Shipping & Returns | Patterns | Project Resources | General FAQ
Shipping & Returns
How do you ship your products?
We ship our products all over the world using the United States Postal Service. For patterns in small quantities, we use paper envelopes and ship those first class mail or first class international mail. For books, we use a wrap around book box to be sure the book is well protected during shipment. For larger orders, we will either ship first class or priority mail, whichever is most efficient. We pride ourselves on charging as little as possible to save our customers on shipping costs.
Use the "Calculate Shipping" link in the shopping cart to determine shipping costs before proceeding to Checkout. We currently offer free shipping in the US for orders over $50. Back to top
What is your return policy?
While we hope that you are happy with your order, we understand that sometimes a product may not be what you were expecting. We are happy to accept items in mint condition within 30 days of receipt. You are responsible for the shipping costs to send an item back. Upon receipt, we will either refund or issue store credit to your account, less the original shipping costs. Back to top
Patterns
I see prictures for several variations of most designs. Are all versions included in the pattern?
Yes. We try to make each design as versatile as possible with multiple variations. The instructions and pattern pieces (when applicable) include all versions represented by the photographs. Back to top
How are your patterns packaged?
Our patterns are packaged in a polypropylene zip top bag. Each pattern contains a heavy cardstock folded cover that shows the design in several variations, along with a supply list on the back. The instructions are printed on a large sheet of paper and written in column format with illusttrations throughout for easy following during sewing. Our clothing patterns have large tissue sheets with the pattern pieces printed on them. All sizes (XXS - XXL) are included and nested so that multiple sizes can be blended together for easier alteration. Our bag patterns include full size pieces ready for tracing to make your own templates. Back to top
Do you offer PDF digital patterns?
We have traditionally only offered our patterns in paper format due to the size and scale of the pieces. However, we have started converting some of our designs to digital format (PDF) and plan to continue with more, when practical for a given design. Back to top
Why don't you offer your clothing patterns in plus size?
Drafting designs in larger sizes is not as easy as just creating a new size chart and grading to those sizes. It takes special expertise to make plus sizes fit well, as the relationship of bust, waist, and hip ratio change in larger sizes. And because everyone's shape is unique, it is nearly impossible to address all the likely scenarios of fit issues.
We feel that the best for you to learn your shape and work with it to look your best. One of the best tools to altering a pattern to fit any size is a book called Fit for Real People. This reference is one I have in my own design library and it addresses many alteration issues. It allows you to create any size from any tissue pattern. I highly recommend this book to anyone who would like to better fit their body. It can be purchased on Amazon. Back to top
Can I use your patterns to make finished items for sale?
Yes you can. The pattern and its contents are protected by copyright law, prohibiting unauthorized reproduction or digital distribution of the pattern or parts of the pattern. Google "copyright protection" for more info. However, there is no legal authority within copyright law to issue terms of use for the pattern or requiring licensing of products made from a design that is offered for sale to the public. Back to top
Project Resources
Where do you get your bag hardware?
We are asked this question often! High quality bag hardware can be hard to source, but we have found a website that we truly love and think you will too. We get nearly 100% of our bag hardware from The Buckle Guy. This company offers their hardware in a variety of finishes (everything from chrome to antique brass) and has a bulk discount available as well, in case you need to stock up. Back to top
What stabilizers do you use in your bags and clothing?
I primarily use Pellon products in my bags and clothing. For a handy detailed reference, click here to get our Stabilizer Chart. Back to top
Many of the designs utilize invisible zippers. I hate invisible zippers. What other technique can I use?
Invisible zippers can be very intimidating. However, I have a simple technique using a standard zipper foot that anyone can handle. Trust me, you can do it!. Try my Don't Fear the (invisible) Zipper tutorial and stop avoiding zippers. Back to top
I love a group of fabrics that you used on a sample, but I can't find it anywhere. How can I find the exact fabric?
While we would love to be able to always give you an immediate source for where we got a certain fabric, it simply isn't possible. The availability of fabrics is a fast moving business. Whatever is new is always on the horizon. Unless a fabric line is printed more than once, it can be really difficult to locate fabrics, unless you get lucky.
This is why we recommend that you audition other fabrics to make your clothing or bags. If this is a new process to you, it may take a little time to learn what looks good when sewn together. A good rule of thumb is to think about the size of the pieces. If they are small or have a lot of interruption with straps or other components, a large scale print may not be your best bet. Large scale prints work best when they have the opportunity to be on a large pattern piece. Likewise, choosing a tiny print for a large pattern piece may represent as a solid from a distance. Have patience with yourself! You'll get better at choosing fabrics the more practice you have. Back to top
General FAQ
What are your privacy and security policies?
Customer and newsletter information is used exclusively by Serendipity Studio and will not be shared with anyone. Our webpages and payment gateway are encrypted and PCI compliant. Back to top
I don't sew! Do you ever make custom pieces for anyone?
Due to our dedication to design, we do not have time to take custom orders. However, we are now offering a limited number of finished goods under our new brand, KW Made. The inventory will fluctuate depending on what we're busy doing, so check back often to see what we're currently offering. Back to top
What sort of thread do you use in your sewing?
We prefer to use a strong polyester thread to construct all of our designs. While there are many fine products in the marketplace, our favorite is Gutterman. Back to top
What kind of needles do you prefer?
For machine sewing, we use Schmetz needles exclusively. They are wonderful needles and Schemtz provides a large assortment to choose from, depending on the type of sewing you are doing. For handwork, we prefer the Tulip Hiroshima needles. Again, Tulip offers a wide range of needle sizes to accommodate whatever your project may be. Back to top
Do you have a favorite iron?
Our personal favorite is the Rowenta professional steam generator. This sort of iron has the steam tank separate from the iron unit with a large cord that connects the two. This type of iron can get quite hot and generates a lot of steam, which is perfect for clothing and bag sewing. Back to top
What kind of machine do you sew with?
We use Bernina sewing machines exclusively. I personally sew on the Aurora 430 for the majority of my sewing and my serger is a Bernina 1150MDA. I love my machines because they are reliable and I can always count on them sewing through however many layers I have, particularly when sewing bags. Back to top