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Q: Can I request a custom pattern?
A: Absolutely! Custom patterns range from $25-50NZD. You can start this process here.
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Q: Can I request a custom stitched piece?
A: Absolutely! Custom pieces start at $125NZD. I only accept stitched commissions of my own patterns, so please let me know what pattern you are interested and any modifications you'd like. You can start this request process here.
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Q: Are your digital mock-ups accurate?
A: I personally colour-check all of my patterns with a threaded DMC colour card for accuracy. I cannot reasonably stitch all of my ideas in a timely fashion (I have a catalogue of over 100 patterns), but I am confident in my drafting abilities, which you can see through my finished pieces. The software I use to make patterns does not always render an accurate colour compared to the physical thread intended to be used which is why my mockups will differ from the true finished product. I've worked to include threaded colour palettes on each pattern listing to help you visualize what the physical pattern will end up looking like. If you have any concerns or questions about this, don't hesitate to send me a message or email!
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Q: What do I do if there is an issue with my merchandise order?
A: All merch is made through Fourthwall unless otherwise noted in the item description. Please follow up with their customer service to resolve any issues. For pattern and kit issues, send me an e-mail directly at prettystitchmachinenz@gmail.com
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Q: I wanted to use a different size/count fabric that what's suggested on a pattern, will that change the dimensions? How do I find out what other dimensions will be?
A: All of my patterns will list fabric suggestions, you're always welcome to use something different. You can use this calculator to plug in the stitches and adjust your fabric and other details.
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Q: I've never cross stitched before but want to try it..where should I start?
A: Well, thanks for coming here to find out! I generally recommend starting with a kit (it could be one of mine or a different one). All of my kits include everything you need for a cross stitch project from start to finish, you only need to provide scissors! All of my kits include a printed copy of my first zine, cross stitch 101: a zine for beginners, that will help you get started and provide some extra tips.
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Q: I found an error on an pattern, what should I do?
A: Well first, oops on my end! Send me a message or e-mail with the error you found, I will review it as soon as possible and then make any necessary corrections, send you an updated copy and update the listing. The machine is a one man band and I have a lot of files, I do my best to stay organized but sometimes a few things will fall through the cracks, thanks for understanding!
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Q: I order a kit and it still has not shipped..what's up?
A: I'm a one man band, with some occasional assistance from my partner - I do my best to get orders shipped out as soon as possible! NZ Post does not offer service on weekends so I cannot ship out orders on Saturdays and Sundays. Depending on when you ordered, it may fall into this zone of time for me here in New Zealand as we are generally a day ahead of the rest of the world. If you need a kit by a specific date, please reach out before ordering and let me know and I can get back to you with a shipping estimate (I cannot make guarantees for international shipping).
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Q: I ordered some merch and there's a problem. What do I do?
A: Printed merch is created by Fourthwall. I do everything in my power to ensure good print quality on my end (high visual fidelity files for designs, following Fourthwall's guidlelines for printing, etc). If a product is defective, please reach out to their customer service. If you think something is simply wrong with an item, reach out to me and I'll try to get it sorted!
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Q: Do you accept test stitching?
A: I sure do! You can start the process here.
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Q: Do your patterns work on patternkeeper / markup-xr?
A: I've only personally used markup-xr and was able to get the patterns I tried to port in fine - I have no experience using patternkeeper. I've also been told that my patterns do import into patternkeeper, however you might find some issues with highlighting colour groups. I'm currently in the process of getting feedback on how my patterns port into these apps from stitchers so I will update this section once I know more!
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Q: I'm in the US, do tariffs apply to my purchase?
A: The answer to this depends on what you are purchasing! I have discontinued some shipping to the USA until further notice. The tariffs imposed by Donald Trump pose too much cost (materially and morally) to my patrons. However, digital patterns remain available to US patrons without any additional tariffs. US patrons can also order items that are printed on demand such as merchandise (stickers, prints, homewares, etc.) without additional shipping international import tariffs.
last updated 22 aug 2025