Frequently Asked Questions
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We hope this list of FAQs covers everything you need to know. But you can always use the Contact Us page to send additional queries via email or phone.
Orders and Delivery
How much is postage?
Good question! Tricky answer. That’s because postage depends on the country we send to. For the UK, our current price is £2.75 for orders under £25 and free shipping for orders over £25. Postage costs for other available countries are calculated at checkout so you can check before you order.
Which countries do Sewdirect send to? I’m not in the UK or Ireland, where can I buy your sewing patterns?
Here is a list with links to retailers outside of the UK and the brands they hold.
France: Simplicity and New Look
Germany: Simplicity, Vogue, McCall’s, Butterick, and Burda
Poland: Simplicity, Butterick, New Look, McCall’s
Romania: Vogue, New Look and Burda
Russia: Simplicity, Vogue, McCall’s, Butterick, and Burda
Scandinavia: Simplicity, Vogue, McCall’s, Butterick, New Look and Burda
Switzerland: Simplicity, Vogue, McCall’s, Butterick, New Look and Burda
Other European Countries: Simplicity, Vogue, McCall’s, Butterick, New Look and Burda
USA and Canada: Simplicity, New Look and Burda
USA and Canada: Vogue, McCall’s, and Butterick
Australia, New Zealand, Asia: Simplicity, Vogue, McCall’s, Butterick, New Look and Burda
Africa: Vogue, McCall’s and Butterick
How long will my order take to arrive?
We despatch orders within 2-5 days from the date the order is placed on our website. We send orders using Royal Mail 1st Class, so please allow for Royal Mail delivery times when wondering where your order is.
I haven’t received a order confirmation?
Oh dear! We send email confirmations for every order received as long as payment has gone through. Please check your spam/junk folders for your order confirmation. If you still cannot find it we can re-send to you! Email us at [email protected] to let us know you need to check a missing order email.
I haven’t received a dispatch notification?
Currently, we do not send despatch notifications. It’s definitely something we’re working on adding to our service… but we’re not there yet! Please bear with us. We despatch within 2-5 days from receipt of order.
How can I tell if the pattern I want is in stock?
Our website shows the available stock for each pattern once you’ve chosen a size pack (if applicable). And while we’re waiting for a new shipment to arrive, the label Out of Stock will be shown. Patterns arrive every week so please check back if the stock you need isn’t available.
Returns, Refunds and Exchanges
What’s your return policy?
We’re sorry if you’re not happy with your order. You can return any purchases made on sewdirect.com within 28 days of the order date.
My order arrived wrong/incomplete/damaged how can I get a refund?
Let us fix that! Please email us at [email protected] quoting your order number and the item you need to return and we will deal with your enquiry promptly. Our friendly Customer Service Team will give you all the details on how to return a product.
I ordered the wrong pattern size, how can I exchange it?
We can fix that! Please email us at [email protected] quoting your order number and the item you need to return and we will deal with your enquiry promptly. Our friendly Customer Service Team will give you all the details on how to return a product.
How can I cancel my order?
Let us help! Email [email protected] to talk to our friendly Customer Service Team.
Will you refund patterns bought at one of your stockists?
In this instance you’ll need to go back to the stockist you purchased your pattern(s) from, if you wish to return or exchange. You’ll need to check with that retailer to see whether they accept returns or exchanges.
Can I exchange a pattern I got for free with my Sew Today subscription?
Yes! Any pattern you have bought through our website www.sewdirect.com can be exchanged within 28 days of purchase. This includes any pattern you selected using your free pattern voucher as part of your membership. Simply email at [email protected] quoting your order number and the item you need to return and we will deal with your enquiry promptly.
Common Pattern Queries
Is seam allowance included in your patterns or do I have to add it myself?
Yes! We are happy to report it is included as standard in all of our brands.
Are measurements metric (cm) or imperial (inches)?
We use both! On the back of the envelope you will find both sets of measurements for buying fabric and garment sizing. In the instructions we refer to both measurements too.
What sizes do the patterns come in?
Our pattern sizing varies slightly between brands. Also it’s worth saying that pattern sizes aren’t the same as ready-to-wear sizing! Take your body measurements before choosing which size to make up using the bust, hip and waist measurements printed on each pattern envelope. For more information on this topic visit our size and fit guides section of the website. Here we show you how to measure yourself and pick the right pattern size.
Do you offer plus size and petite size patterns?
We do! Most of our patterns feature lengthen and shorten lines to help adjust height. Our patterns designed for petite figures can be found on our Petite category to make it easier for you to explore this range. Our patterns designed for fuller figures can be found in our Womens and Plus Size category to make it easier for you to shop this size range.
I’m struggling with one of your sewing patterns, who can help me?
Let us help! Email [email protected] to talk to our friendly Customer Service Team.
When will the new patterns arrive if they’re now out in the US?
Good question! Tricky answer. We can’t always say exactly when new patterns will go live on our site due to shipping times from the US. And our newest patterns go live for Sew Today members to shop before their national release.
I’ve spotted an error in a pattern, who can help me?
That sounds like something we need to investigate! Email [email protected] with details of what you’ve spotted and we’ll look into it for you.
Can I teach sewing classes based on your patterns?
Yes! We’d love you to. Also if you’re a registered school with a URN number, visit the Schools section of our website to learn more about how we can support you.
Can I sell garments I’ve made from your patterns?
This is an important question. The answer is actually no: pattterns are subject to copyright law and are for personal and home use only and may not be used for commercial purposes. You may not sell garments made from any of our patterns.
Sew Today
What does being a Sew Today subscriber include?
With your amazing subscription you’ll get a 40% discount off all products on our site plus free sewing patterns. For annual subscription customers you will choose your free sewing patterns as part of the sign up process. For Direct Debit customers, a free pattern voucher is sent via email following payment from your bank every 6 months when you renew.
Plus you’ll have access to the Sew Today VIP Members’ area on our website where you can shop new designs before their national release, and read articles and sewing tips from industry experts.
Please be aware the 40% discount doesn’t apply on top of already discounted products, you’ll just get the highest discount available on that day for those patterns.
How much is a Sew Today subscription?
We’ll charge you £14 every six months by direct debit. Every time your subscription is paid you receive a voucher code by email for a free pattern, worth up to a retail value of £19.
Alternatively our annual subscription is £28 as a one off payment and does not renew. You claim your two free sewing patterns during the sign up process. We will remind you your subscription is due to finish so you can choose whether to resubscribe.
Can I exchange a pattern I got for free with my Sew Today subscription?
Yes! Any pattern you have bought through our website www.sewdirect.com can be exchanged within 28 days of purchase. This includes any pattern you selected using your free pattern voucher as part of your membership. Simply email at [email protected] quoting your order number and the item you need to return and we will deal with your enquiry promptly.
Where is my magazine? My latest issue hasn’t arrived?
The September 2020 issue of Sew Today magazine was the last printed edition and membership now includes access to expert sewing guides and articles in our VIP area.
How do I get my pattern voucher?
We’ll send it to you! Within a few days of your 6-monthly direct debit being paid you’ll receive a voucher code for a free pattern by email. It can take up to 10 days from date of payment, due to bank processes so please keep this in mind when waiting for your voucher. If you missed our email, don’t worry, the code is the email you signed up with. Read our guide for more tips on spending your voucher.
How do I cancel my subscription?
Sorry to see you go! You can cancel your subscription when logged in to your account – Go to My Account and navigate to the Sew Today Subscription section to cancel. Alternatively, email us at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help.
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