Just the FAQs, ma'am

You all have had questions, and we have answers. This list will be continuously updated and will be available from the right sidebar menu under FAQ.

Please note this page is for general site and Block of the Month questions. Please leave your requests on the Request Page.

General FAQ


What is Fandom In Stitches (FiS)?

• Fandom In Stitches is a not-for-profit, fan-run site that provides free quilt patterns based on multiple fandoms.

Who designs the patterns?

• All the patterns on FiS are designed by fans. All designers are volunteers. You can see a complete list of participating designers on our Designer Page.

Who Owns the Site/Writes The Posts?

• Fandom In Stitches is owned and edited by Jennifer Ofenstein of Sewhooked. Other authors are designers Michelle Thompson and Lilja Björk Sigurdórsdóttir.

You say it's free, why the ads and Zazzle Shop?

• The ads and FiS product sales pay for our various accounts and postage to mail our monthly prizes. We try to keep ads simple, relevant and as unobtrusive as possible.

Can I use Fandom In Stitches patterns to make items to sell on etsy/craft fairs/etc.?

• While we are fully aware that we can't stop you from selling items made from Fandom In Stitches' patterns, we ask most emphatically that you do not, unless it is for a fundraiser or non-profit (please see next question). As long as no one is profiting from our patterns, our use of fandom images, all of which are copyright or trademarked by the originators/authors/etc., we are relatively safe under the broad allowance made under U.S. trademark laws (we have this from a bona fide trademark lawyer!). By not selling items made from FiS patterns, we are in no way competing with or profiting from the fandoms we love. We would absolutely hate to lose our ability to share these patterns with you because someone decided to profit from them. One cease and desist letter would likely be enough to shut us down.

Can I use Fandom In Stitches patterns to make items for non-profits or charities? What about showing my quilt at a quilt show or fair?

• Absolutely you may use Fandom In Stitches patterns to create items for schools, charities or other non-profit reasons.
• Yes, please do show off your work! All we ask is that you credit Fandom In Stitches...and post photos to our Flickr Group!

Can I reproduce your patterns to hand out to my bee/guild/sewing group?

• As long as you are not selling FiS patterns, you are free to print and share.

Can I repost your patterns to my website/blog?

• We ask that you not repost actual patterns, but share links to the original file, page or post instead. You are welcome to share photos of blocks, quilts, etc. Most of the photos on this site are hosted on Photobucket or Flickr. Just click on the photo you want to share.

Why so many of the patterns paper pieced? Do you allow any other style?

• Fandom In Stitches grew from a group of designers that met on Harry Potter Paper Piecing, which is the long and short answer as to why most of our patterns are paper pieced. 
• We welcome any quilting style. Read more about being an FiS Designer.

I'm new to quilting/paper piecing/applique, etc. Where do I start?

• We recommend that you check out our Quilting Help Page. It has links to our favorite tutorials.

There's a pattern I really, really want but you don't have it and I can't find it anywhere else.

• Please leave a comment on our Request Page. Please note that design and technique will be at designer's discretion.

I love social media! Where else can I find/follow Fandom In Stitches?

• Facebook (like us!)
• Facebook Group (hang out with other FiSers)
• Flickr
• Google +
• Tumblr
• Twitter
• Bloglovin'
• Pinterest

I'd like to sponsor a drawing or a giveaway.

• Please email us!

How do I win the a prize?

• Most prizes are awarded based on participation in our flickr group. Share a photo of a Fandom In Stitches project (ie, something you made using a FiS pattern) and be entered to win!
• Giveaways are awarded to someone that leaves a comment on a specific post based on the rules in that post. These are less frequent than our participation prize drawings. 

How are prizes awarded?

• Unless otherwise stated, prizes are awarded by random drawing using Random.org. For monthly drawing, a list is compiled of FiS visitor that has contributed photos to the flickr group. Those photos are numbered and that number is used to choose a winner.
• For challenges and other events, winner are chosen via poll or guest judges.

I have a question not listed...

• Please leave your question in comments or email us.

Block of the Month, Block of the Week, Stitch-Along FAQ
Applies to The Project of Doom and There and Back Again, as well as any other FiS BOM or BOW.

BOM=Block of the Month
BOW=Block of the Week
SAL=Stitch Along

I've never participated in a Block of the Month, Block of the Week or Stitch Along can you explain how it works?

• A Block of the Month (BOM) on FiS will include a new pattern on an designated day every month that is part of a theme and works toward a full set of blocks to create an entire quilt.
• A Block of the Week (BOW) works the same as a BOM, but with weekly patterns instead of monthly.
• A Stitch Along (SAL) on FiS works the same as a BOM or BOW, but the pattern is hand embroidered instead of strictly machine stitched.

I want to participate, but I don't have time. Can I save/print/come back later?

• Absolutely. You can start our BOM, BOW or SAL whenever it works best for you.

Are BOM/BOW/SAL files available as one large file?

• Large or ongoing projects are available as they were originally posted, that is to say, one pattern per month or week. If you are participating after the fact, you will need to print each pattern individually.

The blocks in the BOM/BOW are too big/too small for my taste. Can I decrease/increase the pattern?

• You are welcome to change the pattern size to a scale that works better for you, but please keep in mind that the BOM is designed with an overall quilt in mind and changing the size of your block will require you to change the final layout.
• Link to Resize Chart from The Quilted Snail

My blocks are coming out the wrong size, what do I do?

• To prevent patterns printing at the wrong size, always check to make sure your documents are set to "no scaling," "no resizing," or that you do not choose "fit to page."
• If possible, square up your block after all the individual units are in place. It's not uncommon for patterns to print slightly off due to differences in printers, software, paper, etc.
• We recommend that you wait until you have all your blocks and are ready to proceed with the layout until making any changes. You may be able to correct your block size at this point by making adjustments to individual blocks, like adding additional background fabric.

I'm stuck, lost or frustrated, what do I do?

• Don't suffer alone...please contact us for help!

Where can I go to talk about my BOM?

• Fandom In Stitches Facebook Group

I own an etsy store/make fandom crafts and would like to be a BOM Sponsor.

• Please email us!
  

What have we missed? What do YOU need to know? Let us know in comments!