FAQs
PATTERN-RELATED QUESTIONS
Are your sewing patterns suitable for beginners?
Most of my patterns are perfect for beginners. All you need is a basic understanding of how to use a sewing machine. You don't need specific experience making dolls. If you're just starting out, I recommend trying the original size bunny pattern first, as it's the easiest one. I've intentionally designed the clothes to be simple and beginner-friendly. Check out my beginner's guide to Studio Seren patterns for more tips for beginners
Even in my more advanced patterns, I write the instructions as if I'm speaking to a beginner. I believe that everyone can benefit from helpful prompts, regardless of their level of experience. If you're curious about the difficulty level of any of my patterns, you can find out more here. For those patterns that require more experience, I provide a reason why, so you can decide if you're ready to give it a try
Do you need a sewing machine to make your patterns?
While using a sewing machine will make things quicker, it's not a requirement. Some of my customers have successfully sewn my patterns completely by hand
What languages are the patterns written in?
Currently, my sewing patterns are only available in English. However, I'm hoping to offer them in other languages in the future. In the meantime lots of my customers use Google Translate. Using this link you can upload the PDF instructions files and it will create a new file in your language
My patterns have instructions that include step-by-step photographs that can be helpful even if you don't speak English. When. you order a doll pattern you are invited to a Facebook group where there are also video demonstrations for some things like sewing the eyes and stuffing the head. There are people from all over the world in the group which makes it easy to connect with people who speak your language who have sewn my patterns
Can I sell dolls made with your patterns?
You are welcome to sell dolls made with my patterns as long as you follow my terms and conditions for selling items made with my patterns
Can the dolls made with the patterns be given to babies?
The dolls are not suitable for children under the age of three
CLOTHING-RELATED QUESTIONS
Do the clothes that come with each doll fit the other dolls?
Absolutely! The animals all have the same size body, which means that the clothes are interchangeable between dolls. You can mix and match to your heart's content. It's so much fun to see the different outfits and combinations you can create!
Are the clothes that come with the doll patterns available to purchase separately
The clothes that come with the doll patterns are not available for individual purchase, but there are plenty of other clothing options that you can choose from! For example, you can purchase the daisy dress, the Spring outfit, fairy outfit, ballerina outfit or the pyjamas separately. I'll be adding more individual clothing patterns to the collection soon!
ORDER-RELATED QUESTIONS
Can I buy the patterns in my country?
You can order my sewing patterns from nearly all countries in the world. The patterns are sent by email so you can download and print them at home. I am unable to sell patterns through my website in some countries. If this is the case for you, don't worry - you will be automatically redirected to my Etsy shop where you can still order my patterns
What is the fee added to my order at the checkout?
You may have noticed an additional fee at the checkout - this is the tax or VAT that I am required to collect for the government in your country. As a seller of digital products like PDF sewing patterns, I am obligated to pay taxes in the country where my customers reside. The tax that you pay goes directly to your country and helps support people who live there :-)
How do I access my pattern?
Once your payment is processed, you will be taken to an order confirmation page where you can find a download button to access your pattern. Additionally, a download link will be emailed to you. If you can't find the email, here are some possible reasons:
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It has gone to another folder: Most times when people can't find the email it has gone to their Junk or Spam folder. If you're using Gmail it could also be in the promotion and social folders. Sometimes people have accidentally moved or deleted the email. If you search your email account for patterns@studioseren.com you should find it, whichever folder it is in
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Your inbox may be full: If your inbox is full, there might not be enough space to receive new messages. You can delete some messages and then contact me at patterns@studioseren.com, and I'll resend the email
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You may have entered your email address incorrectly: If you think you might have entered your email address incorrectly during checkout, contact me at patterns@studioseren.com and I'll check and resend your pattern
I'm having trouble downloading the files
If you are experiencing issues with downloading the files, there are a few things you can try. Firstly, if your internet connection or phone signal drops out during the download, the file may be incomplete or corrupted. In this case, try deleting the files and downloading them again when you have a stronger signal or WiFi connection
If you click the download links and nothing happens, it may be due to an issue with your web browser. Try disabling any non-standard add-ons, such as ad blockers or toolbars, and attempt the download again. If you are still experiencing problems, please reach out to me at patterns@studioseren.com and I will be happy to assist you
How do you open the zip file?
Begin by saving the file, then...
- Mac. double click the zipped file. The file will automatically be decompressed by the archive utility and save back into the folder the zip file is in already
- iPhone / iPad. Open the Files app and click on 'Open' in 'Files' Choose a location for your zip file and then select 'Add' to save the files to the selected folder
- PC. Right click on the zip folder and then select 'Extract All', follow the instructions to save to your PC
- Android. Open My Files app and tap the Downloads link. Find your zip folder and select Extract to unzip and save your files to your selected folder
I can't open the files
To access the files, you will need a PDF reader. I recommend using Adobe Acrobat Reader. It's free to download and use. Ensure that you have the most recent version of the application installed
How do you print the pattern?
The Printing Instructions file which is included in your download explains how to print the pattern and instructions accurately for A4 and Letter Size paper. Most print problems are resolved by downloading the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader, it's free to download and use
I placed an order on Etsy and can't find my download
When you place an order on Etsy, they send you a download link to the email address that you first used to register your Etsy account. If you can't see the email check your junk or spam folders as sometimes they go there
You can also download the files by logging into your Etsy account. Go to the purchases section and find your order and the download links will be there
Please be aware that Etsy don't offer downloads through their app yet, so if you are using it on your device when you click on the links on your email or go to your order in your account you won't see a download link. You'll need to log into Etsy using a web browser such as Chrome or Safari. If you are using a mobile/cellphone and it keeps automatically sending you to the Etsy app try logging into Etsy using a different device such as a laptop if you can
You can read more about how to access Etsy downloads here
If you are still having trouble finding your downloads email patterns@studioseren.com with the full name you used to place the order and your order number and I would be happy to send you the files direct
Do you sell dolls?
I don't sell dolls. However, making dolls with my sewing patterns is easier than you may think. If you're new to sewing, my bunny sewing pattern is perfect for beginners!
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FACEBOOK GROUP
I'm having trouble accessing the Facebook group
The Studio Seren customer Facebook group is only available to people who have ordered one of my animal doll sewing patterns. When you order a pattern you will be sent a message inviting you to join the group. You can also find the link to the group at the beginning of the instructions in all my animal doll sewing patterns
To join the group you will need to provide the full name of the person who ordered the pattern and your order number. This will allow me to match your Facebook profile to your order
If you placed an order through my website you should have received an order confirmation email which includes the order number in the heading (if you haven't received this email check your junk or spam folders to check if it has gone there). If you placed an order through Etsy you can find your order number by going to the 'purchases' section of your Etsy account and looking for your order
Please check the name used to place the order. If you have used a maiden name or a partner or family member's name, for example, I won't be able to find your order unless you tell me. Even when I use the correct name to search for an order on Etsy it doesn't always show up, which is why it is really important to include your order number
If you can't find your order number or are having any other problems accessing the Facebook group email patterns@studioseren.com and I would be happy to help
Can I invite family or friends to join the Facebook group?
If they have ordered one of my animal doll sewing patterns they are welcome to join the group. Pattern sharing is not allowed, so please do not try to join the group unless you have ordered one of my animal doll patterns
Why isn't the Facebook group available to everyone?
The focus of the Facebook group is to support my customers to make my sewing patterns. It is a private space where they can ask questions about specific instructions within my patterns. It's also a place where I can share extra resources such as videos for making my patterns. I also share additional free resources with the group such as pattern hacks and free patterns as a thank you to them for supporting my business. There are lots of other places that you can find out more information about my patterns and where you can ask questions about ordering them. This website, for example. Or you can message me on Instagram, Facebook and Tik Tok