Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question? You might find what you’re looking for in our FAQ below. Still don’t see what you need? Send us a note via our contact form and we’ll do our best to get you sorted quickly.
Returns
What is your return policy?
All physical patterns can be returned within 30 days of purchase as long as the pattern is unopened and in salable condition. Please contact us at orders@grainlinestudio.com before shipping us any returns and include your order number so that we know to expect the return in the mail.
Due to the nature of digital files we do not accept returns on our PDF patterns or products. If you have more questions regarding this please see our Digital Product Policies page.
Digital Products and PDF Printing
I purchased a PDF pattern before the launch of the new site (June 24, 2017), where can I find it?
Welcome to our brand new site! Unfortunately we are unable to transfer old purchases from one site platform to the other, but never fear! If you’re looking for a previously purchased PDF pattern, you can download it via the link sent to you at checkout or by logging in with your old account info here. If you have any questions, send us a note via our contact form and we’ll do our best to get you sorted quickly!
How do digital patterns work?
It’s really quite easy. After purchase we’ll automatically send a link to the email address associated with your order for you to download your pattern as a PDF file. Just print, assemble, and sew! We also include a copy shop file if you’d like to skip the assembling phase and get right to the fun stuff.
How do I get my digital pattern?
When you purchase a Grainline Studio digital product you will be given a unique URL to download your pattern from. The URL will be displayed directly after purchase as well as emailed to you. From there just click on the link provided to download each of the files in our pattern to save to your hard drive.
I don’t see a download link in my purchase confirmation!
You will receive a separate email which is sent just after the order confirmation containing a link to download your pattern. If you don’t see this email please check your spam box. If you’d like to remedy this for future purchases, please add orders@grainlinestudio.com to your list of approved email addresses.
Help! I clicked the link to download my pattern and nothing happened!
When you click the link the pattern will automatically download to your computer’s downloads folder. Check in there, you should see your pattern. If you don’t see it, make sure your web browser is up to date and you don’t have any firewalls preventing downloads from occurring.
I printed the pattern and my test square isn’t the right size, how can I fix this?
Unfortunately all PDF viewers are not created equally, if you’re having trouble make sure you’re using Acrobat Reader to print your PDF files. You can download a free copy of Acrobat Reader here http://get.adobe.com/reader/. The test square is located on the first page of each pattern so print that page first. For more help printing your digital files, please see our Digital Files FAQ page.
I accidentally deleted my files, can you send me new ones?
If you’ve lost your files or download link please send us an email to orders@grainlinestudio.com containing your original proof of purchase or order number and we’ll do our best to get a new link sent to you. Please note that if you’ve purchased your pattern over 2 years ago or have exceeded your 4 downloads we will not be able to resend your pattern.
My password isn't working and I don't know how to access my past purchases. Where can I find them?
We recently switched over to a new shop platform. Because of this all of your purchases made prior to the switch are still located in your account via our new site, but you must create a new password. You can access these files by following this link and clicking "Forgot your password?" to create a new password for your account.
I don’t understand how to use or select my size in the Layered PDF pattern. How can I do this?
We are currently in the process of creating Layered PDF files for all of our patterns and not all of our patterns have this feature at this time. We’ve created step by step instructions that detail how to navigate layered PDF pattern files. Click here for Layered PDF printing instructions.
Still have questions about your digital files? Check out our Digital Product Policies and PDF Printing and Assembly pages.
Order Shipping
How do you ship orders?
All orders ship via USPS. You can choose between First Class, Priority, or Priority Flat Rate at checkout depending on the weight of your order for both domestic and international orders. Please note that First Class shipping, while cheap, does not come with a tracking number. If you need to use a shipping method other than USPS please contact us prior to ordering. All shipping includes a handling charge.
When will my order ship?
We ship orders daily so you can expect your package to ship within 24-48 hrs. of placing your order with the exception of weekends and holidays. You will receive an email notifying you of the shipment to the email associated with your order. Please note that our business hours are Monday – Friday from 10am – 5pm CST and no orders will ship outside those hours.
How long will it take my package to arrive?
Please be aware that due to COVD-19 USPS has been experiencing delays with Domestic and International Shipments. Domestic orders shipped via First Class or Priority Flat Rate should arrive within 2-5 business days. Internationally Priority Mail typically arrives within 10 days and First Class International within 2-3 weeks. These are simply estimates though, and it can take up to 15 days domestically and up to 30 days internationally for USPS First Class mail to reach its destination. If you need expedited shipping please contact us before ordering.
My package hasn’t shown up, what do I do?
We are not responsible for lost or stolen packages, please make sure to double check your address when inputting it into the order form. If a package is returned as undeliverable we are happy to re-send the package at the purchasers expense to another address. If you suspect your package is lost, please contact us at orders@grainlinestudio.com so we can work out a solution.
Why is shipping to my country so expensive?
Unfortunately we do not set the shipping rates. At checkout your shipping cost is calculated in real time by the USPS based on the weight of the package. The good news is that Grainline Studio patterns are carried worldwide so a quick check of our retailers list should yield one closer to you, which will reduce your shipping cost.
I’m purchasing outside the United States, what about customs?
All orders are shipped with the full retail value of the product stated on the customs form and we are unable to change this or list the product as a gift. Orders placed outside the US may be subject to various import taxes and charges, these are your responsibility as the purchaser. For more information regarding these please contact your local customs office.
Miscellaneous
Can I sell items made from your patterns?
As stated on our patterns, no. All designs, illustrations, images, text, and all other aspects of this pattern are © Grainline Studio, LLC 2011-2023. Our patterns are for personal, non-commercial use only and no part of these products may be reproduced, transmitted, or shared in any form. Items from these patterns may not be produced for resale. All rights reserved.
Can I start a clothing line with your patterns?
Again no. In addition to the copyright issue, there are many other reasons why you shouldn’t use a commercial pattern to start a clothing line. A few of them are stated in this article on the subject.
Is seam allowance included in your patterns?
Yes, all of our patterns have seam allowanced added. The seam allowance for woven patterns is ½'' while the seam allowance for knit patterns is ¼''. There may be some exceptions to this, which will be clearly stated in both the pattern key on the pattern itself as well as at the beginning of the sewing instructions in the pattern booklet.
I think I've found an error in a pattern?
Please check our Pattern Errata page for any questions regarding errors in our patterns.