Free vintage sewing patterns are available through the Recycle program, thanks to the generosity of many kind souls who had perfectly good sewing patterns they no longer wanted, but hated to throw away. Instead, they took the trouble to donate the patterns to us -- and now we are able to pass them on to you.

Learn how it works on this page, then use the links above to browse through the pages of available patterns. Copy and paste your choices and alternates in the Request form below.

How it works - overview

Registered users in good standing can get up to three free patterns, twice per month.* We 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 next month for more if you like.

* One request during the first two weeks of the month, and a second request on or after the 15th of the month.

Submit your request using the form on this page. (You are encouraged to include up to 10 alternate patterns in case any of your first choices are gone.) All requests are processed the day after they're received -- we'll send an email letting you know which patterns you got and when we'll be shipping them.

Users with Pattern Points have priority and their requests are filled first, starting with whoever has the most points. Then we work on requests from users who don't have Pattern Points yet -- in the order received. Requests from users who are not registered are not filled.

Recycle patterns are shipped via first class mail to U.S. addresses and International Air Mail everywhere else. We usually ship once a week (on Thursday).

How it works - FAQ

How many free sewing patterns can I get?

It depends on your shipping address. If it's in the U.S., you can get up to three free patterns twice each month. If it's in Canada or Mexico, you can get up to two free patterns. If you're anywhere else, the limit is one free pattern. Some large patterns may not be available for shipment outside the U.S. at all, but that will be clearly stated.

Why do you need 10 alternate choices?

Alternates are optional, and you can list fewer than ten. But if your first choice(s) are already gone and you haven't listed alternates, we won't be sending anything.

Are the patterns complete and in good shape?

Condition varies and your pattern may be factory-folded, complete, or missing a minor piece or two. Donations are spot-checked and we count any pattern that seems suspiciously light -- but most patterns have not been counted. We tell you as much as we know. If your pattern turns out to be missing a critical piece, get in touch with us for instructions.

What's a "registered user in good standing"?

Registered user means the same person requesting patterns -- or making the request on behalf of a company. You might have more than one registered email but you're only one registered user.

Good standing means that you've made a donation to the Pin Money fund to cover shipping costs of the batch of free patterns we sent last month.

While we don't expect problems, it also means that we reserve the right not to honor requests from anyone we feel is abusing or disrupting Pattern Rescue services.

I'm confused. Is the shipping free or not?

That's up to you. We pay the shipping to send the patterns out. In return, we ask that you make a donation to the Pin Money fund in an amount that's at least as much as it cost to ship them. You don't have to make a donation to keep the patterns. On the other hand, we don't have to send you more patterns, either.

To put it another way: The limit is up to three free patterns twice per month for people who donate, and a limit of up to three free patterns per lifetime for people who do not.

You do earn Pattern Points for each dollar you donate to the Pin Money fund. Those points get you higher priority for the next selection of free patterns, or can be traded for collectible patterns. Visit the Trade area for details.

What if the Pin Money fund runs out?

We stop shipping. There's a Shipping Status box at the top of the page that will be updated if the Pin Money fund gets low -- or if we have to stop shipping. We'll send a reminder email to the folks who've gotten patterns but not donated. If things don't turn around in a couple of days, we'll have to sell one or two collectible patterns to keep going.

Do I have to use PayPal for my donation?

No, but it's quickest and makes our life easier. 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    3 January 2009 Portions of this page © 2005-2009 All rights reserved.