FAQ | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
In our FAQs you will find many answers to frequently asked questions and we hope to be able to help you quickly.
If you still have a question or something is unclear, please feel free to contact our customer support.
Products & Patterns
Where can I find the instructions for your patterns?
Your sewing patterns are available in the download section of our website. To access them, please log in with your account details and navigate to your personal user area. In this area, you will also find an order history that provides an overview of all your purchases in our online shop.
How are your instructions structured and where can I find them?
All our instructions include step-by-step directions. You'll find a photo for each step, allowing you to work through the instructions systematically. You can preview the instructions before purchasing.
Are your patterns also suitable for beginners?
Our sewing patterns offer varying levels of difficulty, including options for beginners. When selecting a pattern, you'll find clear labels in the product descriptions indicating beginner-friendly designs. More challenging designs, known as masterpieces, require a greater level of commitment or expertise. Explore our diverse range and find the perfect pattern for your experience level.
Where can I find the body measurement chart?
Our supplementary table with the underlying body measurements can be found HERE.
I'm having trouble printing the ebook. What can I do?
All Swallow Love sewing patterns are printable PDF files that can be printed on any standard printer. Please ensure you open the files in the free Adobe Acrobat Reader program for Mac and Windows.
Feel free to check out our helpful tech tutorial on printer settings.
Make sure that the "Actual Size" setting is selected in the printer menu. Print your pattern in portrait orientation and choose whether to print it in color or black and white in the print options.
Make sure the paper is properly inserted into the input tray to ensure straight feeding into the printer roller.
If you are having trouble printing your ebook, we generally recommend that you first ensure your printer is working properly and connected to your device. Also, make sure you have the latest version of a PDF reader, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, installed.
Please note that we do not offer support for incorrect printer settings or the use of other programs or mobile phones.
Does the seam allowance include the sewing pattern from Schwalbenliebe?
No, since each customer chooses their own processing method, the seam allowance varies from customer to customer. We recommend a seam allowance of 1.0 cm and advise you to add this to your existing, taped-together pattern before cutting it out, if you encounter any difficulties.
For a flat-felled seam, a seam allowance of 1.5 cm should even be marked.
Where can I find the size chart for your sewing patterns?
Our size chart is based on the measurement specifications of Müller & Sohn and can be viewed in the preview of each individual pattern in our online shop.
Where can I find your Freybooks?
You can find our free ebooks and tutorials either in the blog section of our website or under the link Freybooks.
Are the A0 files also included in the eBooks?
No, however, they can be purchased as prints in our shop.
What size should I choose and how do I adjust it?
For those with different sizes, the first rule is: take precise measurements and note the results. Then, take a look at the provided size chart, and if you need to switch between sizes, our informative tutorial video will help you. In this video, we show you how to adjust the pattern to your individual measurements.
Where can I subscribe to the newsletter?
You can find our newsletter here.
Legal
Am I allowed to sell products made from Schwalbenliebe patterns?
No, the purchased pattern is not licensed for commercial use. Of course, you are welcome to use the pattern for personal use, for example, to sew a birthday present for your friend. However, small-scale production, mass production, and resale are expressly prohibited. If you would like to obtain a license for our patterns, please contact us, and we will work together to find a solution that works for both parties. This also applies to our design plotter files and Freybooks, which are free e-books that we make publicly available.
Am I allowed to offer sewing courses and similar services using SL patterns?
If you would like to volunteer your time to create a one-off course using one of our free e-books (Freybooks), you are welcome to do so. However, conducting paid sewing courses and workshops using our patterns and instructions is not permitted without prior agreement. If you would like to offer workshops or sewing courses and use our patterns and instructions, please contact us via the contact form for collaborations and partnerships. We look forward to your ideas and suggestions and will be happy to discuss the requirements and implementation options with you.
Am I allowed to share SL patterns and plotter files?
No, because both sewing patterns and plotter files are our intellectual property and subject to our trademark rights. Purchasing an e-book from our shop grants you only the right to use it for private purposes; redistribution is not permitted. Please note that creating these files involves considerable work, and unauthorized distribution is a criminal offense that can be prosecuted. We ask you to respect our profession as pattern makers and graphic designers, as numerous hours of work and many regular days in the studio are invested in each pattern. This is not a hobby we pursue half-heartedly. Therefore, the distribution, resale, exchange, copying, printing, or publication (even partially) of the sewing patterns and plotter files is expressly prohibited.
Am I allowed to transfer SL sewing patterns to external platforms to have an A0 plot created from protected A4 files?
The sewing pattern and plotter file are the intellectual property of Schwalbenliebe and are subject to trademark rights. Purchasing a sewing pattern or plotter file from our shop entitles you only to use it for personal purposes and not to distribute it. Please bear in mind that considerable work goes into creating these products, and unauthorized distribution is a criminal offense.
I would like my images removed from the website and social media channels.
Schwalbenliebe handles personal data in accordance with applicable German laws and regulations. If images that have been released for use need to be removed, this can be done by submitting a written request.
To carry out this process, please fill out the corresponding form, precisely describing the content and images to be deleted. Then send the completed form to Schwalbenliebe's business address.
Your application will be reviewed within 14 days and, if correct, implemented. You can find the required form HERE .
Payment & Shipping
How much are the shipping costs?
Shipping costs depend on the weight of the product and are calculated during the checkout process. You can find our shipping information here.
How long are your delivery times?
Our paper sewing patterns are shipped weekly on Tuesdays for orders received by Sunday. We ship via DHL with priority service, which typically results in a delivery time of 1-2 business days. Please note that there are no deliveries on Sundays or public holidays.
Do you also ship internationally?
We ship our paper sewing patterns worldwide, and you can find the shipping information HERE .
What payment methods are available?
To offer our customers maximum convenience, we support various payment methods. You can find all the information HERE.
How do I redeem a voucher or discount?
To redeem a voucher or discount in our shop, please follow these steps: During the checkout process, you will find a special field where you can enter your voucher or discount code. Enter the code there and click "Apply". The discount will be automatically applied to the total amount, so you can benefit from your savings immediately.
Can I also buy patterns by paying in advance?
If you are interested in purchasing sewing patterns via prepayment, please send us an inquiry using our contact form . We will then get in touch with you as soon as possible and provide the necessary information for prepayment. This way, we can ensure that your order is processed smoothly and that you receive your sewing patterns in the shortest possible time.
Technology & Co
Which program should I use to open the downloaded file?
The files are provided in a compact ZIP format and must be extracted before use. This reduces the data volume and makes it easier to download multiple files in a single download.
Common operating systems offer integrated programs for unpacking the files, which automatically perform the unpacking process and then allow you to save the files to the desired location.
I can't find my cutting file for Swallow Love anymore.
Fortunately, downloads are not lost and are guaranteed to be saved in the selected folder on your computer after downloading. Perhaps you downloaded the file using a mobile device?
If your computer is broken or you can no longer find your SL sewing patterns on your hard drive, you have the option to download your purchased instructions up to 5 times. Therefore, please first check if you can access the file in your account area.
Unfortunately, the system cannot offer a replacement, therefore we recommend that you carefully back up your purchased patterns and perform regular backups.
The file won't open!
When you download the file, you will initially receive a ZIP file. Unzip it as described in our FAQs and avoid printing from your mobile device. For optimal results, ensure you only unzip, open, and print your downloads on a computer using the appropriate program.
General questions
Are there any hashtags to help people find your cuts on social media?
You can find our sewing patterns under the hashtag #swallowlove.
Other hashtags used on social media include:
#sewingswallowlove #simpletuesday #mainstreamissoldout & #designordie
We would be delighted if you would tag your creations made using our sewing patterns with the hashtag #schwalbenliebe.
Are the sewing patterns developed in-house by Schwalbenliebe?
All sewing patterns from schwalbenliebe® are personally and carefully designed, constructed, and produced. Likewise, our instructions, photos, and paper patterns are the result of comprehensive and professional work and expertise, ensuring you the best possible quality.