How it Works

Step 1 | Enquiry & Initial Details

• Begin by completing the enquiry form with some basic information about your cross-stitch piece. This helps us understand what you have, it's current state, and what you're hoping to achieve.

• If you have photos or notes about fabric, patters, or threads, include those - best guesses are completely fine.

Step 3 | Physical Assessment & Firm Quote

• If you decide to proceed, your piece can be sent to Theophora for a physical assessment.

• This hands-on review allows us to properly evaluate fabric count, stitch density, thread behaviour, overall condition, and any existing wear or challenges that may not be visible in photographs. The assessment is recorded and shared with you privately via a private a Google Photos album.

• A minimum engagement of $85 is required to proceed. This amount covers the time spent inspecting, measuring, planning, and preparing an accurate quote, and is credited toward your final invoice if the project goes ahead. 

• Following the assessment, you'll receive a firm quote for completion of your cross-stitch. No stitching begins until the quote is approved.

Step 5 | Completion & Return

Once finished, your piece will be carefully packaged and returned via tracked shipping.

We do not wash, press, or frame finished pieces. This preserves the integrity of the original work and leaves final finishing decisions with you.

A Note on Time & Care

Cross-stitch is a slow, methodical craft. Even small sections can involve thousands of individual stitches, each placed by hand with attention to tension, direction, and consistency with the original work.

For this reason, pricing is not calculated by the hour, but by the volume of stitching required to complete your piece. This approach ensures you're paying for the actual work needed - not how long it happens to take across days or weeks.

Some pieces progress quickly; others require frequent colour changes, careful navigation of existing stitches, or delicate handling of fine or aged fabric. These factors affect time, but not the integrity of the pricing model.

Our focus is always on completing your piece thoughtfully and with respect for the original stitcher, rather than rushing toward a finish line. Each heirloom is given the time it needs - no more, no less.