frequently asked questions

About payment, purchasing & promotions

Can I pay with a credit card?
At this time, the checkout only supports PayPal, but you may be able to use your card for your purchase, depending on your location and PayPal’s guidelines.
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 on other platforms such as Etsy or LoveKnitting where debit/credit cards are standard payment methods – you can see the full list of places where my patterns are available by clicking here.

Can I pay in my own currency?
All of my ePatterns and eBooks on this website are listed in US Dollars. PayPal 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 check the details that came with the single use code – most of the time they will be valid on Ravelry, not this website. The cart on this website used to be a Ravelry cart but was changed to a Payhip cart when Ravelry launched a new website that was inaccessible. 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. There is a specific help thread on Ravelry.

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 broswer). I’ll be updating this website shortly with additional help for Payhip.

About pattern delivery

Can I add the pattern to my Ravelry account?
This is no longer possible, I’m afraid! When Ravelry launched a new website that caused seizures, migraines, vertigo and more, I couldn’t continue to use their cart which could put my customers at risk. I am currently having a new website built and whilst that’s in progress, the cart has been replaced by a Payhip one.
I've bought the pattern, paid with PayPal - what happens next?
Immediately after payment, you will be given the option of downloading the patterns with the relevant links. Customers new to this service can miss this, but don’t worry! 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 purchase the pattern.
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 email address with which you purchased the item, and if you paid through your PayPal account, that will be the primary email address attached to the 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?
Payhip currently limits you to 5 downloads from each link, and this is done to prevent sharing of files and piracy. Ravelry links, created by the former cart on this website, do not expire.

About opening, storing & using PDFs

Can I pay with a credit card?
At this time, the checkout only supports PayPal, but you may be able to use your card for your purchase, depending on your location and PayPal’s guidelines.
Can I pay with a credit card?

At this time, the checkout only supports PayPal, but you may be able to use your card for your purchase, depending on your location and PayPal’s guidelines.

About wholesale & collaboration

I own an LYS - can I order your patterns?

Although I have worked with various print pattern distributors over the years, my patterns and books are no longer available in print. I can highly recommend the Ravelry In-store Sales system for digital wholesale, and ask yarn shops to use that service.

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.

I'm an indie dyer and heard a rumour that 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. 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

Are there any co-ordinating patterns for your Hats? Are you able to design a matching accessory pattern?
No, sorry; I only design Hats.
Can I sell the items I make from your patterns?

In short, yes you can! You can find more details my Terms and Conditions page, article no.13.

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

In October 2017 I made the decision to no longer travel to teach workshops for health reasons. I am currently developing a range of online classes in video + eBook format and they will be launching soon! I’d suggest joining The Woolly Hat Society to be notified when they’re ready. If my health improves I may travel again for a few select events and you can find the details of my classes and terms on the Teaching page.

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

All of the ePatterns and eBooks available to purchase on this website are in English. When my new website launches all versions will be available to purchase from this website. In the meantime, German language versions can be found on Makerist and Ravelry, and Italian language versions can also be found on Ravelry. A few of my free patterns have been translated and those files can be downloaded from that page (scroll to the bottom)

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 and patterns 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.

About opening, storing & using PDFs

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

All of my 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’ll usually find it already installed.

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.

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

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 a software is out of date and not compatible with the 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 be a lack of ink or the wrong page size, problems with printing are usually local and specific to an individual printer. If you cannot open the file at all then please contact me directly. File corruption is rare but happens occasionally. I can investigate the reason, renew the file then send out a fresh download link to you as necessary.

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.
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 illustrated 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 pop over to my Ravelry group. There’s a discussion thread for each and every pattern, and the group is incredibly helpful. You can also visit my Facebook group. When my new website launches, we will have our own forum and in-house support.

Can I email you for help with a pattern?

Not as this time. 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!

The majority of my patterns include illustrated 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.

Do you provide video tutorials?

Yes! You can find the video tutorials on the specific technique pages. My video tutorials are deliberately kept short so that what you’re looking for isn’t lost amongst any clutter. The videos are also silent, with details provided in text – this helps those who may need to translate the tutorial to a different language. All of my video tutorials are hosted on Instagram and you can follow me there. I’m continuing to add video tutorials when I can, and Instagram is the first place to see them.

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 with the free pattern or code.

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, not Ravelry. There is also a help page to guide you through using the code – you want to apply it to the cart before checking out. If the code continues to fail then the best option is to unsubscribe and resubscribe – the codes are automatically generated and doing this will generate you a new one.

How often can I expect a newsletter from The Woolly Hat Society?
When I have extra free content to provide, it goes out to members mid-month. New release newsletters usually go out at the beginning of the month. This means that some months there’s one newsletter and some months there are two.