Have a question? Chances are, you’re not the first one to ask! We’ve gathered some of our most frequently asked questions all in one place, so you can quickly find the answers you need about our products, ordering, availability, hours, and more.
~Rug Hooking and Punch Needle~
I'm a beginner rug hooker, where should I start? ~ https://theoldtatteredflag.com/complete-rug-hooking-starter-set/?searchid=392855&search_query=complete&setCurrencyId=1
I'm a beginner puncher, where should I start?
What is the best hook to use?
Hooks are really personal preference! Primitive end hooks are used for #8 size strip and above and a Medium end hook are used for #6 strips and below.
Which punch needle should I use?
We exclusively and happily use the Ultra Punch Needle! https://theoldtatteredflag.com/ultra-punch-needle-3-needle-set/?searchid=392858&search_query=Ultra+punch+needle&setCurrencyId=1
What comes in a rug hooking kit?
Rug hooking kits include the pattern and all the wool needed to hook the design.
Does my wool come cut in my rug hooking kit?
We do offer cutting for a fee on a very small selection of kits, mostly our beginner sized kits. Otherwise, wool does NOT come cut.
Do hooks come with rug hooking kits?
No, hooks do not come wih rug hooking kits and will need to purchased seperatly.
What comes in my punch needle kit?
Punch needle kits include the punch needle pattern and all the thread to punch the design.
Do punch needles come with punch needle kits?
No, punch needles will need to be purchased seperately.
~OTF Custom Dies and Sizzix Machines~
What machine do you use for your dies?
Our dies are made exclusively to be used with a Sizzix Machines, any Sizzix model with a 6 inch opening.
Do your dies work with the AccuQuilt machine?
No. Our dies only work with a Sizzix machines.
I can't get my die and plastic pads to go through my Sizzix, what should I do?
Getting your die and plastics through the Sizzix the first time does take a bit of exertion, especially if its your first time! You might seem like its going to break or damage your die forcing it through. Believe me, you won't! Your really need to crank that handle like you mean it, while feeding the die and plastics through. Afer you have put it through the first time, you will see how much arm strength you need to use and from there, you will be all set! Over time and with use it will get easier to turn the handle.
After running my die and plastics through my Sizzix, there are marks and lines all over my plastic pads, is this normal?
Yes! The die works by the blades pressing upward towards the plastic pads and cutting the wool in the process, so the blades are directly touching the plastic pads, creating those marks.
What size die should I start with?
We can't answer that with certainty as the cut you use would be dictated more by what style you like. If you like what you see here on our website you probably lean more primitive and the most common primitive cut is a #8 or 1/4 inch, followed by a #6 for smaller detail. If you like fine shading and detail you will probably want a size #3 or #4. If you are taking a class or hook with a friend, ask them what size they recommend.
What are the strip sizes and what do the corresponding numbers mean?
Please refer to the individual strip dies product page title to see about sizing/strip numbers.
~Out of Stock Items/Can't find items on the website~
I am looking for a specific wool, but can't find it on your website, what does that mean?
Unforunately that means that wool is out of stock. We keep a very close eye on our wool inventory and update our website almost daily to keep the wools on our website most up to date.
Will you be getting more of that wool in?
Unforunately, sometimes we can, sometimes we can't. We always recommend if you're working on a project and are a tight hooker, or just love a piece of wool so much, buy extra! Always better to have plenty than not enough.
Will I really be contacted if I put my email in the Notify Me when an item is back in stock box?
Yes! When we update an inventory, the very first people to know about it are those whos emails have been entered in!
Does every item on the website that goes out of stock get restocked?
Unfortunately, no. Sometimes its a case of we can no longer get it, or we have only made so many and thats all we have.
~Orders- New and Exsisting~
I placed an order last night, but found more items I would like this morning, can I add items to my order?
No, we cannot add items to an already placed and processed order. You will have to place an additional order.
If I place multiple orders, can you combine and refund me shipping?
No, we cannot refund shipping. Our shipping is based 100% on size and weight of items and where they are headed in the world. Every dollar you are charged for in shipping, goes towards shipping your items.
Do you offer first time buyer discounts, bulk order discounts, gild discounts or do sales?
We do not offer any buyer discounts. We do always have a Small Business Saturday Sale in November and maybe more through the year. There are no guarantees on when sales will be or what will be on sale. You will have to follow along and see!
~Shop and Website Openings/Coming to Visit~
When is your shop open for the season?
Our shop opens beginning of May until mid November. Yearly open dates vary depending on the calendar and will updated on our Coming to Visit Us tab on our website.
When is your shop open during the week?
Our physical shop is open Thursday and Friday, 10am-4pm and Saturdays, 10am-3pm.
How do I know if your shop is closed for a weekend during open season?
We do close during our open season for 4th of July and Labor Day weekend (depending on how those holidays fall on the calendar). We will update the website and our Facebook page to show closings.
Does your website close while the shop is closed?
No! Our website is open 24/7/365 and we are here four days a week packing and shipping your orders out.
We are coming to visit your shop and wanting to know more about the area and where we could stay while we're there. Can you help us?
https://theoldtatteredflag.com/coming-to-visit-us/?setCurrencyId=1