Help The Story
Support & Guidance

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Everything from download to cutting — covered below. If you still can't find it, message directly.

01 — Start Here

Print, Stick & Cut —
watch this once

The full process from download to a taped-up pattern ready to build.

Start Here
Print, Stick & Cut
Watch this before anything else. Covers the full process from downloading your files to a finished, taped-up pattern ready to cut into.
The Skill Level System
01
Complete Beginner
Never touched a machine. Start with the Industrial Tote Bag — Level 1, full free YouTube tutorial.
02
First Garments
Single-layer garments, hats, simple structured builds.
03
Confident Hobbyist
Most patterns sit here. Real garments, real construction techniques.
04
Modular System
Pick your own path. Design decisions are yours.
05
Advanced
Complex builds, bespoke modifications, full technical construction.
Before You Begin
🎯
Is it beginner friendly?
Yes — if you start at the right level. Level 1 is designed for complete beginners. Start with the Industrial Tote Bag. Full free tutorial on YouTube (@RoughcutOfficial_).
YES
🧵
Do I need a good machine?
Any machine that sews a straight stitch works. Industrial is faster — not required. A Necchi Q132A or C35 handles heavier fabrics well, but anything works. I prove this in my 'Sewing Around the World' series.
NO
🔧
Do I need expensive tools?
Machine, table, scissors, pins, tape measure, iron. That's the whole list. Anything else is a bonus.
NO
✂️
Can I use cheap fabric?
Yes — recommended for beginners. Old bedsheets, calico, budget denim. Learn the process first, then invest in better materials.
YES
⏱
How long does a build take?
Beginner builds: 4–5 hours. Garments: 4–10+ hrs. Take your time. No rush.
VARIES
🏭
Do I need an overlocker?
No. Almost every pattern is built using a single-stitch machine. Overlocking helps with finishings but is not required. The tutorials show how to finish a jacket cleanly without one.
NO
02 — Your Files

Download & Access

Where your files are, what you received, and what to do if something's missing.

What Did You Order?
Digital Files
Instant delivery to your checkout email. Includes A4, US Letter & A0 files + measurement guide + print guide.
Printed & Shipped
A0 sheet printed in-house and shipped to your door. All digital files also sent to your email.
📦
Where are my files?
Instant on-screen download link at checkout + automatically sent to your email. Check spam. Search "Roughcut". Still nothing? WhatsApp the CS number with your receipt — files will be resent manually.
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📧
I didn't get the download email — what do I do?
Message the WhatsApp Customer Service number. Don't email and don't DM on Instagram — it won't be seen. WhatsApp is the only CS channel.
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📱
The page won't download inside Instagram — what do I do?
Instagram browser blocks external downloads. Press the 3 dots (…) top right > "Open in External Browser". Or hold down the Download button and open externally. Once in Safari or Chrome, everything works normally.
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✉️
I entered the wrong email at checkout — can this be fixed?
Yes. Message the WhatsApp CS number with your full name and order number and files will be resent to the correct address.
YES
🔄
Can you resend my files?
Yes — WhatsApp the CS number with your order number. If the pattern is ever updated, everyone who purchased gets an automatic email with the new file.
YES
🚚
When does the printed & shipped option arrive?
Everything ships from the studio every Friday via Royal Mail tracked and signed. Use Royal Mail tracking or message the WhatsApp CS number to check your order status.
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03 — Print & Prepare

Getting your pattern
print-ready

This is the step most people get wrong. Follow these exactly and you won't have problems.

Which File Do I Use?
A4
210 × 297mm
UK, Europe, Australia & most of the world.
US Letter
8.5 × 11 in
United States & Canada.
A0
Large format
Print shop or plotter. No taping required.
⚠️
Getting print settings wrong = wrong size garment. Always check the test square before printing the full file.
PRINTING — FOLLOW EXACTLY
1
Open in Adobe Acrobat Reader (free)
2
Set Scale = 100% or Actual Size
3
Never use "Fit to Page" or "Shrink to Fit"
4
Paper format must match the file — A4 or US Letter
5
Select All Pages — single-sided only
6
Print Page 1 first — check the 2" test square measures correctly
7
Print rest. Follow page grid: A1→A2→A3, B1→B2→B3...
8
Assemble: overlap right-over-left, white edge to black line. Tape securely.
📐
A4 or US Letter — does it matter?
Both are included in every download. The pattern pieces are identical — only the page formatting differs. Use whichever matches the paper in your printer.
INCLUDED
📎
How do I stick the pages together?
Pages do NOT just butt up next to each other — that's wrong. All pages overlap and join to the black bleed line square. Watch the Print, Stick & Cut video at the top of this page for the full visual guide.
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✂️
Do I need to trim the pages before taping?
No. Do not trim. Pages overlap at the bleed line — leave them as printed.
NO
🗺
Is there a page map for assembling the pattern?
Yes — included in the first few pages of your tiled pattern. All patterns use an alphabetical and numerical system: A1, A2, A3, B1, B2 etc.
YES
🏪
Can I send the A0 file to a print shop?
Yes — preferred by many. Make sure they accept PDF and can print at 100% scale. Always check the 2"×2" test square before leaving the shop.
YES
📏
Why is my test square measuring wrong?
Your PDF printed with automatic scaling on — Fit to Page, Scale to Fit, or Shrink to Fit. Reprint at 100% / Actual Size. Get the test square correct before printing the full file.
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04 — Size & Cut

Measuring, sizing,
and cutting

How to choose your size, read the pattern, and cut your fabric correctly.

📐
SEAM ALLOWANCE IS ALREADY INCLUDED
Cut directly on the line. Standard ¼ inch / 6mm unless stated. Do not add your own.
📏
How do I choose the right size?
The pattern uses final garment measurements, not body measurements. Use a similar existing garment to reference sizing — lay it flat and compare. Each pattern sheet has a size → line code at the top.
MEASURE FIRST
↔️
What if I'm between sizes?
Blend between the two size lines as you cut. For trousers and jeans, always cut the bigger size — slightly oversized is always better than not fitting at all.
VARIES
👖
What if my waist and hips fall in different sizes?
Cut the size right for your hips. A slightly relaxed waist is far better than jeans that don't go on. Ask in the WhatsApp community "tips and tricks" chat if you want specific advice.
YES
🔲
Is the pattern oversized or fitted?
Most patterns are built slightly oversized — it's the Roughcut style. Always refer to the size guide before cutting. Sizing down is completely fine if needed.
OVERSIZED
✂️
Can I customise the design?
Yes — that's the whole point. Modular panels, simplified or added details. The Level 4 system is built for this. Use different fabrics, change proportions, make it yours.
YES
🧵
Should I prewash my fabric first?
In most cases yes — especially cotton, denim, canvas, linen. If you plan to wash the finished garment, prewash first. Raw denim is the exception if you want it to shrink and wear in after making.
YES
📌
What do notches mean?
Small marks on pattern edges that help you match pieces correctly during sewing. Transfer them when cutting so they're visible when you start building.
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🔁
What does "cut on fold" mean?
Place that edge of the pattern directly along the folded edge of your fabric. Cut around the rest, then unfold to reveal the full symmetrical shape. That edge is not cut through.
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🪡
What hardware and notions do I need?
All specified within the pattern itself — a QR code is included linking to external hardware options. For jackets you'll typically need a zip. The pattern tells you exactly what to get.
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05 — Build & Sew

Constructing the
garment

Common questions once you're actually sewing.

WATCH THE TUTORIAL FIRST
Roughcut patterns are visual-first. The YouTube tutorial is the main part of the system. @RoughcutOfficial_ or embedded on your product page.
📋
What order should I sew the garment in?
Follow the tutorial. Generally: cut and prepare all pieces → detail work while panels are open → build smaller sections → assemble main shell → attach larger sections → finish with closures, hems, topstitching.
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🧩
The pieces don't seem to match — what's wrong?
Check: print scale, same size line across all pieces, correct number of pieces, mirrored cuts done, no extra seam allowance added. Not every edge matches flat before construction — some pieces only make sense once earlier steps are complete. Go back to the tutorial.
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🔗
Why are my seams not lining up?
Most common causes: wrong print scale, wrong size line on one piece, inconsistent seam allowance, missed notches, mirrored piece cut incorrectly, fabric shifted while sewing. Sew consistently at the included ¼" seam allowance throughout.
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🪡
Why is my machine struggling on thick seams?
Slow down over bulky sections. Use a hammer to flatten seams first, a hump jumper to level the presser foot, trim seam bulk where needed. Your machine is fine — it just needs help through the thick parts.
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🔨
How important is pressing and topstitching?
Very. Pressing is what makes a garment look sharp. Topstitching keeps seams flat, holds shape, controls bulk, reinforces stress areas. Both make a huge difference to the final result.
CRITICAL
✨
How do I get a cleaner / more professional result?
Good fabric, prewashing, clean accurate cutting, correct thread and needle, consistent ¼" seam allowance, pressing throughout, not rushing the finish. The basics done well are everything.
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🧺
How should I wash the finished garment?
Wash less often. Cool, gentle cycle. Turn inside out. Avoid harsh heat. Denim/canvas/cotton: cool wash, inside out, air dry. Raw denim: wash less to preserve the finish. Handmade garments age better with care.
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Printed & Shipped
Don't want to deal with printing?
Everything about the printed and shipped option — covers your alternative to printing at home.
06 — Support

Still unsure? Watch this
before you message.

Covers every common question — probably answers yours right now.

Still Unsure?
Watch this before you message.
Covers every common doubt — probably answers yours right now.
YOUTUBE EMBED — ADD VIDEO ID
Three Ways to Get Help
📹
YouTube — @RoughcutOfficial_
20+ hours of tutorials. Every pattern can be made if the tutorial is followed correctly. Free, always available.
FREE
💬
WhatsApp Community
Active builders sharing progress, tips, and answering questions every day. Dedicated "Sewing Patterns Customer Service" chat inside.
COMMUNITY
📞
Direct WhatsApp CS
Message with your order number for anything order-related. Only CS channel — not Instagram, not email.
DIRECT
Policies & Licensing
All digital pattern purchases are non-refundable. Once delivered, digital files cannot be returned. If you have download or access issues, contact via WhatsApp and we'll sort it immediately. Accidental format purchases may be swapped. A one-time goodwill exchange may be offered where appropriate.
Yes — absolutely. Small-scale and independent maker use is fully supported. For larger-scale production, manufacturing runs, or brand use, contact directly via WhatsApp for a licensing breakdown first.
No. Roughcut patterns are for the individual customer only and must not be shared, forwarded, or distributed. Anyone found sharing patterns may be banned from future purchases and removed from community spaces. If someone wants it, they purchase their own copy.
Everything ships from the studio every Friday via Royal Mail tracked and signed. You'll also receive all digital files to your email automatically. Use Royal Mail tracking or message the WhatsApp CS number to check status.
For Brands & Serious Makers
Bespoke pattern development
Have a garment concept you want turned into a professional pattern system? Full bespoke engineering — concept, grading, structure. Suited to independent brands and serious makers.