FAQ
Why are your patterns licensed?
Each of our digital patterns takes a substantial number of hours to develop through in-depth study of an original American Civil War uniform garment and research into historic tailoring manuals to determine how pattern pieces should be shaped for the proper period fit and silhouette. An additional large amount of time has been spent sourcing materials, testing patterns, writing instructions, and creating the pattern files. To protect this investment of both time and money, an intellectual property lawyer determined the best way to defend against “pattern pirates” is through licensing our digital patterns. To review the licensing agreement that is required to purchase our digital patterns, please visit the following link:
What is included in each digital pattern?
Our downloadable products reflect growing trends in the genre of commercial patterns, in which digital patterns are printed, or projected, by home sewists. Digital patterns provide the opportunity to have detailed and image rich instructions as they can be viewed on a smart phone, tablet, or computer while creating a garment. Patterns that can be downloaded provide instant access and eliminate the wait for paper patterns that can sometimes take weeks, or in extreme examples even months, to receive.
When purchasing a pattern license from Civil War Patterns you receive a full-size digital bundle that provides the following:
- Detailed step-by-step instructions with multiple color images
- Printable Copy Shop-A0 paper size file for taking to a print shop or a fabric store that prints patterns
- Printable US Letter size paper size file for tiling paper pages together to print a pattern with a printer at home, a local library, an office, a copy shop, or a print shop
- Projector file for displaying the pattern on laid out fabric for cutting
What countries do you accept orders from?
At this time, we only accept orders from customers who reside in the United States of America.
Can you sew a uniform for me?
Civil War Patterns typically does not offer sewing services. However, we provide the most detailed Civil War garment sewing instructions for commercially available patterns. Additionally, our patterns were tested in the product development process. If you experience any questions as you construct your garment, please send an email to info@civilwarpatterns.com for support, and you’ll receive a response as soon as possible.
How long will take me to sew a garment from one of your digital patterns?
The length of time necessary to create a reproduction garment from one of our digital patterns may vary depending on experience and skill. What we can do is provide instant downloads of our patterns so you can begin cutting and stitching immediately after obtaining your fabric, thread, buttons, and related sewing supplies. If you are new to sewing, we encourage you to explore YouTube videos, blogs, and perhaps even experience a machine sewing class at a local fabric store to build your skillset. Our patterns are a living history experience in themselves, as you’re recreating the steps that were taken by a sewist to construct a Civil War uniform garment during the war.
Tell me, what’s the next digital pattern to launch?
Creating our patterns is a significant endeavor and variables may arise that impact forecasted launch dates. Once a pattern is completely developed, we will announce it on our website and social channels. Stay patient, there’s some really cool stuff in the works!
Are custom digital patterns an option?
There is such a substantial level of investment to our patterns, and developing a pattern for one garment, or a few garments, is typically not economically viable. However, please connect if you are seeking custom patterns for a film, theater production, exhibit, or interpretive program. We can explore your needs and determine if creating custom digital patterns may be an option.
Hey, I purchased a pattern license and it hasn't arrived in my email inbox?
If it has been a few hours after purchasing a license, and you haven't received a link to your downloadable pattern, please check your spam/junk folder.
I don't want to print everything in the pattern bundle, what should I do?
There's no need to print everything in the pattern bundle, unless you really want to. With a PDF you can select the pages you wish to print; if needed, there are a number of resources on how to do this via Google or your favorite search engine. If you have questions, please send us an email at info@civilwarpatterns.com
Would you have any recommendations before I begin sewing?
You bet! First, allow time to complete the garment. Waiting a day before a museum exhibit opens, or the night before an interpretive event, can place unnecessary pressure on a sewist. Also, before starting, familiarize yourself with the pattern instructions and look over the pattern pieces. As a historic preservationist, whenever I cut a piece of wood or stone, I follow the concept of “measure twice, and cut once;” when you cut out your pattern pieces on fabric, be sure to do something similar and double check before taking scissors to cloth. While working on the garment, if something doesn’t “click” right away for you, look ahead a little bit in the instructions to potentially gain a fuller view of the step that is being challenging. If you stumble a bit in your garment construction, remember that there is no shame in using a seam ripper. Finally, if you encounter a hurdle as you construct a garment with one of our patterns, please feel very welcome to send an email to info@civilwarpatterns.com for assistance.
Are your patterns sold anywhere else?
No. Our patterns are only available through www.civilwarpatterns.com
Why aren’t any Confederate patterns listed?
Our authentic digital pattern line is being incrementally developed, and currently the product focus is on the uniforms worn by United States soldiers during the American Civil War. However, we do welcome inquires by museums, historic sites, theater productions, and filmmakers for custom Confederate patterns and uniforms--please connect via email at info@civilwarpatterns.com to learn more.