Not sure about something?  need a quick answer? 

Please check the FAQ below, if it doesnt answer your questions or concerns, feel free to contact us via the contact form HERE

What is an 'e-Pattern' and how do I get it?

Patterns are available for instant download once your transaction is completed. No waiting for the postman, or paying postage charges, you can start on your blocks straight away!

Once you have gone through the checkout you will receive an email containing the download link of your pattern for you to print out. This link is good for ONE download only so please be sure to save a copy of the pattern to your computer in case you loose the paper copy.

What is Adobe Reader and do I have to pay for it?

Adobe Reader developed by Adobe Systems, is designed to view files in Adobe's Portable Document Format (PDF). Adobe Reader (formerly called Acrobat Reader ) is available as a no-charge download from Adobe's web site, and allows the viewing and printing of PDF files.

Acrobat and Reader are widely used as a way to present information with a fixed layout similar to a paper publication.... (Ref: Wikipedia)

To ensure that your e-pattern prints out just like it was intended, complete with all fonts, images, drawings, and photos to accurate scale all SaraPeak patterns are delivered to you via instant download in pdf format.  Adobe Reader is available totally free from Adobe.com

All your prices are in US currency, how do I know how much I will pay in my currency?

To get an approximate payment (within a few cents) go to XE.com and enter the price  of your purchase before you checkout - it will give you the current exchange rate applicable to PayPal.  Please note - this sometimes varies to the actual currency rate by a couple of cents.

What are your copyright rules or restrictions?

In brief, all material on the Sarapeak site is protected by copyright law, and by international
conventions, and applicable law in all jurisdictions. All rights reserved.
Unless expressly directed to the contrary, it is accepted that the material on this site may
only be used, saved or printed for personal use only.
Commercial exploitation of material for any purpose, teaching or otherwise, is
prohibited. For a full transcript   Click Here

If you had one tip for a beginning quilter, attempting your patterns, what would it be?

The top tip from the staff here at SaraPeak is TAKE YOUR TIME, the second top tip is relax, have confidence and enjoy.

Are the patterns easy for a beginner to follow?

Yes. All of the patterns provided on sarapeak.com come with detailed instructions, and can be easily followed. Having the instructions saved onto your computer, enables you to research them time and time again at your own pace. Take your time. Read the instructions carefully before you commence your project. If you have any additional questions you can email them to sarapeak.com and they will be answered as quickly as possible.

Should I use a specific quality of fabric for your quilts?

As stated in the instructions, we recommend you use 100% cotton fabric, unless a special effect is required, for example when using felt for Kevie Koala and Peter Platypus, body pieces. The quality and/or price of the fabric you use, is entirely dependent on your own budget. However there is no doubt that there is a direct correlation between the quality of the materials used and the quality of the completed quilt.

Should I stick to the same colors and fabrics that are shown in the photographs?'

Colour and fabric choices need to be made according to personal preferences. Those shown in the photographs should be used as a guide only. You might like to use a main colour theme, such as blue, throughout all of the blocks, or perhaps the person you are making the quilt for has a 'favourite' colour you could use.

Do you recommend your patterns for use as a 'quilt-as-you-go' project?

The blocks do lend themselves to being used in this manner, if you have a good understanding of the technique and adjust your fabric requirements and cutting instructions accordingly.

Is there a way to avoid fabric puckering?

If your fabric is puckering from your applique, check the tension of your stitches. It is not necessary to have your stitches tight. The age old adage of 'practice makes perfect' is true with sewing as much as anything else. If you are a beginner, you will notice that your sewing will have a more even tension as you become more adept. If your fabric puckering occurs when attaching your borders, check your sewing machine thread tensions, and remember to feed your fabric through the machine gently without any pushing and pulling. Sometimes, slight puckering can be removed with gentle ironing.

Can your technique of applique be used on any other form of pattern?

Most patterns are produced according to the style of applique to be used. There are many different techniques available to the quilter, and each method provides a different appearance to the finished item, and can require different levels of knowledge and skill. A person experienced in the different methods may find it easy to recognize where and how to make any modifications of patterns and adapt them to the applique method of their choice. However, it is recommended that unless you have the skills required to make any changes needed, stick to the method suggested by the designer.

I have always used black embroidery floss for fusible applique. Why do you recommend using several different colours?

It is considered by the designers of these patterns that the use of colors that match the applique pieces being sewn, provides a blending effect which enhances the marvelous features of the animals, injecting them with additional realism. The use of black embroidery floss only, is consistent with traditional naive country style applique, and can be employed with these patterns should you wish to.

Is there a secret to being accurate with the placement of the eyes, pupils and nose of the koalas, when there is no marking on the head once the paper is peeled from the back of the pattern piece?

One of the beautiful aspects of applique is that it is very forgiving. Remember, not even in nature are two objects exactly the same. If you look very closely at some leaves, there will be slight variations, even in those on the one plant. Relax and enjoy your project. When you need to place pieces over another piece, as you have identified, with the eyes, pupils and nose, iron them ONLY when you are happy with them. Keep referring to the colour photograph of the blocks to assist you. If the pieces are small, you may find it easier to handle them with a pair of tweezers. Pins and fabric marking pens can also be used if you wish.

On reading the instructions of Kevie Koala -Aussie Sportsman of the Year I find that you recommend having all of the applique pieces in place before you commence sewing. I was taught that each underneath piece should be stitched down completely prior to adding any additional pieces.

Traditionally some would recommend that each pattern piece be placed and sewn prior to adding additional pieces, and this method can still be used if you desire. However, placing all of the applique pieces down, can make it easier to get the ‘picture’ to look the way you want it. Stitching from the lowest to the uppermost removes the bulk of unnecessary stitching, saves time and of course embroidery floss.