How it works

We ship you patterns. You reimburse us for the postage. We ship you more patterns. It's just that simple.

Use the "Page" links near the top of the page to see what's available. (There are usually 30 or so patterns on each page, with fresh patterns added several times throughout the month.) Make a note of the Pattern ID number of the ones you'd like.

Submit your request using the form on this page. We'll figure out which ones you can get and ship them out to you postpaid. Once you get them, make a donation to the Pin Money fund to cover the cost of sending them to you, and come back for more!

New members can get up to 4 free sewing patterns, or patterns costing $3.00 to ship, whichever is less. If you do not make a donation that at least covers the cost of postage, you can't get any more patterns.

Established members can get up to 8 free patterns and can specify the maximum postage. You become an established member when we've seen a steady track record of making donations -- we'll let you know when you qualify.

Limit one request per day and 100 patterns per month. Keep in mind that you must be current on your pin money fund donation for all prior requests before the next shipment will go out.

All requests get filled the day after they're received. Members with Pattern Points have priority and their requests are filled first, starting with whoever has the most points. Then we work on requests from members who don't have Pattern Points yet -- in the order received. Requests from people who are not registered are not filled.

Recycle patterns are shipped via first class mail to U.S. addresses and first class international everywhere else. Postage for a single pattern is about $1.50 and for 4 patterns usually runs in the $2.50 to $3.00 range. Rates to Canada are about 10% higher. Rates to other countries vary considerably.

The Postage Limit box on the request form is for established members to tell us the maximum amount spend sending your patterns. (We expect that 5 patterns will usually ship for $3.21 or less. Packages weighing 13 to 15 ounces go priority mail for $4.95. For packages 16 ounces or more, the distance-based priority mail charge could be as much as $8.70.)

The default setting for the Postage Limit is $5.00. You can enter any figure you want and we'll contact you for instructions if it appears your package will cost more to send.

You always earn Pattern Points on donations to the Pin Money fund to reimburse us for postage. Plus, you earn double pattern points for any amounts you include over the actual cost of postage, and a bonus pattern point if you make your donation within a week of the date we ship the patterns. (Within 10 days for shipments outside the U.S.)

We reserve the right not to honor requests from anyone we feel is abusing or disrupting Pattern Rescue services. That includes using different email addresses or shipping addresses to get multiple pattern shipments without making the requested donation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the patterns complete and in good shape?

Condition varies and your pattern may be factory-folded and pristine, used and in a tattered envelope, or anywhere in between. Most Recycle patterns have not been checked beyond the basics -- instruction sheet, approximate bulk correct, transfers present, multi-size patterns cut to a specific size. If your pattern turns out to be missing a critical piece, get in touch with us for instructions.

Why are there 12 spaces on the request form?

So we don't have to email you with the sad news that none of the patterns you requested were available (we hope!). It's not first come, first serve -- requests are filled starting with the person who has the most pattern points. So the fewer pattern points you have, the more alternates you should submit.

You don't have to fill in all the boxes. If you're only interested in 2 patterns, that's fine -- just fill in those 2 numbers. If you want us to hold the patterns for a week or less in case you find something else, just let us know.

How long before I become an established member?

There's no specific time -- but usually if you make a donation promptly after 3 shipments, we'll upgrade your account. We'll email you and let you know. And if you have any questions about it, feel free to email us!

Do I have to use PayPal for my donations?

No, but it's quickest and makes our life easier. (The PayPal fee we're charged is very modest -- much less than the cost of stamp.) But if you don't do online payments, check the packing list with your patterns for instructions on making a donation by mail.

What if I have more questions?

Contact us and we'll get right back to you!

Site Info:   Home    About Us    Privacy Policy    Links    Contact Us    Info for Sellers    Site Map

Page Last Updated    1 Feb 2010 Portions of this page © 2005-2010 All rights reserved.