Stitchesly help center

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What is Stitchesly?

Stitchesly is an embroidery shop offering digital embroidery designs, machine embroidery files, embroidery patterns, digital embroidery books and curated embroidery library resources for makers, textile designers, embroidery artists, embroidery for beginners and creative small businesses.

Our collections are created for people who love embroidery flowers, ornamental borders, lace inspired motifs, vintage textile references, embroidery art, custom embroidery ideas and creative stitching projects.

Are Stitchesly products physical or digital?

Stitchesly products are digital downloads. No physical item is shipped.

Depending on the product, your order may include machine embroidery files, digital embroidery books, PDF design archives, embroidery patterns, visual reference images, design previews or related digital materials. Physical embroidery kit products, embroidery supplies, embroidery fabric, thread, hoops or printed books are not included unless a product page clearly states otherwise.

What types of products do you sell?

Stitchesly offers machine embroidery files, embroidery patterns, digital embroidery books and PDF design archives, visual embroidery library collections and custom embroidery digitizing services.

Some products are made for embroidery machine use. Other products are created as visual reference archives for inspiration, design study and creative planning. Please read each product page carefully before purchasing.

Machine Embroidery Files

What is a machine embroidery design?

A machine embroidery design is a digital stitch file created for an embroidery machine. The file guides the machine while it stitches the design onto embroidery fabric.

Machine embroidery designs can be used for clothing, towels, napkins, table runners, pillow covers, bags, baby items, home decor, custom embroidery patches, accessories and small products for sale.

Which embroidery machine brands can use these files?

Machine embroidery files may be compatible with popular embroidery machine brands such as Brother, Janome, Bernina, Baby Lock, Pfaff, Husqvarna Viking and other embroidery machines, depending on the file format included in the product.

Please check the product description before purchase to confirm the available formats, design size, hoop size and compatibility with your embroidery machine. You can also consult your manufacturer’s official manuals: Brother, Janome, BERNINA, Baby Lock, and PFAFF / Husqvarna Viking.

Which file formats are included?

The included file formats may vary by product. Common machine embroidery formats may include PES, DST, EXP, JEF, VP3, HUS, XXX or other formats depending on the design.

Always check the individual product page to see exactly which formats are included before purchasing. Browse all machine embroidery files or read the guide to embroidery file formats .

The format I need is not listed. Can I request another format?

If the format you need is not listed, contact Stitchesly before purchasing. In some cases, we may be able to provide an additional format, but this depends on the design and available source files.

Not every embroidery design can be converted safely into every format without testing.

Why does my design not appear on my embroidery machine?

This may happen for several reasons. The file format may not be supported by your embroidery machine, the design may be larger than your hoop size, the file may still be inside a ZIP archive or the file may have been placed in the wrong folder on your USB drive or memory card.

Please unzip the downloaded file first, choose only the format supported by your embroidery machine and check your machine manual for the correct transfer method.

Digital Embroidery Books and PDF Archives

What is a digital embroidery book?

A digital embroidery book is a PDF design archive created for inspiration, study and creative reference. It may include embroidery patterns, embroidery flowers, ornamental motifs, borders, frames, lace inspired details, vintage textile references, embroidery art compositions and other visual design resources.

Digital embroidery books are useful for makers, textile designers, hand embroidery artists, machine embroidery designers, surface pattern designers and anyone building a personal embroidery library.

Are digital embroidery books machine embroidery files?

Not always. Some digital embroidery books are visual reference archives and may not include stitch files for an embroidery machine.

If a product includes machine embroidery files, this will be clearly stated on the product page. Products in the Digital Embroidery Books collection are primarily PDF books or visual archives for creative reference, design study and inspiration.

Can I print the PDF embroidery books?

Yes, you may print a digital embroidery book for your own personal use or studio reference.

You may not resell, share, upload, distribute or reproduce the PDF book as a digital or printed product.

Can I use the books as an embroidery library?

Yes. Stitchesly digital embroidery books are designed to help you build a visual embroidery library. You can use them to study embroidery ideas, embroidery patterns, embroidery stitches, embroidery flowers, borders, composition, fabric placement and design direction for future projects.

Downloads and ZIP Files

How do I receive my files after purchase?

After purchase, your digital files will be available for download. You may also receive an order confirmation or download email, depending on the checkout and digital download system.

Please make sure you enter the correct email address during checkout. If your download email does not arrive, contact Stitchesly with your order number and purchase email address.

What is included in a Stitchesly digital product?

The included files depend on the product. A digital product may include machine embroidery files, PDF embroidery books, design previews, color information, stitch details, usage notes or visual reference images.

Please read the product description carefully before purchasing so you know exactly what is included.

How do I unzip my files?

Most digital downloads are delivered as a ZIP file. Before using the files, download the ZIP archive to your computer and unzip it.

On most computers, you can right click the ZIP file and choose extract or open. Official instructions are available for Windows and Mac. After unzipping, choose the correct file format for your embroidery machine or open the PDF book if the product is a digital embroidery book.

Can I open ZIP files on my phone or tablet?

Some phones and tablets can open ZIP files, but for machine embroidery files we recommend using a computer. Apple also provides official instructions for opening ZIP files on iPhone or iPad. A computer usually makes it easier to view the included formats and transfer the correct file to your embroidery machine.

Where is my purchase order email?

Please check your inbox, spam folder, promotions folder or junk folder. Make sure you used the correct email address during checkout.

If you still cannot find your order email, contact Stitchesly with your name, order number and purchase email address.

What should I do if the files are corrupted?

First, try downloading the files again and make sure the download is complete. Then unzip the file on a computer rather than a phone.

If the problem continues, contact Stitchesly with your order number, the product name and a short description of the issue. We will review the file and help you access your download.

Embroidery Use and Preparation

What embroidery supplies do I need?

Stitchesly does not ship physical embroidery supplies. For a finished stitching project, you may need embroidery fabric, thread, stabilizer, needle, hoop, scissors and an embroidery machine if you are using machine embroidery designs.

The exact supplies depend on the project, fabric type, stitch density and design size.

What fabric should I use?

The best embroidery fabric depends on the design and final project. Cotton, linen, denim, canvas, towels and other fabrics may work well when prepared correctly.

Always test the design on a similar fabric before stitching the final item. This helps you check stabilizer, thread colors, stitch density and placement. See the machine embroidery guide for garments and different textile surfaces .

Why are the colors different from the website image?

Colors may look different because of screen settings, thread brand differences, lighting, fabric color and embroidery machine interpretation.

Website images are visual previews. For the best result, choose thread colors that match your fabric, project style and personal preference. The Stitchesly color planning guide explains how thread sheen, fabric and lighting affect the finished result.

What is embroidery digitizing?

Embroidery digitizing is the process of turning artwork, lettering or motifs into stitch data that an embroidery machine can read.

Good embroidery digitizing considers stitch direction, density, underlay, pull compensation, fabric behavior, thread movement and the final use of the embroidered item. Read the machine embroidery software and digitizing guide for an overview of viewers, editors and professional digitizing tools.

Do you offer custom embroidery or embroidery digitizing?

Stitchesly offers selected custom embroidery digitizing services. Send your artwork, required size, fabric type, machine format and project details for review before purchasing.

Beginner Questions

Is Stitchesly suitable for embroidery for beginners?

Yes. Many Stitchesly resources can be helpful for embroidery for beginners, especially if you are learning about embroidery designs, embroidery patterns, embroidery stitches, embroidery fabric and project preparation. Browse the Stitchesly embroidery guides for practical articles and project ideas.

If you are using an embroidery machine, please make sure you understand your machine, file format, hoop size and stabilizer before stitching.

What is embroidery?

Embroidery is the art of decorating fabric with thread, needlework, stitches and ornamental details. A simple embroidery definition is the creation of designs on fabric using hand stitching techniques, decorative embroidery stitches or digital files prepared for an embroidery machine.

Embroidery can be used for clothing, accessories, home textiles, gifts, custom embroidery, embroidery shop products, textile art and creative fabric based projects.

How do I learn how to embroider?

If you want to learn how to embroider, begin with simple embroidery patterns, stable embroidery fabric, basic embroidery stitches and a small project. Study how thread, fabric, stabilizer and stitch direction affect the final result.

For machine embroidery, start by learning your embroidery machine, file formats, hoop size and stabilizer before stitching complex designs.

How to do embroidery with better results?

Learning how to do embroidery well takes testing and preparation. Use the right embroidery supplies, choose suitable fabric, test the design first and check stitch density, thread colors and placement.

For more advanced work, you can explore chain stitch embroidery, 3D Embroidery effects, embroidery fonts, garment placement, embroidery in dress details and embroidery digitizing.

Do I need an embroidery machine?

You need an embroidery machine only if you are purchasing and using machine embroidery files.

If you purchase a digital embroidery book or PDF design archive, you may use it as a visual reference, design library or inspiration resource without an embroidery machine.

Do you sell embroidery kits?

Stitchesly products are mainly digital downloads. We do not currently ship physical embroidery kit products, embroidery supplies, fabric, thread or hoops unless a specific product page clearly states otherwise.

Usage and Licensing

Can I sell finished items embroidered with Stitchesly designs?

Yes. You may sell finished physical items embroidered with Stitchesly designs through your embroidery shop, Etsy store, craft fair, local market, online shop or your own creative business, unless a specific product page states otherwise.

You may not sell, share, copy, exchange, upload or redistribute the digital files, PDF books, design images or downloadable products themselves. Please review the Terms of Service for additional conditions.

Can I use Stitchesly designs for custom embroidery patches?

Yes, finished custom embroidery patches made with Stitchesly designs may be sold as physical items, unless a product page states otherwise.

However, the digital embroidery files and design files may not be resold, shared or redistributed.

Can I edit or resize the designs?

You may make small adjustments for your own personal stitching needs if you have the correct embroidery software and experience.

Please be careful when resizing machine embroidery designs, because changing the size can affect stitch density, thread tension, fabric behavior and final quality. We recommend testing before stitching the final item. The embroidery software guide explains the difference between simple stitch-file editing and full digitizing.

Can I share the files with someone else?

No. Digital files, PDF embroidery books, embroidery patterns, design images and downloadable products are for the purchaser only.

You may not share, copy, email, upload, exchange, resell or distribute Stitchesly digital products.

Payments and Refunds

How do I pay for my designs?

You can complete your purchase through the payment options available at checkout. Available payment methods may vary depending on your country and Shopify checkout settings.

What is your refund policy?

Because Stitchesly products are digital downloads, refunds are generally not available after the files have been delivered or downloaded. Please read the Refund Policy before purchasing.

If you have a technical issue with your file, contact Stitchesly. We will do our best to help you access, download or use the product correctly.

Can I cancel an order?

If the digital product has not been downloaded or delivered yet, contact Stitchesly as soon as possible. Once a digital file has been accessed or downloaded, cancellation may not be possible.

I bought the wrong product. What should I do?

Please contact Stitchesly with your order number and the product you purchased. Since digital products cannot usually be returned, we review these situations individually.

Before purchasing, always check whether the item is a machine embroidery file, a digital embroidery book, a PDF design archive or another type of digital product.

Contact

How can I contact Stitchesly?

You can use the Contact page for questions about downloads, file formats, custom embroidery orders, digital embroidery books, embroidery machine compatibility, refunds or technical issues.

Please include your order number, product name and purchase email address when asking about an existing order.