F.A.Q.

GENERAL PATTERN QUESTIONS

What is the difficulty level of your patterns?

Most of my patterns use the same simple patchwork piecing skills. Their relative difficulty is mainly due to how many pieces are involved. This page includes a more detailed explanation.

Where can I purchase patterns?

My shop sells digital versions (pdf format) of my quilt patterns. They include the same full-color content as my printed booklet patterns in a portable format that you can view on your electronic device(s) or print on standard-size printer paper. 

Printed booklet versions of most of my patterns are widely available from my wholesale partners. Your favorite quilt shop can order patterns through my distributors. You can also find online listings quickly by doing a web search for "Elizabeth Hartman [pattern name] pattern."

I do not sell patterns on Amazon and encourage you to buy from independent retailers instead.

Can you send me instructions for making a quilt or block in a different size?

Unless otherwise noted in my Pattern Directory, the sizes included in my patterns are the only sizes for which written directions are available.

Can I use your patterns to make items to sell?

No. My patterns may not be used to make items to sell in any quantity or venue.

PDF PATTERN QUESTIONS

Do I need any special software or equipment to use a pdf pattern?

If you're using an older computer/device, you may need to download Adobe Reader (software for viewing pdf files) which you can get free from Adobe's site. 

If you plan to print the pattern, I recommend printing in full color. 

What happens after I buy a pdf pattern?

A link to download the pattern will be available as soon as checkout is complete. The link will also be sent to the email address you provide during checkout. Clicking on the link will transfer (download) a copy of the file to your device.

The download link will work a total of five times, so please be sure to save a copy of the file in a safe place within your own system. That way, you'll be able to view it whenever you like.

Why does the link only work five times?

This is unfortunately necessary to discourage people from sharing links with groups and/or publicly posting them online. 

If you've run out of download opportunities, but haven't saved the file, please contact me to request another link. You may also want to check in your Downloads folder, Files app, or your Browser's Downloads queue, as copies may already be saved in one or more of those locations.

I'm having trouble downloading the pattern. What should I do?

Please start by checking out my Troubleshooting page. If you don't find a solution there, please contact me for assistance. 

Can I use pdf patterns for a class I'm teaching, or for kits I'm making?

Because of the impossibility of tracking digital copies effectively, pdf patterns are only available for purchase by home sewers directly from this shop. Pdf patterns may not be resold.

Printed patterns are perfect for classes and kits, and are available from my wholesale distributors.

May I exchange my pdf pattern for a printed pattern?

Unfortunately, no. Printed booklet patterns and pdf patterns include the same content, but they are different products with different prices and delivery methods. They are not interchangeable.

FABRIC

Can I buy fabric or a kit from you?

I don’t sell fabrics, but the solid fabrics I use are readily available in stores. Options for purchasing Robert Kaufman basics like Kona Solids or Essex linen blends can be found by doing a web search for the fabric name you’re trying to find (Kona Seafoam, Essex Yarn-Dyed Acorn, etc.).

If you’re looking for one of my print fabric collections for Robert Kaufman, a specific precut bundle, or a kit, I also recommend a web search for that collection/item. Just keep in mind that most print fabrics, precut bundles, and kits, are only manufactured for a limited time. If you’re looking for something older, it may be trickier to find, and you may need to look in a secondary market like Etsy or eBay.

Can you tell me which fabrics you used in a project?

All of my sampler patterns, and many of my other patterns include fabric charts detailing all of the fabrics I used. Background and detail fabrics are usually listed in the Materials chart on the pattern back. When that information isn’t included in a pattern, it is often listed on the pattern’s page in my Pattern Directory.

Do you prewash your fabric? What about linen blends?

I do not. You can read more about how I handle linen blends in this blog post. 

WHOLESALE

Can I buy patterns to sell in my shop?

Yes. Wholesale patterns are available through my distributors. You can find a list of distributors and available patterns on my Wholesale Page.

Can I purchase wholesale patterns directly from you?

Unfortunately, no. My wonderful distributors will be happy to help you with this though!

Can I resell your pdf patterns?

No. Because of the easily duplicatable/difficult-to-track nature of pdf files, I do not make this pattern format available for wholesale.

I’m looking for a pattern, but your distributors no longer carry it. Can I purchase it from you?

Because of the large number of products in my line, and the ever-increasing cost of printing, I will occasionally elect to discontinue the print edition of an older pattern. (This isn’t an especially formal process. It just means that I don’t reprint the pattern after existing stock sells out.) Recent examples include Bunny, Frances Firefly, and Sleepy Sloth.

If one of my distributors stops carrying a pattern, that pattern is most likely discontinued and no longer available for wholesale. I don’t usually have extra inventory of these patterns but, if you’re in need of a few copies for a specific project, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at wholesale@elizabethhartman.com. I’m always happy to see if I can help you!

Can I purchase fabric or kits to sell in my shop?

Current fabric collections, precuts, and kits can be purchased from Robert Kaufman Fabrics or Checker Distributors.

MISC

What sewing machine do you use?

I love my Janome 1600p! It’s a high-speed straight-stich machine with no screen and very few functions. I prefer a straight stitch machine for patchwork piecing, because the feed dogs are close together, which makes it easier to sew small pieces accurately. (On a machine that does zigzag and decorative stitches, the needle needs to be able to move from side to side between the feed dogs. On a straight stitch machine, the needle only has to move up and down, so the feed dogs are much closer together and there isn’t a big hole for the fabric to get sucked into.)

How do you quilt your quilts?

Many the quilts that you see here were free-motion quilted by me on my Janome 1600p. Most of my more recent quilts have been longarm quilted and, for those, information about the quilter and the edge-to-edge design used are listed on the appropriate pages in my Pattern Directory.

Do you do teaching/speaking engagements for guilds?

I truly appreciate your interest, but I no longer do these kind of engagements.

What software do you use to design patterns?

I use Adobe Illustrator to build diagrams, but the real work of creating a pattern (conceptualizing and fine-tuning block design, figuring out the order of operations, all of the math, etc.) is done by me, not a software program.

Where can I find your books?

The Practical Guide to Patchwork, Modern Patchwork, and Patchwork City are now available exclusively as electronic downloads from the publisher.