Your questions, our answers
PatronIA, the studio that turns your inspiration photo into a made-to-measure sewing pattern, fitted to your body measurements, delivered with its sewing instructions.
01The principle
What is PatronIA?
PatronIA, the studio that turns your inspiration photo into a made-to-measure sewing pattern, fitted to your body measurements, delivered with its sewing instructions. PatronIA is a French workshop based in Angers, reachable at patronia.fr and [email protected]. It provides patterns to print at home, drafted to your measurements, with their sewing instructions: it is neither a marketplace nor a seller of paper pattern envelopes sent by post. PatronIA has no connection with patron-ai.com or with other sites that carry a similar name.
How does PatronIA work?
In four steps: you upload a photo of the garment that inspires you (or describe it in the guided questionnaire, without a photo), you enter your measurements once (or a standard size to start with), our studio reads its cut then drafts the pattern to your figure, and you receive the pattern and its sewing instructions, checked before they're sent.
What do you start from to create the pattern?
From an inspiration photo — a garment spotted in the street, on Pinterest or in your wardrobe — or from the guided questionnaire if you don't have a photo. The photo gives the style; then your body measurements (or a standard size) draft the pattern. A sharp front view lets us recognise the garment; the back and the details refine it. You have nothing to draw or trace yourself.
When can I print my pattern?
After the pattern check: once your measurements are entered and your order placed, the studio drafts the pattern to your figure and checks it along with its instructions before sending them to you, within 5 days at most, usually within 2 days. You then print it at home at 1:1 scale. On the designs that allow it, adjustments (length, ease…) can then be made free of charge in the studio.
02Measurements & adjustments
Do I need to know how to take my measurements to get started?
No. A standard size is enough to get a first pattern. For true made to measure, a guide takes you through it measurement by measurement — and your numbers, noted once, can be reused for your next projects.
How do I take my measurements correctly?
Start with the three main measurements — bust, waist and hip — using a soft tape measure held perfectly horizontal, flat against the body, without pulling tight. A pattern needs at least 11 (back, shoulder width, sleeve length…), but the studio guides you field by field and your numbers, noted once, can be used again. Ideally measure yourself in your underwear, standing and relaxed. Our guide to taking your measurements explains each one step by step.
Are adjustments free?
Yes, on the designs that allow it: in the studio, the ease, the length or the neckline can be adjusted without spending a credit, and the pattern redraws itself to your measurements as many times as needed. Some designs don't yet have adjustments in the studio: your project page will tell you.
‘An accurate measurement is better than a flattering one: fabric doesn't lie. We always start from a body measured honestly, and ease is added afterwards, where it's genuinely useful.’
03The pattern & its delivery
Should I make a toile?
Yes, a toile is recommended: cut it from inexpensive fabric before your good fabric. The pattern prints at actual size (1:1), seam allowances included and grainline marked; all that's left is to tape the pages together.
What are the sewing instructions?
A clear, step-by-step construction guide, delivered with every pattern: order of seams, markings, finishes. It is designed to help a beginner as much as an experienced sewist, right up to the last stitch.
In what formats do I receive my pattern?
A pattern to print at actual size at home (standard-size pages to tape together), along with its sewing instructions. Everything stays available from your account so you can reprint it and, on the designs that allow it, adjust it in the studio.
Which garments can I copy?
T-shirts, vest tops, sweatshirts, jumpers, hoodies, skirts, shorts… and many other everyday pieces. See all the made-to-measure pattern families the studio covers, presented one by one. A sharp front-view photo lets us recognise the garment, then your measurements draft the pattern; the more structured the garment, the more the back and finishing details matter for a faithful result.
04Credits & prices
How much does a pattern cost? What are the prices?
A pattern costs 10 credits. Three packs to choose from: Discovery (10 credits, 9,99 €), Dressmaker (100 credits, 79 €), and Designer (200 credits, 99 €). No subscription: you buy credits when you need them and, on the designs that allow it, adjustments in the studio are free.
How do credits work?
Credits are used to create a pattern (10 credits per pattern). Once your pattern is created, you download it with its sewing instructions; on the designs that allow it, you can adjust the ease or the length in the studio at no cost. There is no subscription: your credits are yours until you use them.
| Pack | Credits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Discovery | 10 credits | 9,99 € |
| Dressmaker | 100 credits | 79 € |
| Designer | 200 credits | 99 € |
No subscription — one pattern = 10 credits. On the designs that allow it, adjustments in the studio (ease, length…) are free, as many times as needed.
You are the catalogue.
Start from the piece you love, get its pattern to your body measurements and its sewing instructions. Another question? Our studio journal covers every step in detail.