Find quick answers to common questions about Thunderbird HandCrafted, including our fabric materials, print preorder turnaround times, subscription cancellations, and our return and refund policies. Designed to help you shop with confidence and clarity.
A peek behind the seams of Thunderbird HandCrafted, where we share the little details, cozy quirks, and stories that make our studio feel like home. From fabric fears to favorite comforts, these are the questions that connect us as makers.
Questions We Get (and Love Answering)
Who is Apollo and why does he show up everywhere?
Apollo is our very good boy and official studio morale booster. He supervises dye days, naps through late-night packing sessions, and occasionally insists on being part of the creative process. If you spot a paw or tail in our content, that’s just Apollo doing quality control.
Is it true Genavieve drinks hot cocoa year-round? Even in summer?
Absolutely. Snowstorm, heatwave, or a 90-degree Pennsylvania summer! Hot cocoa (or an artisan blended tea) is always the correct choice. Creativity runs best when fueled by cozy comforts.
Do I need to be a “trendy sewist” to shop here?
Not at all. Trends can be fun, but they aren’t the goal. We believe in timeless making, personal style, and creating what feels good to you. We love a good trend and love sharing what we predict the next one will be, but whether you follow trends loosely or ignore them completely, you’re always welcome at our craft table.
Is it normal to be afraid to cut into my hand-dyed fabric or to hoard my favorite prints?
Completely, and deeply understood! Many of us like to admire our fabrics, pet them, and “save them for the perfect project.” There is no rush here. When the time feels right, trust that the fabric will become even more special once it’s part of something handmade by you. When you do, we want to see it! Remember to tag us @thunderbirdfarmpa
How do I get a FREE Fabric Sample Pack?
Use the coupon code FABRICPUPPACK at checkout and we'll send one for Free, you only pay shipping!
The Thunderbird Farm HandCrafted
FREE - Fabric Base Sampler Pack
WE CURRENTLY SHIP ONLY IN THE UNITED STATES. SHIPPING RATES ARE BASED OFF USPS GROUND ADVANTAGE AND PRIORITY SHIPPING, ALONG WITH COSTS FOR PACKAGING.
SHIPPING, REFUNDS & RETURNS
How long does shipping take?
Ready to Ship items will ship within 5-7 days from purchase. PreOrders will ship between 5-7 weeks from the closing date of the print preorder.
How do I track my order?
We ship primarily USPS and all orders (except The HandCrafted Post™) will ship USPS Ground Advantage or Priority depending on what is chosen at checkout. All orders will be emailed a shipping confirmation with tracking information.
Do you accept returns or offer refunds?
Due to the custom nature of our fabrics and handmade products, we do not offer returns or refunds.
What if there is an issue with my order?
We understand that mistakes or issues can happen, and we truly want you to have a positive experience. If something arrives damaged, incorrect, or not as expected, please email us at contact@thethunderbirdfarm.com so we can review the situation and do our best to make it right.
How soon should I contact you about an issue?
Please reach out as soon as possible after receiving your order so we can address the issue quickly and effectively. Please have your order number in the SUBJECT line of your email and provide any photos you may think will help us with the situation.
Why is the policy so strict on returns?
Our fabrics are printed or hand-dyed in small batches specifically for our customers, which makes each piece unique. Because of this custom process, we’re unable to restock or resell returned items, but we’re always happy to help when something goes wrong.
How do I submit an issue with a Pop Up Shop or Merch item?
If there is an issue with a product that you purchased from a Holiday Pop Up Shop like a error or damage and the item did not ship from us, please email us with pictures and detailed information, including your order number. We will get back to you within 24-48 hrs on a solution. contact@thethunderbirdfarm.com
Explore the details behind each of our fabric bases, both printed and hand-dyed, along with our vintage-milled denim. These dropdowns share what makes each base special, including feel, weight, and best uses, so you can confidently choose the perfect fabric for your next handmade project.
FABRIC BASES & MATERIALS
BASKETWEAVE CANVAS | PRINT WIDTH 56″
Basketweave Canvas is a natural fiber fabric that uses large, combed and ring-spun cotton yarn with a heavyweight basket style weave. It is 100% cotton giving it incredible strength and durability. The larger yarn gives it amazing texture and structure. It can be used for any home decor project including upholstery, slip covers, and throw pillows. It can also be used for totes and bag making.
🌈POPLIN COTTON
This natural fiber Poplin Cotton fabric features a 200+ thread count poplin using high quality combed/ring spun cotton yarn. It is a very versatile and soft fabric that is desired for both apparel and home décor applications. Poplin is the “go-to” fabric for most woven shirts.
DENIM TWILL | PRINT WIDTH 59″
Our Denim Twill is a natural fiber fabric that is woven using the iconic twill weave. It is 100% cotton giving it increadable strengh and durability. The brushed surface gives it a soft hand feel perfect for any project. It can be used for any home decor project including upholstery, slip covers, and bean bags. It can also be used for custom denim clothing.
🌿VINTAGE-MILLED DENIM | SOURCED IN PENNSYLVANIA
Our vintage-milled denim is proudly produced in partnership with Pennsylvania manufacturers dedicated to reviving historic loom textile milling and textile agriculture. Woven using time-honored methods, this denim is exceptionally soft, stable, and a joy to sew, making it ideal for everything from garments and bags to durable, heirloom-quality home décor.
🦉LUXE SATEEN | PRINT WIDTH 56″
ONLY AVAILABLE DURING SPECIAL PREORDER. Our Luxe Sateen offers a smooth hand with a subtle sheen and captures excellent color and details. It is 100% cotton with a high thread count weave. The high-end look and exceptional durability make it a very versatile fabric for both dresses, blouses, and pillows, table linens, and curtains. Heavy Sateen is a top choice for projects that feature fine detail.
KONA COTTON | PRINT WIDTH 44″
Our Kona cotton fabric is the same quilting fabric from Robert Kauffman that many people know and love. This fabric sets the standard for a premium plain weave cotton used for quilting, crafting, and clothing. It is extremely versatile and is used for a wide variety of projects. It has a looser weave making it perfect for ease of hand sewing and embroidery as well.
LINEN COTTON CANVAS | PRINT WIDTH 57″
This Linen Cotton natural fiber blend has a natural textured look that provides both durability and softness. We consider this a “must have” fabric that is perfect for a wide variety of applications from bags and backpacks to curtains and stretched canvas art. Makers love to create drapes and lamp shades with this fabric due to it’s medium transparency.
🌿ECO-KNIT | PRINT WIDTH 55″
Our Eco-Knit Cotton Spandex uses a modal yarn and is milled in the USA. It has great 4-way stretch and recovery making it ideal for all clothing projects. The Modal gives it a silky soft hand feel paired with the cotton for a bit of structure.
🌈LINEN COTTON
ONLY AVAILABLE DURING DYE RELEASES. This Linen Cotton blend has a natural textured look that provides both durability and softness. We consider this a “must have” fabric that is perfect for a wide variety of applications from Our linen will soften with use and will last a lifetime. Our Linen Cotton Blend is the go to for designers of all kinds with its versatility and quality.
🌈RIB KNIT
ONLY AVAILABLE DURING DYE RELEASES. Our Cotton 2×1 Rib is Organic and made in the USA. It offers 2-way horizontal stretch with great recovery. It offers natural breathability due to the cotton content. It can be used for a variety of projects including dresses and shirts to beanies and cuffs.
🦉WEATSHIRT FLEECE | PRINT WIDTH 56″
Our sweatshirt fleece is knitted with 100% Organic Cotton and made in the USA. It is characterized by its high fleeced backing and soft hand. It offers a 4-way stretch with great recovery. Try our fleece for a variety of projects from jackets to joggers and sweatshirts.
TRADITIONAL FRENCH TERRY | PRINT WIDTH 60″
Our Traditional French Terry is Organic and made in the USA. It is characterized by its low looped back and soft hand. It offers a 4-way stretch with great recovery. Try French Terry for a variety of projects from jackets to joggers and sweatshirts.
🌈COTTON SATEEN
ONLY AVAILABLE DURING DYE RELEASES. Our 100% Organic Cotton Sateen offers a smooth hand with a subtle sheen and captures excellent color and details. The high-end look and exceptional durability make it a very versatile fabric for both dresses, blouses, children’s clothing, and pillows, table linens, and curtains. Organic Cotton Sateen is a top choice for projects that feature fine detail.
🌈WAFFLE THERMAL
Only available in hand-dyed releases. Our organic waffle thermal features a beautiful textured surface that brings your designs to life. It offers a 4-way stretch with great recovery with natural breathability due to the cotton content. It can be used for a variety of projects from Children’s clothing to sweatshirts and joggers.
🌈COTTON FLEECE
ONLY AVAILABLE DURING DYE RELEASES. Our Cotton Fleece is proudly milled in the USA and offered exclusively during our hand-dyed fabric releases. Soft yet sturdy with a plush hand, it’s perfect for fleece appliqué, stuffed dolls, and animal projects. Bringing warmth, texture, and heirloom-quality charm to every make.
DETAILS, WASH & CARE
🌈 Only available during hand-dyed releases.
🦉 Available during special print preorders throughout the year.
🌿 Uses either eco-friendly or vintage manufacturing practices beyond printing.
⏰ Due to the custom print process, be mindful when purchasing via preorders that materials can shrink during the print process up to 1". It's always best to order the extra yard if you have plans for a specific project.
We recommend washing all fabrics prior to sewing to account for shrinkage and to remove any residual finish from printing or dyeing. Prewashing helps ensure the best fit, drape, and longevity of your finished project—especially for knits and hand-dyed fabrics.
