FAQs

Fabric is sold by the metre and you can order in 10 cm increments.

For example, 0.5 m is 50 cm, 1.0 m is one metre and 1.5 m is one and a half metres.

Use the quantity selector on the fabric page to choose the length you need. The total price will update as you change the amount.

The minimum is just 10 cm. You don’t need to buy a full metre.

Fabric then increases in 10 cm steps, so you can order exactly what you need — for example 0.7 m, 1.2 m or 2.4 m.

Yes. If you order 1.5 m of a fabric, I’ll cut one continuous 1.5 m length wherever the available stock allows.

If there is ever an issue with the available length, I’ll contact you before cutting your order.

Yes. Fabric samples are $1 each.

On the fabric page, choose the sample option rather than ordering a cut length of fabric.

A sample is a useful way to check the real colour, weight, texture and feel of a fabric before ordering more.

No. Sample size can vary depending on the fabric and what I have available to cut.

They’re intended to give you a useful look and feel of the cloth rather than being a standard-size swatch.

If you’d like thread to go with your fabric, add Matching Thread from that fabric’s product page.

You don’t need to work out the thread colour yourself. I’ll choose an appropriate shade to match the fabric you’ve ordered.

Add the thread from each individual fabric page. That keeps each spool linked to the correct fabric in your order, so I know which colour you need for each one.

Delivery within New Zealand is a $9.50 flat rate.

New Zealand orders over $180 receive free shipping.

Yes. There are two delivery options to Australia:

NZ$19 — NZ Post International Tracked Mail
NZ$45 — DHL Express Courier

Yes. Pick up is available from Waipu.

Place your order online first and select the pick-up option. I’ll let you know when your order is ready and send you the collection details and instructions.

Please wait until you’ve heard from me before coming to collect.

Many PDF sewing patterns include a large-format file designed to be printed by a copy shop or pattern printer.

A0 paper measures 841 × 1189 mm. I print these files full-size, so you can use the pattern without taping together lots of A4 pages.

A0 printing is $6.50 per page.

Upload the file labelled something like A0, Copy Shop, Large Format or Wide Format.

Do not upload the tiled A4 or Letter-size file designed for printing at home.

Open the A0 PDF and check the total number of pages in the file. Each PDF page counts as one A0 printed page.

For example, if the A0 file contains three pages, select three A0 pages when ordering.

A page still counts if much of it is blank — if it appears as a separate page in the PDF, it is a printed page.

You can upload several A0 pattern files in the same order. Simply add together the number of A0 pages across all the files and select that total quantity.

For example, a two-page pattern plus a three-page pattern means you should order five A0 pages.

That’s fine. If you’re unsure, add a note to your order or email me and I can check the files before printing.

I’d much rather check than have you order the wrong thing.

Digital patterns are supplied as PDF files after purchase. They are not a physical paper pattern unless the product listing specifically says otherwise.

No. Digital pattern sales are final and cannot be returned due to the nature of digital products.

If you’ve ordered fabric or notions and aren’t happy with them for any reason, please email shop@joans.co.nz to discuss a return or exchange.

You can also read the full returns policy.

Please inspect your order when it arrives and contact me as soon as possible if an item is defective or damaged, or if you’ve received the wrong item.

I’ll assess the issue and make it right.