What is Shalom Needlecraft?

• This is a cozy, safe space dedicated to peaceful stitching.
• While I personally encourage all sorts of relaxing hobbies, this space is dedicated to handmade needlecraft items, unique cross-stitch patterns, nifty tools, and cute accessories.

Do I need to be an expert-level stitcher to shop here?

• Not at all! The vast majority of my patterns include full cross-stitches and simple backstitch only and are therefore very beginner friendly!
• You will also notice that I provide the recommended stitching level (beginner / all - intermediate - advanced - expert) on all my patterns as a guideline. However, if you are still unsure, feel free to contact me.
• As I add more kits to my shop, you will notice that they include most (if not all) you need to get started.

Do you only sell Jewish-themed designs?

• Nope! While Judaica is certainly the heart of my shop, you will also find pop-culture, more modern, and just-plain-funny patterns as well. Think of me as a popular bagel shop that also serves up a decadent apple pie occasionally. One could say that I have experienced a full and well-rounded life!

Why do you carry such small quantities of physical items / kits?

• My business is still small - but steadily growing! So until I find items that truly resonate with my audience, I plan to create products in small batches.
• I devote a lot of time and attention to each design. So carrying small quantities means that I can intentionally focus on creativity and ensuring quality instead on managing giants piles of inventory.
• So think of my small collection of physical products like limited-edition drops. If you see something you love, grab it before it disappears into someone else's cart!

How do I get my pattern after purchase?

• Easy-peasy! Once your payment clears, you'll get an instant download link via email (and in your account if you make one). No waiting, no shipping, no carrier pigeons (as cute as they are).

What is included with my download purchase?

• A clear chart / pattern (both color and black & white versions).
• A full-size colored block rendering of the final image (with grid-lines and row / column numbers).
• A one-page BONUS reference guide for those who are new to cross-stitching. It includes a short "how to guide" and tips and tricks for best results.
• A little thank you note and a QR code link to join the exclusive VIP mailing list (for free)! Just scan it with the photo app on your smart phone and click on the link.

What does the digital pattern look like / what information does it contain?

• Click here to see actual examples of what these files look like...

Can I print the files out?

• Yes, absolutely! The files ending in .pdf are letter-sized (8.5 x 11-inch / 216 x 279 mm) and can be printed on a regular home printer (in either black & white or color).
• The file ending in .png is intended to be a single contiguous pattern that can be referenced on a tablet / smart phone. This is the file that you could potentially have printed in a larger size at a professional printing shop.

Are your digital patterns compatible with Pattern Keeper software?

• Yes. All my charts have been tested and are verified to work with Pattern Keeper. However, I am not affiliated with Pattern Keeper.

Can these patterns be used for other kinds of stitches or crafts?

• Yes, indeed! Counted cross-stitch patterns in this format lend themselves quite nicely to needlepoint, diamond painting, and perler beading. One symbol on the pattern represents one stitch / diamond / bead. Have fun with it and get creative (not that you NEED my permission)!

Do you stitch these all up yourself before photographing them?

• The truthful answer here is no. I mean, I would love to, but even with a bottomless coffee pot, I'd only release, roughly two patterns a year. Instead, I use digital mock-ups from my specialized software to give you a realistic preview. I also use this method to showcase a variety of creative ways you could adapt the pattern (if you were to stitch it on a piece of clothing or a fabric bag) if you dont want to hang all your finished pieces on the wall.
• While I do love to stitch many of my own designs, I will often do that after I have posted the pattern online. This is so that I can get them into your hands as soon as possible. Once I am done, I will then take photographs and go back to update the listing.
• I also do work with a small group of trusted test-stitchers who help me out here and there - which is why you will notice some variations in the listing photographs.
• However, I want you to know that I meticulously create my own designs stitch by stitch. No AI generated nothing over here. My software is specialized and very accurate and I go through multiple rounds of curating and iterating upon my own designs. I hope you will notice that attention to detail by the implicit high quality of these designs.

Are your stickers waterproof?

• Yes - these stickers can handle a little bit of water, but probably not a dishwasher apocalypse.

Where can I stick them?

• Laptops, water bottles, notebooks, phone cases... anywhere that needs a little personality.

Do you ship these quickly?

• Yes! I keep low quantities of these stickers on-hand so that they are in-stock and available for sale.
• Unfortunately, that means that once they sell out, it will take me a while to restock them.
• But I typically ship these out within 2-3 business days.

Can I buy these as gifts?

• Of course! They make great little add-ons - like sprinkles on a cupcake. I personally love to add one or two to my gift-wrapping.

What is included in the base kit?

• Fabric (check your specific kit for details - this could be something as cool as an apron, a set of napkins, or specialized Aida).
• Customized stick & stitch, water-soluble patterns that act as templates for you to stitch over (if relevant). Otherwise, patterns may be hand-painted onto a mesh canvas and sealed instead.
• Easy-to-follow instructions and beginner cross-stitch tips & tricks.
• Basically, everything to get you started.

Can I add floss and a needle too?

• Of course! Just select the upgrade option on your kit prior to ordering and I'll pop in the correct colors of pre-cut DMC cotton floss.
• The DMC cotton will be neatly wound around paper bobbins and marked with the correct corresponding DMC color code. I will also include a bit of extra thread in case you make a mistake (or two, or three, you know how it goes...).
• I will also include an embroidery needle (size 24) so that you're ready to get stitching right away.

Are the kits beginner friendly?

• Absolutely. Unless otherwise specified, I design ALL my kits to be beginner friendly. Usually these designs are smaller and simpler.
• They will also include beginner tips and tricks and easy-to-follow instructions.

What if I get stuck?

• Don't worry! Just contact me and I will be happy to help you!

What is this about your super exclusive Aida fabric?

• I have designed my own customized Aida cotton fabric that is exclusively available for sale here.
• My first two designs feature a smattering of Stars of David (in different shades of blue). But I have many more creative ideas in mind. Please sign-up for my mailing list to receive updates!

Are the customized Aida patterns printed onto or stitched into the fabric?

• The designs are printed directly onto the fabric - but only on one side (the front).
• You may want to hem (or otherwise prepare) the fabric around the edges to prevent it from fraying, but otherwise feel free to start stitching right away!

Do you currently offer an assortment of different sizes / counts of Aida?

• Thanks to popular demand, I have managed to negotiate additional sizes for purchase - these are currently limited to 14-count and 18-count Aida.
• These can be special ordered on my website as a customized pre-order.

I don't get it, what's the deal with all the baby outfits?

• Yeah, admittedly, this is a weird artistic choice - even for me!
• But here's the deal, I LOVE doing hand-embroidery on cotton baby clothes.
• So I have two different categories of products available for sale here:
• (1) I have a collection of digital PDF cross-stitch patterns available for instant download. Each of these showcase cute, funny Yiddish sayings that would look just perfect stitched onto the front of a baby / toddler outfit! You can find this collection here.
• (2) For those who are short-on-time (and I get it), I also have a new collection of ready-to-gift, machine-embroidered , baby body suits with the same cute/fun Yiddish sayings! I am calling this carefully curated selection: the Bubeleh Collection!

I cant find my download link - help!

• First and foremost, check your email spam folder. Once the order has been successfully processed, you will receive an email as confirmation and it should include a download link for your purchase.
• It is often also a good idea to create an account on this website via Shop because then you are able to reference all your historical purchases as well in one place.
• If you are still having trouble, please feel free to contact me and include your order number and I will resend the files to you.

The file won't open?

• The pattern files have a .pdf extension. Therefore, you will need a free PDF reader to open them. That software is available for free download here: http://get.adobe.com/reader/
• There are also a variety of phone / tablet apps that you can use. Just let me know if you are running into any trouble.

When will I receive my order?

• If you purchased an electronic download, the answer is immediately! As soon as payment clears, you will receive a link to download all your files and you could start stitching right away.
• But if you purchased a physical item, it will require shipping. For products that are in-stock, I usually process orders within 1 - 3 business days and drop them off for shipping. In the U.S., most orders will arrive within one week after being shipped out. Pre-orders work a little differently, please read more below.
• Once your order is on its way, you'll receive a tracking number so you can follow its journey to your doorstep.

How do pre-orders work?

• From time to time, I offer certain products on a pre-order basis.
• When you place a pre-order, you're reserving a special item that hasn't arrived in the shop just yet. I custom-order these in small batches so that nothing goes to waste (and also so that my craft room doesn't burst at the seams 😅). This also helps keep prices fair - and makes sure you don't miss out when the popular stuff disappears faster than fresh challah on Shabbat!
• Full payment is required at the time of placing your pre-order. Because the item is specifically ordered for you, pre-orders are considered final sale and cannot be canceled or refunded.
• Pre-ordered items are not in stock yet, therefore please plan in advance for lengthy lead times - in some instances up to 6 weeks. Estimated arrival & delivery times will be noted on each product page. If there are any issues / delays on the supplier's side, I will communicate with you right away. If an order cannot be fulfilled, a full refund will be issued ASAP.
• If your order includes both in-stock and pre-ordered items, the full order will ship together once the pre-ordered item has arrived (unless otherwise stated).

Do you ship internationally?

• Unfortunately, not at this time. But I hope to in the not too distant future.

What if my order arrives damaged?

• Oy! I am sorry! But these things do happen occasionally. Please send me a message immediately with photo's of the issue and I will try my best to make it right.

Can I sell the items I make from your patterns?

• Yes. Finished pieces that you have hand-stitched from the exact pattern you have purchased from me may be sold.
• However, Shalom Needlecraft patterns and designs are copyright protected and may not be redistributed, reproduced, or shared in any manner.
• You do not have my implicit or explicit permission to machine-embroider any of my work.
• When sharing your finished work on social media, please always remember to credit me (Shalom Needlecraft) and provide a reference to this website.

Can I request custom edits to a pattern?

• Yes, you are welcome to contact me and ask. Depending on the extent of changes requested, I may need to charge an additional fee. But I will always try and make accommodations wherever possible.

Do I need to be Jewish to stitch these patterns?

• Nope! My patterns are for anyone who loves stitching. Whether you are Jewish, Jew-ish, or just here for the pretty designs, you are more than welcome! ❤️

Why cross-stitch?

• Because it's arguably the best hobby! It is easy to learn, relaxing, portable, screen-free, and way more fun than doom-scrolling! Also, it keeps your hands busy so your can't text your ex.

Will this project take forever to complete?

• Well... that depends on your Netflix habits. If you are binge-watching a good show while stitching, the time will fly by. But if you are only cramming in a few stitches at a time between Zoom meetings... well, let's just say your grandchildren will treasure it! 😉