Sewing FAQ

We’re passionate about all things craft, creativity and community, which is why we have an extensive range of ‘Pay What You Can’ sewing patterns – many created in collaboration with indie patternmakers.

We know that when creativity strikes you just want to get to it so while you can contact us at sewing@peppermintmag.com for support, here’s a list of frequently asked questions which might help you get your next project underway faster!

Using Peppermint Patterns

How do I access one of your patterns?

Head on over to the Peppermint Sewing School pages to see our full catalogue of sewing patterns. Scroll through to find a pattern you’d like, select the price you’d like to pay and ‘add to cart’ (for both free and paid patterns). Complete the details and click ‘Pay now’. Once your payment is complete you’ll receive an email containing the links to the pattern and instructions files – check your junk mail if it’s not in your inbox. There is a limit to how many times you can download the pattern files (usually five) so we recommend downloading them onto a device where you can store and access the files at a later date.

I’m a subscriber, how do I access my FREE digital sewing pattern?

Firstly, thanks for your support! We’re so happy you’re here. To access your FREE digital pattern, follow the steps above (How do I access one of your patterns) up to the check out stage. Once you get to the checkout page you’ll notice an area to enter your discount code. Type in the code you’ve received (either printed in the magazine or sent via email to you) and the cost of the pattern will be reduced to $0. Note: the code will only work for that specific pattern.

Why did your patterns change from free to paid?

As you may know, we’ve been offering most of our patterns for free for many years now. While we wish we could continue to do so, the reality is, it’s come at a significant cost to the business and it’s now reached a point where it’s just not financially possible for us to keep doing this. Read more about this change here.

We also want to acknowledge the value of the work, the value in the end product, and of course, the value in our own work also. It’s tough out there at the moment for many of us with small businesses, and it’s so important to recognise the value of creatives, makers, artists and designers as we all navigate this economic crisis. We all need to do what we can to stick around, and to support those bringing art and craft to the world. ⁠

Do you have any free patterns?

Yes! The good news is that there are still a small number of patterns which are free. When you go to complete your download for a free pattern you’ll also be signed up to our infrequent (and much beloved) sewing newsletter, which will let you know when a new pattern is available along with sewing news and tips and tricks (you can easily unsubscribe at any time). Your email address will never be shared with a third party.

Can I use a pattern to create garments for sale, resell the pattern or use it as a basis for my own patterns?

Unfortunately not – exclusive rights and copyright of any pattern remains with Peppermint. Our patterns cannot be used for commercial purposes of any kind – this includes any garments/items created using the patterns. The pattern files cannot be copied, distributed or shared with others (physically or digitally), posted online or sold under any circumstances. For full Terms and Conditions, please head over here.

I run workshops/classes in my sewing shop/studio… Can I use the patterns as a teaching resource and material?

The patterns can be used for non-commercial, non-paid community sewing groups but not for ticketed and paid-for sewing workshops. Please contact sewing@peppermintmag.com if you’d like to find out about licensing fees for workshops.

Can I share photos and videos of my make?

Yes please! We’d love to see your creations. Tag your posts with @PeppermintMagazine and #PeppermintPatterns (and the relevant hashtag for each pattern) along with the patternmaker to connect and share with the Peppermint sewing community.

How do I print the patterns?

The most common problem faced when printing A4 PDF patterns at home is making sure you are printing at the correct size. Always double check you have selected ‘Actual Size’ or scale to 100% and NEVER select ‘scale to fit’. If the pattern features a little test square, it’s wise to print out that page separately and check it’s the correct size to give yourself peace of mind before committing yourself to printing all of the pages. We’ve created a handy little video here to help!

There’s also the option of printing out your pattern in large-scale A0 format at a copy shop, like Weft and Warp, Kylie and the machine, E-print Online and Officeworks. You can go in-store with the pattern on a USB or on your phone, or you can usually also send it to the copy shop digitally and have them ship it to your door!

What size paper do I print the patterns on?

Most of our patterns can be printed in A4 / US Letter formats – just make sure the scaling is correct and the test square is printing at the correct size! Plus most of our recent patterns come with an A0 version for large-scale/copy shop printing.

Are patterns available for projector use?

Yes! Use the A0 file format and adjust the focus ring until the test square is the correct size. Some of our earlier patterns are only available in A4 / US Letter format and unfortunately cannot be easily used with projectors, but the majority of our recent patterns do allow for this paper-saving option.

Creation of the Peppermint Patterns

How do you go about creating your patterns?

We start by dreaming up what design and style we’d like to create – that’s the fun part! We draw our ideas and gather inspiration for a mood board. Then we work with a patternmaker to refine the idea further. Once the pattern has been developed, the pattern is tested to make sure everything is functioning as it should be. We then create a sample, which we use to shoot the final fabulous images, and create the instructions and downloadable files. All of this takes three months at a minimum and is planned long in advance of the release date.

Do you pay your patternmakers?

Yes, absolutely! While our previous patterns were offered for free by us here at Peppermint, we have always paid our patternmakers fairly for their work including associated costs such as fabric, notions and couriers etc. Our free pattern initiative started years ago when we were offered patterns by several contributors to give away for free. This then grew into commissioning patternmakers and paying an agreed, fair rate, which has increased over the years after consultation with our patternmakers. We’re very proud of what we’ve been able to share with the sewing community, making patterns that are accessible to all while also financially supporting and amplifying indie patternmakers.

We’ve also decided recently to share 10% of the sales of previously-free patterns with the original patternmakers. While they were all originally paid for their work, we want to show our appreciation and continuous support of these small businesses by including them in these changes.⁠

Size Inclusivity

Why are certain patterns only available in certain size ranges?

Why are certain patterns only available in certain size ranges?
Working with different patternmakers in the past has meant there is variation between each pattern (including sizing and instruction format etc). We are very aware that our very early patterns have a much smaller and limited size range. Patternmakers create their sizing based on the block they work with, and their patterns are generally based on experience, skill, knowledge, financial feasibility and understanding of the intricacies of extended size ranges. It’s not a simple fix to just grade up beyond the sizes the patternmaker is comfortable with – larger sizes need to be fitted properly, and this changes the structure and morphology (shape) of the pattern. We never wanted to offer a higher range just for the sake of it, if technically it’s not correct and doesn’t fit well.

We recently worked on bringing consistency to our sizing, starting with establishing a standardised sizing range (of 16 sizes – A-P) for any new patterns.

Are you going to adjust all previous patterns to the extended size ranges?

While we would love to do this – and we’re hoping to be able to one day – it’s a complex issue thanks to many factors, with the main challenge being the financial cost. We have increased a few patterns so far, and will continue to work on others when we are able. It can also be a difficult process for a patternmaker to grade up a pattern created by another patternmaker, both logistically and creatively. In the meantime, please know we are aware of the size limitations of some of our very early patterns, and we are genuinely sorry if you are excluded from these sizes (or any of our patterns!).

Connecting and Accessing Peppermint Content

I live overseas, how can I best access or support Peppermint content?

In addition to our free patterns, and our incredible online content, Peppermint is also a print and digital magazine. While we do deliver overseas, due to complications around transport, mailing and stockists, it’s not always easy for our international fans to get their hands on a physical copy and its oodles of exclusive content. Luckily for our international friends, we do offer digital editions of our biannual issues available anywhere with an internet connection, as well as digital subscriptions, so you never have to miss an issue!

Where can I find Peppermint content online?

In addition to our website, which features stacks of articles and is updated regularly, we have a lovely social media community – we’d love to be friends!

You can also sign up to our (infrequent but beloved) email newsletter to keep up-to-date with all things Peppermint.

I have another question or need help!

If you have a burning question that’s not answered here or need some further help, please reach out to us at sewing@peppermintmag.com.