Frequently Asked Questions

About payment, purchasing & promotions

Can I pay with a credit card?

Yes! I offer both PayPal and Stripe checkout options.

You may be able to use your card for your purchase via PayPal, depending on your location and PayPal’s current guidelines.

Please note that Stripe doesn’t store your card information.

I don't have a Paypal account - how do I pay?

You don’t need a Payal account to purchase from this website! You can checkout as a guest with your card or use your Payal account if you prefer.

You can also purchase my patterns by using Stripe. 

Can I pay in my own currency?

All of my ePatterns and eBooks on this website are listed in Euros. PayPal and Stripe automatically makes the currency conversion for you, so you will pay in your local currency.

PayPal do charge a small cross border fee but I pay that, not you.

However if you use your card you may be charged additional fees – please check with your bank for details.

Please note that due to the exchange rates, the price in your local currency may vary.

I have a single use coupon code - why won’t it work?

Please first check the details that came with the single use code – older codes would have been valid on Ravelry, not this website, and most of those will be expired now.

Since the launch of this new website, all single use codes are only valid on this website.

If you have tried to use the code once but didn’t complete checkout, it’s possible the code has been invalidated, or considered ‘used’.

Before using the code please ensure you are using the correct shop and if there is a problem refresh your browser, clear your cache or try a different device or browser – these actions usually resolve any issues.

Please note that I am unable to offer refunds where codes haven’t been redeemed – please check carefully that your code has been entered before proceeding to checkout.

I have a discount code and I'm not sure how to use it?

If your coupon code issue is with Ravelry, please check this thread as it’s likely a browser issue (hint: switch device and/or browser).

If you are using your discount code on this website, please ensure you add it to the relevant field on the checkout page before proceeding to payment.

I have a coupon code but didn't use it - can you refund me coupon amount?

No. Coupon codes must be used at the time of purchase to be redeemed.

About pattern delivery

Can I add patterns I purchase on your website to my Ravelry account?

I am unable to manually add any patterns you purchase on this website to your Ravelry library.

Ravelry did provide code for designers with Shopify websites to automatically add a pattern purchase to users’ Ravelry libraries, but they’ve never provided it for designers who use WordPress. We’ve requested it, but nothing yet. If you’d like to have this feature, please use the ‘submit feedback’ option from your Ravelry profile to request that they offer this option for WordPress sites.

Can I add your patterns that are part of a kit to my Ravelry account?

I am unable to manually add any patterns you purchase through a 3rd party to your Ravelry library. Your purchase is between you and the dyer, and is for the print edition only.

Before being made available for print wholesale to indie dyers, all of my patterns are thoroughly edited and rechecked, and QR codes are added in lieu of the download links included in my digital patterns. This ensures you have access to the same support as digital customers.

I've bought the pattern - what happens next?

You will also be sent an email confirmation of your order which contains the links for downloading. The download email will be sent to the email address you used to create your account.

You can also access the downloads from within your account, found via the My Account page.

I haven't received the email with the download links.

If you have not received this email within 30 minutes of purchase, it is likely it has ended up in your bulk, spam or junk folder, so please check these before contacting me.

Every customer service enquiry I have received about lost or undelivered patterns results in finding the email in a junk folder!

I use an automated service for pattern delivery, so your email will be sent. Downloads can sometimes be blocked by firewalls – this can happen if a customer is purchasing from a works’ computer.

Also, please ensure you have checked the relevant email address – the receipt and download emails are sent to the primary email address attached to your account.

I have the download links, but it isn't working.

This will most likely be because your firewall settings on your computer will be blocking access. Invariably this happens on a networked computer ( e.g. work station) where you cannot change the firewall settings easily.

However try again downloading from your home computer and the problem should be resolved.

If you have had trouble with any download, it is often a good idea to refresh pages & links, or try again after a short time. Occasionally the external hosts’ server experiences a short glip, and trying again after a short time normally fixes things.

My download link tells me it has expired - what has happened?

There is a limit of 5 downloads from each link with each purchase, and this is done to prevent sharing of files and piracy.

If your browser settings open the PDF in your browser, each open will count as a download. Similarly, if you refresh the page, that also counts as a download. These will quickly deplete your credits.

You’re advised to download the PDF to your device straight away so that you don’t use all your download credits, and to have the option to download in future should an ePattern or eBook be updated.

About opening, storing & using PDFs

I'm interested in your patterns, what formats do they come in?

All of my premium patterns come in PDF format only. To be able to read these files you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader or a similar PDF reading software.

Adobe Acrobat can be downloaded for free, but you may find it already installed – please ensure it is up to date.

How do I open/print the file?
As you follow the download links, you will be asked to either open or save the file. I recommend that you click the ‘open file’ option. The pattern will then appear on your monitor. From there, click the save option in the ‘File’ sub-menu and remember where you have saved the pattern so you can find it again! You can also print the pattern directly.

If you click the ‘save file’ option, the file is likely to be saved on your desktop or in a download folder if you are not given the option to save to an area of your choice. When you want to open a saved PDF pattern file, just double click on it’s icon and it will automatically open with the Adobe software. If the file doesn’t open and you receive an error message, you may need to download the Adobe software.

You can find further help from the Tech Tips & Tricks section of the blog.

I'm having trouble reading/printing the file - what should I do?

If you can open the file but are having trouble reading it – words and/or images missing or illegible – then you might want to check that you are using the current version of Adobe PDF reading software. Occasionally, the contents of a PDF are ‘translated’ incorrectly if the software is out of date and not compatible with the software that wrote the file.

If you can open or read the file happily but are having trouble printing then you will need to check your printer settings. Whether it’s a lack of ink or the wrong page size, printing issues are usually local and specific to an individual printer.

You can find further help from the Tech Tips & Tricks section.

Is there a way to make the PDF read more like a book on the monitor?

Yes, there is! If you are using Adobe Acrobat, click on ‘View’ in the menu bar, and then select ‘Page Display’. From there you can opt to read the pages two at a time, which will make the eBook feel more like reading a book.

You can find further help from the Tech Tips & Tricks section.

Can I use the PDF files in my device browser?

If your settings are such that the PDF opens in your browser, instead of downloading the file, it’s likely that you’ll use up your download credits each time your refresh or open the browser. Each purchase is limited to 5 downloads per file, and each refresh/open will register as a download.

To prevent this happening, download the file(s) to your device storage area and access them this way – this will only count as one download, leaving you download credits should you wish to access the file from another device.

What is the best way to save the file?

When you open the file, the ePattern will then appear on your monitor. From there, click the save option in the ‘File’ sub-menu.

You are advised to make a back-up copy of the file, in case of loss or corruption – external hard-drives are a good way to do this.

Can I print as many copies as I like of the pattern?

You may, provided they are for your own personal use. The same applies to the file itself – save copies if you need to but do not share the file with anyone else. All of the patterns are covered by copyright, and to share the pattern either in file or printed form would be a breach of copyright law.

About help with patterns

I'm stuck on one of your knitting patterns - what should I do?

Firstly, I suggest reading through the whole pattern and the abbreviations again, to make sure that you’ve not missed a step or misunderstood a set of instructions or abbreviation.

Check through any of the linked photographic tutorials, too, as my patterns are written to be self-contained with all the help you need. You can also find further help with techniques in my Tutorials section.

If that doesn’t help then please post in one of my community groups. I am unable to provide pattern support view email, direct/private messages, whatsapp or any other way outside ofthe community groups.

On Ravelry there’s a discussion thread for each and every pattern, and the group is incredibly helpful. You can also visit my Facebook group. I am currently adding the finishing touches to my new forum, and that will be my primary area for support.

Can I email you for help with a pattern?

I’m afraid I’m not able to help with patterns via email due to my health and busy schedule.

Similarly, I can’t help on various social media platforms – if you need help with a pattern, please go to my Ravelry group or to my Facebook group. Thank for your understanding.

I have one of your patterns but I'm not sure what size to make?

Grab your tape measure and head to the Sizing Guide page. My patterns are multi-sized, meaning they contain at least 2 sizes (usually between 3 & 5 sizes, with notes about alteration where applicable), because it’s a myth that ‘one size fits all’!

This technique is new to me and I'm not sure what to do!

All of my patterns include download links for photographic tutorials for the specialist techniques involved, and they should give you all the help you need.

Should you need further help, then I suggest looking through my Tutorials section, where you’ll find downloadable PDF tutorials and short video clips of many techniques.

We also discuss the techniques in my Ravelry group, and in my Facebook group – those would be a good places to visit, too.

Can I ask AI for help with your patterns or tutorials?

No, this is strictly prohibited.

Not only is it a breach of my copyright and licensing terms, uploads to AI are used to train AI, and this further impacts my ability to earn an income from designing.

AI is a major problem in creative areas, and I ask that my work is respected and not used with any AI whatsover.

Do you provide video tutorials?

Yes!

I have a YouTube channel where I deep-dive on techniques and cover topics in greater detail to help you get the most out of the tutorials. These videos are all subtitled, allowing for more accurate translation.

I also have short, succinct video tutorials hosted on Instagram. These videos are silent, with details provided in text – this helps those who may need to translate the tutorial to a different language.

About The Woolly Hat Society

How do I join The Woolly Hat Society?

You can join by visiting this page.

I've signed up but haven't received the confirmation email - what's happened?

The confirmation email usually goes missing for one of two reasons: a) an incorrect email address of b) it gets redirected to your spam folder.

Do check your spam folder first then if it doesn’t show up within an hour or two then try again and check the spelling of your email address.

Occasionally the emails get filtered off completely and in that case, I’d try joining with a different email address.

I've confirmed membership but haven’t received the Welcome email

It’s likely in your spam folder – please check there. If that doesn’t resolve it, please check this post for helpful tips about subscribing

I'm trying to use the special code in the Welcome email but it’s not working? Can you help?

Firstly, please ensure you’re using the code in the correct shop – the code in the Welcome email can only be used on this website. To ensure a smooth transaction, you want to apply it to the cart before checking out.

How often can I expect a newsletter from The Woolly Hat Society?

Newsletters are usually sent weekly, but they’re not always sent on a set date and sometimes I may miss one.

About wholesale & collaboration

I own an LYS - can I order your patterns?

Yes! Please use this page to request being added to the wholesale mailing list. Only my zine collections and most popular single patterns are available for print wholesale.

I can also recommend the Ravelry In-store Sales system for digital wholesale, my full back-catalogue is available.

I'm a small fibre business - can we collaborate?

Maybe! This question is broad and covers a lot of ground, so I’ve put together a page just for this question.

Do you provide downloadable marketing and wholesale packs?

I do, yes! This is a relatively new initiative and you can find the packs on the PYO page although while this new website is being finished this page may not be accessible.

The aim is to make collaborating with indie dyers easier by cutting out the wait and additional printing costs and times. Please pop over to the page to see what’s available and let me know if you’d like to wholesale coupon codes or suggest something else that I can add to that page.

Other questions

Can I buy ready-to-wear Hats from you?

No, I only sell the patterns – i.e. the instructions that explain how to make the items.

Your local yarn shop may well have a commission service, and they can help you choose the right yarn for your choice of Hat.

Do you take commissions?

No, I don’t take commissions – either for designs or completed, knitted Hats.

Are there any co-ordinating patterns for your Hats?

I only design Hats, but my partner is starting to design matching accessories! Those that are available can be found via the search on the Shop page.

Can I sell the items I make from your patterns?

In short, yes you can! You can find more details on my Terms and Conditions page, under ‘Licensing’.

I'd love to book you for a workshop - how would I got about that?

I’m happy to consider teaching with your store or event! I can teach virtually as well as in-person. Based in Europe, I can travel easily within the EU and have close access to airports for international travel. Please contact me for my current details and prices.

I have been developing a range of online classes in video + eBook format – they can be found on the teaching pages! I’d suggest joining The Woolly Hat Society to be notified when new classes are ready or when new talks can be booked. I am available for online classes, and you can find my current selection on the Workshops page.

What language are your patterns provided in? Are they only in English?

All of the ePatterns available to purchase on this website are in English, Czech and Italian. A number of patterns are also available in French. Different language versions are also available on Ravelry. We are in the process of translating eWorkshops and eBooks, and adding additional languages, but they take time.

Can I get a Word copy of your patterns?

No – my eBooks and ePatterns are provided in PDF format only. I don’t use Word and it doesn’t work on all computer platforms or operating systems. On the same note, I’m afraid I cannot provide custom formats of my patterns.

How can I get a paper copy of your patterns - do you sell them?

You will only find digital (PDF) versions of my patterns available for sale here – simply purchase the relevant PDF, download and print from any printer. A few of my books are available in print and you can find them in my Magcloud shop.

Are there Kindle versions of your books and patterns?

Not yet – so far there hasn’t been enough interest to warrant the time needed to convert them all to specific eBook reader formats, although this may be a viable option in the future. PDFs do work on all eReaders, though I do appreciate that a specific eReader file would provide a better display.