The Mending Desk F.A.Q.

All of our embroidery kits include DST, EMB, EXP, HUS, JEF, PCS, PES, PEC, SEW, VP3, and XXX. So whatever machines you use today or in the future, you'll have what you need. Contact us to request another format.

As for dimensions, every design set is different. A package might include one size, or ten sizes. Check the product's description to know what you're getting. Designs are named "Small, Medium, Large" etc. relative to their own set, not other sets.

Every design download includes a companion worksheet for each embroidery size and layout. You’ll find stitch counts, thread colors, sequence order, and both imperial and metric measurements — everything you need to plan your project (and avoid mid-hoop surprises).

Your downloads will appear instantly on your receipt page after checkout. You can also log into your account anytime to retrieve them later (so be sure to create one before purchasing!).

If we ever update a design you’ve purchased, you’ll get an email alert so you can redownload the newest version. And if you run into any download issues, just contact us. We can email your files directly.

Pro Tip: Always test new designs on scrap fabric before stitching anything valuable. We thoroughly test every design in-house, but software, machine settings, fabric types, and human error can vary. (Translation: if something goes wrong, we’re happy to help troubleshoot... But we can’t refund or replace finished embroidered items.)

If you’ve purchased digital embroidery files from us before, simply log in to your account and click “My Files & Videos.”

Our standard download and use licenses are active for one year from the date of purchase.

If our system detects unusual activity (like multiple IP addresses or too many downloads in a short time), access may be automatically paused as a security precaution. Don’t panic — this helps protect both our designs and your account.

If you believe your access was revoked in error, please reach out through The Mending Desk and we’ll restore your files as soon as possible.

Most embroidery files come in a .ZIP folder to keep them tidy and easy to download. To open them, just double-click the folder on your computer. It should automatically “unzip” into a regular folder you can open.

If your device doesn’t do that automatically, right-click the .ZIP and choose “Extract All” (Windows) or “Open With → Archive Utility” (Mac). Once extracted, you’ll see your embroidery files ready to copy onto your machine or USB drive.

If you get stuck, The Mending Desk can help walk you through it. No judgment, just kindness and caffeine.

Sometimes links can time out, especially after long periods or multiple download attempts. First, try logging into your account and re-downloading the file from your “My Files & Videos” page. That usually does the trick.

If the link still refuses to cooperate, send us a note through The Mending Desk. We can refresh your download access or send a direct replacement link faster than you can rethread a needle.

🖤 No panic required. We’ve untangled plenty of these before.

Each ZIP download is organized by design size (e.g. small, medium, large).

Inside each size folder, you’ll find:

• All machine formats (PES, JEF, DST, EXP, VP3, and more)
  
• A worksheet showing stitching specifications for that size
  
• A proof image for quick reference
  

Simply open the folder that matches the design size you want, then select the file format your machine requires.

Curious how we name and organize our files? Visit [Understanding File Names & Sizes] for the full guide.

You may have downloaded the vector art version instead of the embroidery file zip. Both look similar, but only one contains stitch files for your machine. Log in to your account and look for the download labeled “Embroidery Files.” If you don’t see it, or if you’re unsure which one’s which, reach out through The Mending Desk and we’ll help untangle it.

Double-check your machine’s hoop size and stitch area limits. Some brands list dimensions in inches, but actually calculate in millimeters. For example, a “4-inch hoop" really means about 3.93 inches (100 mm).

If the design is only slightly outside your machine’s range, ping us through The Mending Desk. We can usually tweak the file size or adjust the bounding box so it fits.

Don’t worry — stitch simulation programs sometimes display colors, fills, or textures differently from your embroidery machine’s actual output. Always rely on your PDF worksheet and thread chart for true sequencing and color order.

Most modern embroidery machines can read our file formats. If you don’t see the format you need, let us know — we can usually create it for you.

Some machines have strict size limits, so please double-check the stitch worksheet included with each design before purchasing. It’s better to measure twice than cry into your stabilizer once.

Not usually — each design is carefully digitized to stitch cleanly at its intended size. Resizing can distort stitches or alter the final look.

If you need a specific adjustment, you’re welcome to reach out through The Mending Desk. We can’t guarantee a re-digitized version, but we’re always open to hearing what would help your projects run smoother.

No. All lettering is hand-drawn, not typed, so the wording can’t be edited directly. If you have embroidery software, you’re welcome to add your own text around it.

Think of our designs as stitched art prints — once drawn, they say what they say.

You’ll need embroidery software to edit or extract portions of our files. You’re welcome to make personal adjustments (like isolating a motif or combining it with another licensed design), but please keep all edits for your own use only.

Breaking apart designs for resale, redistribution, or “remixing” into new digital products isn’t permitted — that’s how embroidery monsters are made.

We minimize trims and color stops wherever possible to make our designs home-machine and small-business friendly... Faster embroidery means more gifts, more sales, and fewer bobbin-related breakdowns.

That said, some color changes and trims are necessary to keep outlines aligned and fills crisp. It’s all in the name of clean stitches and happy hoops.

We don’t currently take custom requests or commissions, but we love hearing your ideas. If there’s a theme or design you’d like to see, drop it into The Suggestion Cauldron (our contact form). You never know what might appear in a future collection.

We understand that higher stitch counts can look intimidating — especially for production embroiderers who charge by the thousand stiches. But our designs are created more like stitched illustrations than logos, which means they often include layered textures, shading, and artistic detail that naturally increase stitch counts.

Reducing the fills or removing details would change the integrity of the artwork. Because each design is digitized and tested as a complete composition, we don’t alter stitch counts or re-digitize files for individual requests.

If you’re looking for lighter-stitch designs for high-volume runs, we recommend starting with smaller sizes or simpler motifs — they stitch beautifully, and your machines will thank you.

🖤 Art first, always. We promise, every stitch earns its keep.

If you have embroidery software and want to make small personal edits — like removing a detail, resizing slightly, or combining elements from multiple designs you’ve purchased — that’s absolutely fine for your own stitched use.

Just keep in mind that our files are hand-digitized with specific densities and stitch paths. Heavy editing can distort the design, cause registration issues, or even shred delicate fabrics. (In other words, tread carefully with your virtual seam ripper.)

Please don’t share or resell any altered versions — all modified files are still protected under our copyright and license terms.

🖤 Experiment, learn, and make it yours — just don’t make it public.

Because digital files can’t be “returned” once downloaded, all embroidery file sales are final.

If there’s an issue with your download, we’ll help troubleshoot or reissue the file through The Mending Desk — we want your purchase to stitch perfectly.

It happens more often than you’d think! If you accidentally repurchase a design, just reach out with both order numbers. We’ll either refund the duplicate or let you choose another design of equal value.

We’re firm about licensing, but we’re softies about honest mistakes.

It’s rare, but gremlins do sneak into downloads sometimes. Before assuming the design is defective, try re-downloading the file and making sure it’s unzipped correctly. Corrupted downloads can happen if your connection dropped mid-way.

If you’ve re-downloaded and it still looks strange, reach out through The Mending Desk with your machine model and the format you’re using. We test every design before release, so we can help you pinpoint whether it’s a file hiccup, a format mismatch, a machine timing/tension issue, or an embroidery gremlin in need of exorcism.

🖤 We take quality seriously, and we’ve got the holy water for bad stitches.

We can’t be responsible for issues that arise from machine settings, material choices, user error, or digitization quirks. Embroidery digitizing is nuanced — what works beautifully on one project may be too dense or delicate for another.

But trust us, we’ve been there (and probably sworn about it). Always test a new design on scrap fabric before stitching it onto your final piece.

All of our files are thoroughly tested in-house, but embroidery is a wild, thread-tangled world — and stabilizer saves sanity.

Yes! We love supporting small businesses, side hustlers, and creative entrepreneurs. Our designs are licensed for personal use and small-batch boutique sales — perfect for craft fairs, online shops, or gifting.

If you’d like to produce unlimited quantities or incorporate our designs into larger-scale production, contact us about an extended-use license.

⚖️ Important: The Tell Tale Moon LLC is not affiliated with any other brand or entity. Please research trademarked terms and imagery before selling. We cannot be held responsible for how our designs are used in commercial products.

Congratulations on your growing success! If you plan to sell a high volume of products featuring our designs, you’ll need a one-year extended use license, available here.

Afraid not. Our digital files — including embroidery, vector, and raster art formats — may not be sold, shared, gifted, traded, or distributed in whole or in part. We know that’s the un-fun fine print, but it keeps everyone’s work protected. For the full legal details, please see our Digital File Terms of Use.

Sorry, but no — print-on-demand use isn’t permitted. Our designs can’t be uploaded, offered, or sold on third-party platforms such as Redbubble, Spreadshirt, Templett, Printful, Zazzle, or similar sites.

Those services turn original art into mass-market merchandise, which isn’t our vibe (or our license). For the full details, please see our Digital File Terms of Use.

Yes — as long as you’re the one stitching. You’re welcome to use our designs for custom pieces, commissions, and client orders created by you on your own machine. What you can’t do is send the digital file itself to another embroiderer, vendor, or digitizer to complete the work. Each maker needs their own license. If you’re taking on larger-scale client work and need extended rights, you can grab an Extended Use License here.

You’re welcome to demonstrate our designs in classes or videos as part of your own stitched work, but please do NOT distribute or include our digital files as part of a course or download package. A link back to our shop works perfectly.

Don’t worry — things unravel sometimes. If your files expire or go missing, reach out to us with your order details. We’ll verify your purchase and help restore your access.

You may show stitched photos of your completed projects online, but please don’t use our digital art files, screenshots, or stitch diagrams in digital mockups, printables, or graphics. Finished, stitched work only — no raw file sharing.

Licenses are non-transferable. Each maker needs to purchase their own files directly from The Tell Tale Art. If you’re gifting a design, we suggest sending a gift card so the recipient can download their own licensed copy.

Yes. All transactions are processed through Shopify’s SSL-encrypted checkout, which keeps your information private and protected. We never see or store your payment details.

You’ll find a “Discount Code” box during checkout. Enter your code exactly as shown (they’re case-sensitive) and click “Apply.” You’ll see the discount reflected before completing payment.

If a code doesn’t work, it may have expired or reached its limit. You can always contact The Mending Desk and we’ll double-check it for you.

Yes. Most of our seasonal promotions and sales are automatically applied at checkout. No need for secret codes or whispered incantations.

If you don’t see a discount reflected, refresh your cart or log back into your account to update your session.

Shopify’s checkout supports major credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay — depending on your device and location. If your preferred method isn’t showing, try again from a desktop browser or reach out through The Mending Desk.