Here are some things that you can expect when you purchase our patterns:

• The Auto Pilot come with Pro-Q Designer software. IF you are using it to adjust our files in Pro-Q Designer, START WITH THE MQR FORMAT. Do not use the PAT format. ONLY USE .PAT if you are going direct to the Auto Pilot. This is because Pro-Q must do a double conversion when working from .PAT files and the results will not be as good as if it were only doing a single conversion.
  
• IF you get an error, please try shortening the FILE NAME. The Auto Pilot still has a problem with names that are longer than 20 characters. We recommend that you also keep a copy of the file with the original name. We were told that the software will be changed to allow for descriptive filenames, but ABM has not given us a date. Unfortunately we cannot support files when the same file has two or three different names, so we need to distribute them under the same name as the other formats.
  
• Every pattern set includes a WMF file for reference. In addition, you will receive a GIF file which is a low res image that you can use on your website if you advertise in that manner.
  
• All patterns have had point reductions made so that they will sew smoothly without "crowded" points. The patterns can be sewn out 1.5 times the supplied size without any loss of detail. We advise you check by sewing out a single repeat if you are going to sew larger than that. Remember that if you sew out a pattern much smaller you need to shorten your stitch length and sew out slower so you do not lose detail. It is a good idea to check by sewing out the pattern first in this case too.
  
• When a pattern only looks good with a certain overlap, we will give a % of the height sewn. We also do this when the pattern is a two row pattern - for example, it has an alternate row.
• If a pattern is not sewing out the way you like, SLOW DOWN! Most problems we help with are solved by doing just that.
  

We sometimes get asked HOW someone should line up alternate rows when they are sewing them out because there is no reference to the previous row. Most of us here use the same trick regardless of what system it is on! Try sewing a repeat out on freezer paper, marking the first sewing point, and then trimming near the outside edge of sewing. Do this for the main, and any alternate row. Then, use them as a template. It makes things so easy. Just tell the Statler Stticher that you want to start sewing at the first point of the pattern and line up your needle to that spot on the template.

If you have some tricks or tips you would like us to add to this page, please let me know and we will be happy to give you credit!