Oh Sew Gecko – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Cork Fabric & Panels

What is the quality of your cork fabric?
We only source high-quality cork fabric from trusted suppliers in Portugal and Spain. It is natural, durable, water-resistant, and soft to the touch, making it ideal for bag making, accessories, and other sewing projects.

Do colours and textures of cork fabric vary?
Yes. Cork is a natural material, so colours and textures may vary slightly. Differences may also occur due to lighting, monitors/screens, and the difficulty of capturing certain colours (such as green, blue, or purple) in photographs.

Will I receive fabric in one continuous length?
By default, fabrics are sent in cut lengths (e.g., if you order 2 × 50 × 136 cm, you will receive two pieces of 50 × 136 cm, not one continuous metre). This helps keep postage costs down. If you require continuous lengths, please contact us at info@ohsewgecko.com before ordering.

How should I store cork fabric?
Cork fabric should be stored rolled, not folded, in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent creasing or fading.

How do I care for cork fabric?
Cork fabric is naturally water-resistant and easy to maintain. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and mild soap if necessary. Do not machine wash or tumble dry.

Can I sell items made with your cork fabric panels? Do I need a license?
Yes, you may use cork fabric panels in your personal sewing projects and sell finished handmade items (such as bags or accessories) created with them. You do not need a special license to sell your finished creations. However, the panel designs themselves are original artworks and remain the intellectual property of Oh Sew Gecko. You may not copy, scan, print, or otherwise reproduce the artwork, or resell the panels themselves in digital or physical form.

I’ve never sewn with cork fabric before — can you help?
Yes! We have a free “Top 10 Tips for Sewing with Cork” PDF available to download. You can also join the Sewing with Cork Facebook group, where you’ll find “Top Tip Tuesdays,” you can get advice from cork fabric bag makers, and live Q&A sessions with Lisa (Oh Sew Gecko), who is an active member of the group and is often available to answer questions directly.

Can I buy your cork fabric and panels wholesale to sell in my shop?
Yes. Wholesale enquiries are welcome — please contact us at info@ohsewgecko.com to discuss your needs.

PDF Sewing Patterns

Can I sell what I make from your PDF patterns? Do I need a license?
Yes, you may sell finished handmade items created using our patterns, but only as an individual artisan maker. You do not need a license to sell your handmade creations. However, commercial-scale production or mass manufacturing is not permitted. The patterns remain the intellectual property of Oh Sew Gecko and cannot be copied, shared, or redistributed.

Can I teach or sew as a group using a pattern?
Yes, but each participant must purchase their own copy of the pattern. If you are buying multiple copies for a class or workshop, we can offer a bulk discount — please contact us at info@ohsewgecko.com to arrange this. We’d also love to hear about your workshop or class!

Can I create a video of me making your pattern?
Please contact us at info@ohsewgecko.com for permission before making instructional or tutorial videos based on our patterns.

Are the patterns only for cork fabric?
Our sewing patterns are designed with cork fabric in mind, but can also be used with other materials.

Shipping & Delivery

Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship within Spain, the EU, the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.. If your country is not listed at checkout, please contact us at info@ohsewgecko.com for options.

Will I have to pay customs charges?
For international orders, including the USA, customers are responsible for any customs duties, taxes, or clearance fees charged by their country. The exact amount is determined by the customs authority of the receiving country and may vary depending on the order value, shipping method, and the customer’s location.

What happens if I don’t pay customs or don’t collect my parcel?
If an order is refused at delivery or returned because customs duties are unpaid, or if the parcel is uncollected, shipping costs will not be refunded. Any return fees charged by the carrier will also be deducted from your refund.

Can I split my order into separate shipments?
If you would like items sent separately, please place them as two separate orders.

Can I track my order?
Yes. All cork fabric and panel orders are sent via Correos Carta Certificada (Signed For, trackable) or FedEx. You will receive a tracking number once your order has been dispatched, so you can follow its progress online.

Digital products (such as PDF sewing patterns) are delivered instantly by email or in your account downloads and do not include tracking.

Returns & Refunds

Can I return cork fabric?
Yes, within 14 days of receipt, provided the fabric is unused, unopened, and in its original condition and packaging. Items must not be exposed to strong odours such as smoke or perfume. Please see our Returns & Refunds Policy for full details.

Can I return cork fabric panels?
Yes, if they are unused, uncut, and in their original condition. Panels that have been cut, sewn, or altered cannot be returned. Please see our Returns & Refunds Policy for full details.

Can I return digital downloads?
No. PDF sewing patterns and other digital products cannot be returned or refunded once purchased.

What if I have a problem with my order?
Please contact us at info@ohsewgecko.com before sending items back, as we may be able to resolve the issue without requiring a return.

Other Questions

What currency are prices shown in?
All prices on our website are listed in euros (€). If you would like to see how much that is in your own currency, you can use an online converter such as XE Currency Converter. Please note this is provided as a guide only, as exchange rates change constantly, and your bank or card provider may use a different rate.

What payment methods do you accept?
We accept payments securely through PayPal and Stripe (credit and debit cards).

Do I need to create an account to order?
Yes, if you are purchasing cork fabric or panels, you will need to create an account so that we can properly process and deliver your order. For PDF sewing patterns, you may check out as a guest — but creating an account is recommended, as it allows you to access your purchased patterns anytime in the Downloads section, and keeps all your orders together in one place.

I checked out as a guest, but now want an account — can I still access my patterns?
Yes! If you purchased a PDF pattern as a guest, you can create an account afterwards. Simply use the “Lost Password” option on the My Account page with the same email address you used when you placed your order. You’ll receive an email to set up a new password, and once your account is activated, your previous orders (including PDF downloads) will appear in your account under Downloads.

Do you charge VAT?
Yes. All prices shown on the website include VAT (where applicable).

Do you run sales or offer discount codes?
Occasionally, we may run promotions or offer discount codes. The best way to stay informed is to sign up for our newsletter or follow us on social media. You can sign up for the newsletter at the bottom of the Homepage.

Do you accept custom orders for bags?
Yes. Bespoke artisan cork fabric bags can be made on request. Please contact Lisa at info@ohsewgecko.com to discuss.

Contact

How can I contact you if I have more questions?
You can reach us at:

We’re always happy to answer questions about your order, our fabrics, or our patterns before you buy.