Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between cross stitch and embroidery? 

Cross stitch is a type of embroidery that uses one stitch (the cross stitch) that is stitched on "evenweave" fabric, also known as counted thread fabric, using a full color chart with symbols that represent the threads on the fabric (the design is not printed on the fabric). These fabrics are woven in such a way that there are the same number of threads in each direction so when you stitch cross stitches using a pattern, you create a beautiful, pixelated effect as is shown in the photo above. 

Embroidery (also known as "surface embroidery") uses a variety of stitches that are stitched on a fabric that has been printed with the design. There's lots of variety among embroidery stitches, but I use the classics in my kits to keep things simple. If you're a beginner, I recommend the Myra Medallion kit.

What's the skill level?

No experience necessary! My kits are suitable for total beginners through experienced stitchers. If you've never picked up a needle before, my free how-to videos walk you through everything you need to know. How To pages here. 


Do the edges come finished like the photos show? 

No, the hem finishing that you see in many of the photos needs to be done after you've stitched the embroidery. The great news is that it's not hard to learn! You can find How To videos for finishing here.

What's included in a kit?

Cross stitch kits include evenweave fabrics, DMC floss, John James tapestry/cross stitch needle, full color charts, and instructions. Embroidery kits include fabric stamped with design, DMC floss, John James sharp/embroidery needle, stitch diagram, and instructions.

Can I substitute a different fabric in my kit?

I design my kits to make the most efficient use of each fabric in order to keep the kit price affordable and prevent waste of these very special fabrics. I'm not able to substitute fabrics within a kit, but you can absolutely build your own kit by purchasing the PDF pattern and choosing your preferred fabric on the  Fabrics and Notions page.

What if I lose my chart or want a PDF copy for a kit I've purchased?

Just email me at avleaembroidery@gmail.com and I'll send you a PDF patttern.

What if I run out of floss?

No problem! If you need more floss for any reason, just email me with your mailing address and I'll pop it in the mail.


How soon do you ship my order?

I'll package your order and ship it out within 1-3 business days. I live in a small town in the Cascade Mountains so it can take an extra day for your order to reach the central postal processing facility. I appreciate your patience as your kit winds its way through the beautiful mountains!
Shipping rates:
Under $30 US--$4 flat rate shipping
$30 and over US--FREE
EU--$25 flat rate
Canada--$12 flat rate

I forgot to apply my discount code--can you help? 

Of course! Just email me your order number and the discount code and I'll get that applied for you.

Can I cancel my order? 

Email me your order number within 24 hours of placing your order and I'll take care of it.

What if I get stuck?

No problem! You've got several options: check out my Instagram page for helpful reels, visit the Avlea Stitchers Facebook group, or email me at avleaembroidery@gmail.com. Please keep in mind that I am a one-woman show so it can take me a couple of days to respond to these kinds of requests.

What is your return policy?

I accept returns on anything within 365 days of purchase — no questions asked. Just ship your items to the address on your packing slip with your order number and a note that you'd like a refund, and I'll process a full refund to your original payment method when it arrives.

How are your kits packaged? 

I have spent months researching packaging options and was surprised to discover that plastic packaging has a much lower environmental impact than cardboard box packaging in terms of carbon emissions, manufacturing impact, and fuel consumption. I also love that you can easily and clearly see exactly what you're getting in a kit--seeing the fabric and floss colors is so important!

 Because of this, I have chosen to package my kits in transparent ClearBags. They have a lower manufacturing impact (they require 1/20th the water and produce half of the carbon output of cardboard boxes), reduced transporation impact (simply put, 1000 bags fit in one shipping box whereas the equivalent cardboard packaging takes 20 shipping boxes), and they are easy to re-use (many customers re-use the bag to store the pattern after finishing the kit). 

How do I care for my embroidery?

I recommend hand washing in cool water with a neutral soap (like those used for wool yarn) and rinsing well. You can lay your embroidery on a thick bath towel and roll it up to squeeze out the water. Leave it to air dry and, ideally, while still damp, give it a light press with a medium iron. For long-term storage, I recommend acid-free boxes and acid-free tissue paper (I don't recommend storing in plastic long-term as it can offgas chemicals that discolor fabric). My BEST recommendation is to just use your embroidery--stains and accidents will happen, but that's part of life with textiles! Keeping our special embroideries hidden in a drawer just keeps us from getting to enjoy their beauty so just use them and enjoy them!

Can I use your designs for commercial purposes?

The short answer is no, my kits and PDF patterns are for personal use only.

Because this is a sensitive topic among embroidery designers, I also want to share the long answer: I spend hundreds of hours developing each of the designs that is offered as a kit or pattern and selling my kits and patterns is how I can afford to do this work. Copyright protection is just that--protection of the time I have invested into these designs and protection from other individuals or companies stealing my hard work and passing it off as their own.

Having said that, there is a long history within folk embroidery of designs being adapted and handed down generation to generation. If someone is inspired by my designs to create their own, I welcome them to develop their own unique patterns. 

I do occasionally work on collaborations with other designers and companies and if you would like to inquire about this kind of partnership, please email me your project details at avleaembroidery@gmail.com.


Greek cross stitch folk embroidery tree design on table with plant