Frequently Asked Questions

Orders & Downloads

Where is my download link?

Your download link is included in your order confirmation email — search your inbox for an email from Skypilot (our digital file delivery service) or The Wolf and the Tree.  If you created an account, you can also access all your purchases at any time from your account dashboard. Check your spam folder if you can't find the email. Still stuck? Contact us and we'll resend it.

How many times can I download the pattern?

You can download your purchased patterns as many times as you need. We recommend saving a copy of the original ZIP file to cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud) as a backup so you can always reprint without needing to re-download.

I didn't receive an order confirmation email. What should I do?

First, check your spam or junk folder — confirmation emails occasionally end up there. If you created an account, log in and check your order history. If you still can't find it, please contact us with the email address you used at checkout and we'll look into it.

Can I re-download a pattern I bought a long time ago?

Yes — if you have an account, your purchases are stored there permanently and you can re-download at any time. If you checked out as a guest, the download link in your confirmation email is valid for 12 months. After that, contact us and we'll sort you out.

I was charged but the payment failed / I didn't get access. What now?

This occasionally happens when a payment is captured but the order confirmation doesn't send correctly. Please contact us with your order number or the email address you used, and we'll resolve it for you.

 

Can I buy a pattern as a gift for someone else?

Absolutely. At checkout, enter the recipient's email address and their download link will be sent directly to them. If you'd prefer to send it yourself, enter your own email and forward the confirmation email to them.

Printing & Assembly

What format are the patterns in?

All patterns are delivered as PDF files inside a ZIP archive. The ZIP contains the pattern file (a multi-page PDF to print and assemble) and the instruction booklet (a separate PDF with sewing instructions, fabric requirements, and a size chart). Some patterns also include a projector file for use with a home projector.

What printer settings should I use?

Open the pattern PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader (not a browser viewer) and set the print scale to 100% / Actual Size. Make sure "Fit to page" and "Shrink to printable area" are deselected. Always print the test square on the first page and measure it before printing the full file — it should measure exactly 5×5cm. Full instructions are in our PDF patterns guide.

Can I print at a copy shop instead of at home?

Yes. Email the PDF to any copy shop (Staples, FedEx Office, a local print shop) and ask for it to be printed at 100% scale on A4 or letter paper, black and white. Many copy shops also offer large-format A0 printing, which prints the entire pattern on one or two large sheets and eliminates the assembly step entirely.

Do I need to add seam allowance?

No. All Wolf and the Tree patterns include seam allowance in the cutting line. The stitching line is printed as a separate inner line on the pattern pieces. Cut along the outer line; sew along the inner line. The seam allowance amount is stated in the instruction booklet.

Can I use a projector instead of printing?

Yes — patterns that include a projector file can be projected directly onto fabric. Set up the projector so the test square measures correctly on your cutting surface, then trace or cut directly from the projected image. Check the product listing to confirm whether a projector file is included.

Sizing & Fit

How do I choose my size?

Always size by your body measurements, not your usual clothing size — ready-to-wear sizing varies enormously between brands and has no bearing on pattern sizing. Measure yourself following our measurements guide, then compare your measurements to the size chart in the pattern's instruction booklet. When you're between sizes, size up for the larger measurement and grade between sizes if needed.

What sizes do your patterns come in?

Most of our women's patterns are graded from XS to 5XL, our children's patterns range between 0 - 14 years and men's S - 4XLT. The exact size range and finished measurements are listed on each pattern's product page and in the instruction booklet.

I'm between two sizes. What should I do?

If you're between sizes, we recommend cutting the larger size and taking in seams as needed — it's much easier to take in than to let out. For a more precise fit, you can grade between sizes: cut one size at the bust and blend to another at the waist or hip. Our grading guide walks you through exactly how to do this.

The pattern is the right size but the length is wrong for me. Can I adjust it?

Yes — all our patterns include lengthen/shorten lines printed on the pattern pieces. Our lengthening and shortening guide covers both the fold method (for shortening) and the slash-and-spread method (for lengthening) with step-by-step instructions.

Pattern Questions

What skill level are your patterns?

We publish patterns at three skill levels: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each pattern's listing clearly shows its difficulty level. Beginner patterns have minimal pieces, simple construction, and detailed instructions. Advanced patterns may involve techniques like tailoring, complex shaping, or multiple fabric types.

What fabrics do your patterns recommend?

Each pattern specifies the fabric types it's designed for — woven, knit, or both. The instruction booklet includes a fabric requirements table (in both metric and imperial) and guidance on suitable fabric choices. We recommend reading the fabric notes before purchasing fabric.

I think I've found an error in a pattern. What should I do?

Please contact us with the pattern name, the page or piece number, and a description of what you think is wrong. We take pattern corrections seriously and aim to investigate and update files within a few business days. If a correction affects your project, we'll let you know.

Will you be releasing more patterns?

Yes — we release new patterns regularly. Sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of any page to be the first to hear about new releases, and follow us on Instagram for sneak peeks.

Can I request a pattern for a specific garment?

We love hearing what our community wants to sew next. Share your ideas in our Facebook Group or drop us a message — we read every suggestion, even if we can't promise a timeline.

Licensing & Selling

Can I sell garments I make from your patterns?

Yes, limited commercial use is permitted, however, not mass production. We love seeing you get the most out of your pattern! Especially socks made via our patterns have become a staple at vendor fairs across the country. 

Can I share the pattern file with a friend?

No — sharing, distributing, or reselling pattern files (in whole or in part) is not permitted under our licence. Each purchase covers one person's use. If a friend wants the pattern, they're welcome to purchase their own copy.

Can I use your patterns to teach a sewing class?

For personal teaching (e.g. a small class where each student purchases their own copy), this is generally fine. For commercial teaching arrangements where you\'d like to provide copies to students, please contact us to discuss a teaching licence as we offer discounts for large group purchases.

Refunds


Do you offer refunds?


Because our patterns are digital downloads made available immediately upon purchase, we don't offer general refunds. However, we will always make it right if something went wrong — for example, if the file is corrupted, you were charged but didn't receive access, or the product was materially different from its description. See our refunds policy for full details, or contact us if you have a specific issue.

Still need help?

We're here for you

If you couldn't find the answer you were looking for, send us a message and we'll get back to you within 1–2 business days. You can also ask in our community — thousands of sewists are happy to help with technique questions.