Frequently Asked Questions, FAQ

Since I cannot answer all of your questions one by one for lack of time, I have made this list of the most frequent questions to help you.
So please, check here first but, if you don’t find an answer to your question, please contact me so that I can respond as quickly as possible. Thank you!!

Are the patterns free?
Yes, most of the patterns are free (freebies) and only a few ones are premium patterns that you can buy on my Etsy store.

How do I download the free patterns?
To download the free patterns you only have to click on one of the social buttons displayed to share the content and the download links will appear immediately in the same place.

Click on the link in the size you need and you will be redirected to dropbox where the pattern is ready to download.

How can I buy a premium pattern?
Click on the link in the size you need and you will be redirected to my Craftsy or Etsy store. If you have an account you only have to log in and purchase, if you don’t have an account you need to register first.

Can I sell the patterns of this site?
No, you can not sell my patterns. The patterns are for personal use and not for sale.

Are the patterns original of this site or a copy from another site?
All patterns are original and all are designed and created by me.

Can I publish images or patterns of this site on another website or blog?
Yes, you can, if you do not sell them and you add a link to mimiandtara.com
but please ask me for permission before to publish any of my content. Thanks

Can I sell clothes made with your patterns?
Yes, you may sell the clothes made with my patterns but patterns may not be reproduced or re-sold in any form.

What software do I need to open or read the patterns?
The patterns are in PDF format. To open/read the patterns you need a PDF reader.
You can use free software like Adobe Reader or Foxit.

Where can I get free Adobe Reader?
You can download for free Adobe Reader on their official website here:
Adobe Reader

Where can I get free Foxit?
You can download for free Foxit on their official website here:
Foxit

How to print the patterns?
You can print the patterns at home with a standard home printer.

The patterns are ready to print full size on A4 paper (8.3 in × 11.7 in) paper size and Letter size (8.5×11 inches/216x279mm).

Important! before printing, make sure you set “borderless” on print settings, and do not check the box “print to scale”. This ensures patterns print at 100% correct size.

Please note that smallest size XS, usually will be printed on a single DIN A4 paper sheet, due to its small size.
The largest patterns are split into 2 or more pages, so you have to print, cut out the parts and join them together (with glue or tape) to get the entire pattern.

More tips for printing the patterns here:
Tips for printing patterns

Can I use Letter (8.5″x11.0″/216x279mm) size paper instead of A4 paper (8.3″×11.7″/210x297mm)?
Patterns are made to be printed on a standard A4 paper by default anyway you can use Letter paper too. If you are using Letter paper, set “borderless” on print settings, make sure that the file is set to print at “actual size,” or “scale at 100%” and do not check the box “scale to fit” or “print to scale”. This ensures patterns print at 100% correct size.

How to use the patterns?
Place the patterns on the fabric and cut all around by the dotted line.
Please note that sometimes we have to cut with fabric folded in half.

Are included the seam allowance on all patterns?
Yes, the seam allowance is included in all patterns. Note that the cutting line is the dashed line with the symbol of scissors and seam line is the continuous line.
Please note that: The T-shirt pattern was the first pattern I made and the seam allowance is included but is not marked on the pattern, sorry I forgot it!

I do not have a sewing machine, Can I sew the clothes by hand?
Yes, of course. All clothes can be sewn by hand and machine. The only difference is that the machine leaves a more perfect seam, recommended if you are selling the clothes. Hand sewing is an art and takes practice and each time you’ll do better and more polished.

What is the best size for my dog?
To choose the best size for your pet please read this:
How to measure your dog

Then check the sizing chart here:
Sizing chart

Does the size chart refers to measurements of the dog or of the garment?
The sizing chart always refers to the dog’s body measurements.

My pet is between two different sizes, which one I have to choose?
If your pet has measurements of two different sizes always choose the one that best matches the contour of the chest because this is the most important measurement.
Then you have to adapt the back length and the neck contour.

The size that corresponds to my pet is a little tight. What can I do?
If you’ve already made the seam as narrow as you can and still fits too tight maybe you could use a larger size and make a wider seam allowance.

The size that corresponds to my pet is a little big. What can I do?
If the size is too large, you can do several things:
1.You can cut out the pattern by the seam line (solid line) instead of the cut line (dotted line with scissors symbol) so you will make the pattern smaller.
2.You can make a wider seam allowance to make the garment tighter.

The smallest size XS is too big for my dog, what can I do?
If XS size is still too large, you can do several things:
1.You can cut out the pattern by the seam line (solid line) instead of the cut line (dotted line with scissors symbol) so you will make the pattern smaller.
2.You can also make a wider seam allowance when sewing the garment to make it tighter.
3.Another solution is to reduce the pattern image displayed on the PC screen to the size you need and then trace the pattern with a paper and pencil directly from screen

The larger size XXL is too small for my dog, what can I do?
If you need to enlarge the pattern size XXL first you have to know how many inches you need to add to each measurement: back length, chest and neck contour.

How can I enlarge XXL pattern?
This is an easy way to enlarge a pattern: Once you have the pattern (XXL) ready, place it on a piece of larger paper and mark all the contour with a pencil but adding 1 inch all around. Repeat this as many times as necessary until you get the size you need.
This way you will keep the original shape of the pattern but bigger.

Why there are no patterns larger than XXL?
Sorry, but I can not do patterns larger than XXL size because it requires a lot of parts and it would be very complicated to assemble the entire pattern.

Where can I share my pictures?
You can share pictures of your creations in our Facebook fan page

What breed is your dog?
My dog Tara is a Bichon Maltese and she is 7 years old.