Are you experiencing an error when checking out? If so, check that you are logged in to your account. Once you are logged in, add the items you would like to purchase to your cart. If you already have all the patterns you plan to purchase in your card, add a pattern and then remove from the cart before proceeding. The checkout process should then work as normal. If you are still experiencing an error, email us at CKCPatterns@gmail.com and we will send you an invoice for an alternate checkout as quickly as possible.
If you are new to CKC Patterns, or PDF patterns in general, we would love to help you get started! Here are some of the basics:
CHOOSE: You will begin by purchasing a PDF pattern here, or choosing one of our free patterns here.
DOWNLOAD: You will then download the pattern to your computer and/or other storage. To make sure you never lose your files, we recommend saving to Dropbox (it's free) and you can read more about that here. If you are unable to download, please email us at CKCPatterns@gmail.com.
Your patterns are stored in your account! If it wasn't emailed to you, simply login to your account from a computer. Click on Completed, and that will take you to all your past purchases to redownload.
OPEN: When you're ready, you will open the pattern on your computer or other device. It is okay to print the entire pattern but many of us only print the pieces. You can read more on that here if you didn't already above.
PRINT: The pattern pieces should be printed on standard paper (8.5"x11") and if there are multiple pages you will tape them together along the labeled lines. You can also use the layers option available on our newer pattern and only print the size(s) you need. For more details on printing with layers, please read this blog post.There are some important tips for making sure your pieces print correctly, so please read our quick blog post on how to print your PDF patterns. If you follow the guidelines and find that your 1" square does not print correctly the first time, you may need to switch to Adobe Reader using our instructions here. It's not hard at all, just very important.
A0 & Projector files Files: Not all of our patterns include A0 or Projector files. Please check the pattern description to be sure it's included with your purchase! As one of the first PDF pattern companies, we opened long before A0 files were being used for home sewing. While we are adding A0 files to older patterns, our library size is large so this will take some time to complete!
Copy shop files are formatted into one or more giant pages. This means that you don't have to tape pattern pieces together. Depending on the business you send the file to, you will have an option to email, upload the file to a print shop's website, or save the file to a flash drive and bring it to the print shop. The file will need to be printed at 100%. Pages are set at A0 format 31.1" by 46.8". You can also use the layers option and only print the size(s) you need. For more details on printing with layers, please read this blog post. Most importantly, before you take it home, make sure to measure the 1" box so you know that it is printed correctly.
TAPE: If your pattern piece is larger than one page, you will need to tape your pieces together by overlapping the edges and matching up the overlap lines. Tape all the pages together according the the lines. You can read more about taping your pieces together here.
CUT: The pattern pieces, after being printed and taped, will work the same way as paper patterns that you buy at the store. Pin the pieces to your fabric and cut. If there are special instructions, they will be written in the pattern.
To conserve your ink and paper, any time there is a square or rectangular shape that is needed for your outfit, we use a cutting chart to tell you those dimensions so you can cut it without having to print the pieces. Simply use a rotary cutter and mat to quickly cut those rectangles. This saves a LOT of time too! If you'd like, you can find our step-by-step photo instructions for using a rotary cutter here.
We also offer pattern pieces for rectangle and square pieces for new patterns on our website. Simply click the "Rectangle pieces included" filter to see which patterns include this new option.
SEW: Now you just follow the instructions in the pattern! We recommend reading the pattern all the way through before beginning. We know you're going to love our step-by-step photos and clear instructions!
UPDATES: If at any time you need to re-download your patterns, or get updated files, you must first login to your account through a computer to access all of your past orders. Logging in on a cell phone or other device, will only show you some of your past orders! Once logged in click on my account, and then completed, and you can find all your past orders there!
REFUNDS: Due to the nature of PDFs being a digital pattern that you are purchasing a copy of, that can never truly be retuned, we do not offer any refunds. Be sure you are reading the listing in it's entirety. If the listing says skirt, but not top, then the top the model is wearing is not included in the sale. Our patterns are kept separate so prices can stay low and you can chose the pieces you want to pair together. Also be aware that you are buying PDF patterns and not a completed sewn outfit.
That's all you need to know to get started!
Here is a recap of the links above, along with a few more references that may be helpful to you down the road:
If you ever have any questions on any of these steps, please ask in our CKC Patterns Group on Facebook! We are always happy to help. We would also love to see your finished creations, so please come share with us when you're done! If you have any additional questions, please email us at CKCPatterns@gmail.com
PS -- Here's a little video we put together to help you get started!