displayed on the screen with download links for your files. Please ensure your email address is correct to receive a confirmation email with the link (check your spam/junk folder if you can’t find it in your inbox). Additionally, you can access your patterns in the downloads area of your account. You’ll have the option to download your pattern up to 5 times, and the links will remain active for 1 year. Make sure to save your pattern securely on your computer for easy access. If you still encounter difficulties, don’t hesitate to reach out to us with your order number, name, and email address, and we’ll be more than happy to assist.

Please note that PDF patterns cannot be printed from mobile devices. For printing, you’ll need to download and open the pattern on a desktop or laptop computer. However, you can view the maker instructions on a mobile device without printing them.

ORDERING YOUR PDF SEWING PATTERN

For PDF patterns, please note that Digital VAT TAX is based on your location will be added at checkout. Occasionally, some browsers may show a different price on the listing compared to the checkout due to the calculation of Digital VAT only being possible once your location is known.

PDF PATTERNS TO THE EU

If you’re in the EU, you can find our PDF patterns on our Etsy store. The EU digital tax will be added at checkout, and we recommend creating an Etsy account for lifetime access to your downloads.

MY COPY SHOP CAN’T PRINT MY PATTERN / PASSWORD PROTECTED

All of our patterns are password protected for copyright reasons to prevent editing, but you don’t need the password to open or print the files.

Some print shops do not accept password-protected files, so please check in advance that your print shop accepts password-protected files. It may be possible to email the pattern directly to your copy shop, but please let your printer know that the files must be printed from a PDF program like Adobe reader or Acrobat. Our recommended UK printer is Orbit Imaging

We do not disclose passwords or provide unprotected files to third parties under any circumstance.

PAPER PATTERNS

Our paper patterns are carefully printed in the UK on 60gsm weight paper using Solar Energy by Orbit Imaging

Each pattern includes a fully illustrated Maker Instruction Booklet and is packaged in a sturdy reusable boxed wallets, ensuring you have a seamless experience from start to finish.

FABRIC & HABERDASHERY

When ordering fabric from us, we sell and price it by the half metre, cutting it in one continuous length. To place your order, simply select the desired quantity: 1 meter (2 units), 1.5 meters (3 units), or 2 meters (4 units).

Haberdashery & Trims are sold by the metre.

Please note that we do not give refunds or accept returns for cut lengths of fabric, trims or haberdashery unless they are faulty or damaged.

PRE-WASH

To prevent any unwanted surprises, it’s essential to pre-wash your fabric as it may shrink. We recommend washing it at 30° for environmental reasons. If you’re concerned about garment longevity, consider the future washing and drying methods. Keeping these factors in mind will ensure your garments maintain their quality.

COLOURS

Please be aware that colors may appear differently on a monitor compared to real life. If you’d like to check the colour or weight of the fabric before placing an order, feel free to email us for a swatch.

DELIVERY & RETURNS

For detailed information about our delivery and returns policies, please visit our dedicated Delivery & Returns Page by clicking here.

WORKSHOPS

We’re delighted to offer workshops to help nurture your creativity! To secure your spot in our workshops, payment is required in advance.

Please note that workshop payments are non-refundable. However, we understand that sometimes plans change and we will do our best to fill your place and in that instance we will refund you.

MINIMUM BOOKINGS & CANCELLATIONS

To ensure the best workshop experience for everyone, our workshops have a minimum number of bookings. In the unlikely situation where we must cancel or reschedule a workshop due to not meeting this minimum or other unavoidable circumstances, we will notify you as soon as possible. We’ll make every effort to offer you an alternative date that suits your schedule. If that’s not feasible, we’ll issue a full refund.

Items made at our workshops are intended for personal use only and not for commercial use.

Please note that we cannot be held responsible for any additional costs, expenses, or disappointments that may arise due to workshop changes.

Thank you for considering our workshops! If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to us. We’re excited to create together!

WHOLESALE

Our patterns can be found in various retail stores worldwide! If you’re interested in becoming a stockist, please request a wholesale account here – REQUEST A WHOLESALE ACCOUNT

TEACHING SEWING CLASSES WITH MAVEN PATTERNS

If you’re considering teaching a sewing class using our patterns, we welcome you to do so. Each student attending the class will need to purchase a separate printed pattern. Please get in touch with us for information on our wholesale rate for classes. We kindly request that our patterns not be shared, traced, or photocopied. REQUEST A WHOLESALE ACCOUNT

ERRORS

While we strive for perfection, sometimes human errors can occur. If you spot any mistakes in our patterns, please let us know, and we will promptly correct them. You can find our Errata page here for updates.

Thank you for choosing Maven Patterns! If you have any other questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us.