what is preorder fabric & how does it actually work

You found the perfect print. You go to add it to your cart. And then you read the word “preorder” and your brain goes, hang on, what does that actually mean for me and my project. Do I get it now? In a week? Did I just sign up for something confusing? 🫶🏻

We get it. Preorder can feel like a mystery the first time you come across it. So let’s sit down with a cuppa and walk through the whole thing, properly, so you know exactly what you’re getting and when.

so what is preorder fabric, really

Preorder fabric is fabric that gets printed once enough makers have ordered it. Instead of us guessing how much of a print to make, sitting on giant rolls of it, and hoping it sells, we open a round, you order the print and base you actually want, and then it all gets printed together once the round closes.

Think of it like a group order with your sewing friends, except the group is hundreds of colourful makers all over Australia. You’re telling us, yes, I want this one. And because we only print what’s wanted, there’s barely any waste and a whole lot more choice.

It’s the engine behind the whole idea of Your Fabric. Your Way. You’re not picking from whatever happened to be left on the shelf. You’re choosing the print, the base, and the scale that suits the thing you’re making. That’s the magic of it.

how a preorder round works, step by step

Here’s the flow from the moment a print catches your eye to the moment it lands on your doorstep.

First, a round opens. We pop the prints up on the site, available across our fabric bases and print scales, and you get to browse and choose.

Then you order. You pick your print, your base, and your scale, and you order the quantity you need. Quick note on quantity, because it trips people up. One unit equals 50cm of fabric. So if you want 2m, you order a quantity of 4. Easy once you know.

Next, the round closes. Preorders close on the last day of every month. That’s your cut off. Once we shut the round, everything gets sent off to be printed together.

Then comes the printing and the wait. Turnaround is roughly 8 to 10 weeks from the end of the round. Yes, it’s a wait. We’ll be honest with you about that, because the worst thing is a surprise. But that wait is exactly why you get fabric made for you, in the base and scale you actually chose.

Finally, it ships. We have flat rate shipping across Australia, so you know the cost upfront. Your fabric arrives, you give it a happy little squish, and you get to making. 🌈

why we do it this way

Fair question. Why not just keep everything in stock like a normal shop?

Because keeping everything in stock means keeping your choices small. A regular shop has to bet on a handful of prints and bases and hope they sell. Preorder flips that. We can offer 500 plus prints across 21 fabric bases and 3 print scales, because we’re not gambling on giant rolls sitting in a warehouse.

It also means less waste, which matters to us and to the slow making community we’re part of. We print what’s loved, not what we hoped might sell. That’s better for the planet and better for you, because you get the exact thing you wanted instead of a compromise.

And honestly, there’s something lovely about it. You choose your fabric, it gets made, and when it arrives it feels a little bit special. Like it was always meant to be yours.

the wait is the hardest part, let’s talk about it

We’re not going to pretend 8 to 10 weeks is nothing. If you’re used to clicking buy now and having something turn up in two days, preorder asks you to slow down a touch.

But here’s the reframe. Slow making is kind of the whole point. The dopamine sewing community isn’t about churning through fast trends and fast fabric. It’s about intentional, joyful makes that feel like you. The wait gives you time to plan your project, gather your pattern, and get genuinely excited about what’s coming. By the time it lands, you’re ready.

And if you want something right now, we’ve got you. Our retail fabric is ready to ship and goes out within 3 business days. So you can have the best of both. Plan a preorder for the dreamy project, grab retail for the make you want to start this weekend. 💕

a little tip before you order

Please double check your order before you hit buy. Then triple check it. We say this with love. Because preorder fabric is printed especially for you, we want your base, your scale, and your quantity to be exactly right.

Not sure which base suits your project? Grab a Fabric Sample Pack first so you can touch and feel everything. There is nothing like getting your hands on fabric to know if it’s the one. You’ll see what we mean.

frequently asked questions

when do preorders close?
Preorders close on the last day of every month. Whatever you order before then goes into that round.

how long until my fabric arrives?
Roughly 8 to 10 weeks from the end of the round. It’s a wait, but it’s the reason you get such a huge range of prints, bases, and scales to choose from.

how much fabric is one unit?
One unit equals 50cm. So 2m is a quantity of 4. Always worth a quick check before you order.

how much is shipping?
We have one flat rate for shipping across Australia, so the cost is the same no matter how much you order. You will see it at checkout.

can i change my mind after ordering?
We have a 30 day change of mind return policy with store credit. Because preorder fabric is made especially for you, please choose carefully and check your order before purchasing.

what if i want fabric straight away?
Our retail fabric is ready to ship within 3 business days. Perfect for when you can’t wait for a round to close.

can i feel the fabric before i commit?
Yes please do. A Fabric Sample Pack lets you touch every base before you order. We always recommend it for your first time.

Preorder might feel new at first, but once you’ve done one round you’ll get it. You choose, we print, it arrives, and it’s yours. Properly yours.

Want first dibs on new rounds and a secret discount code? Join the Colour Club. Come have a browse and find your next favourite print. 🌈