SEWING MACHINE CRASH COURSE

"Dry" waxed cotton can generally be washed & ironed on low temperatures (please avoid steaming). It is extremely nice to work with and depending on the weight is suitable for anything from a floaty dress or shirt to coats & bags. This fabric does not require lining and can be used as a single layer. It is weather resistant but is not truly waterproof: it will protect you from mild rain but will eventually soak through under the heavy shower. To reproof it, please use reproofing spray,

"Wet" waxed cotton is very different in care. I can not be washed or ironed, only gentle spot removal with a wet cloth. This fabric requires special coated lining to prevent the wax from leaking through and it also serves as an additional water-resistant layer. We do not recommend using dry waxed cotton as a lining for the wet waxed cotton as the wax will soak through.

"Wet" waxed cotton is truly waterproof and will keep you dry even in the heavy rain. It's recommended to reproof it with wax once a year or so. With time, most "wet" waxed fabrics take on an iconic aged leather look. 

When it comes to working with it, make sure you have sharp machine needles and choose the size accordingly to fabric weight. Lighter fabrics need a thinner needle (~70), heavier canvases will require thicker ones (~100+).

Any general use thread works fine for garment making. If you're planning on making bags and want that extra added strength, opt for bonded nylon thread.

We hope you love your purchase.

Our deadstock fabric collection is an important part of our mission and we thank you for supporting us with your purchase. In buying deadstock, you understand that this is end of roll material that would have otherwise been dumped. There may be some blemishes, but we work to minimise them so it doesn’t affect your order.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

We accept PayPal and most major card payments. You can also pay in instalments with Klarna. All payment options will be available at the checkout.

DOMESTIC & INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING

We ship within the UK and internationally to countries listed in EU Zone 1, 2 & 3 and World Zone 1,2 & 3, as noted. We have also noted the likely relevant carrier for each destination. Delivery costs have been estimated based on a likely weight and package size. Both size and weight could individually affect the shipping costs.

ORDER DISPATCH

Ready-made items are dispatched within 1-2 working days. Made to order items are dispatched within approx 4 weeks after placing the order - we don't have a stock, we produce most of our items on made-to-order basis.

Our available deadstock fabrics are dispatched within 1-2 working days. Delivery can take up to 7 working days, depending on your geographical location and the delivery carrier. A tracking number will be issued to you.

TRACKING YOUR ORDER

Once your order is ready and has been shipped, you will receive a confirmation email with your tracking number and a link. With this tracking number you will be able to track you parcel. A signature will be required as proof of receipt on delivery.

If there are any issues with tracking, please email us at info@arkdefo.com.

CUSTOMS & IMPORT CHARGES

Any additional charges, or import/export regulations would need to be considered on a case by case basis and discussed at the time. We are happy to ship anywhere but costs could be prohibitive. Best to discuss!

READY-TO-WEAR COLLECTION

Our made item collections form an investment, not a throwaway impulse purchase, so we take any quality issues seriously.

Nothing leaves our studio without rigorous quality checking procedures to ensure all stitches, seams etc are high quality. Customer satisfaction is important to us.

Every item is photographed as a record of what leaves our studio.

This also ensures what you receive is what we sent!