Packing embroidered and delicate fabric for the post

What you need

Gather these before you start, so nothing is improvised at the last minute.

• Plain white or acid-free tissue paper: to sit between folds and over embroidery. Avoid coloured tissue, which can transfer dye if it gets damp.
• Clean, sealable plastic bags: one per suit or fabric, plus small ones for loose trims and motifs.
• A sturdy outer packet: a strong padded mailer or a small box, depending on the bulk.
• A pen and paper: for a contents note to go inside.

Folding without crushing the work

Embroidery creases where it is folded sharply, and heavy threadwork can leave an imprint on the fabric folded against it. Fold each piece as few times as the packet allows, with the embroidered side facing inwards and a sheet of tissue over the work. Where a fold has to cross embroidery, lay a loosely rolled sheet of tissue inside the fold to soften it.

Sheer fabrics such as chiffon, net and organza are best folded loosely around tissue rather than pressed flat on their own, since they slip and snag easily. Velvet should not be folded pile to pile; put tissue between the layers, or roll it loosely around a tube of rolled paper if the parcel allows. The velvet guide explains how pile marks form.

Keeping the pieces together and identifiable

Small pieces are the easiest to lose. Neckline motifs, lace strips and sleeve borders should go in their own small bag inside the main bag, never loose in the parcel. Pin nothing to the fabric, since pins can rust and leave holes.

Instead, write a short contents note listing each piece, for example “kameez front, embroidered; back; two sleeves; dupatta; trouser fabric; bag of three borders and one neckline motif”, and put it inside with your name and quote reference. If you are sending more than one suit, give each its own bag and note; our guide to sending several suits in one parcel goes further.

Protecting against damp and damage

A few simple precautions handle most of the risks a parcel faces on the way.

• Seal the inner bag to keep out rain and condensation, and make sure the fabric is completely dry before it goes in.
• Leave out anything that could leak or stain: no perfume, scented sachets, food or toiletries.
• Do not over-stuff: a parcel packed too tightly presses hard folds into the fabric. Choose a packet with a little room.
• Keep valuables out: send only the fabric and the agreed items. Money, jewellery and personal documents do not belong in the parcel.

Labelling, tracking and what happens next

Write the address exactly as given in your quote, use a tracked service, and keep the tracking number until we confirm the parcel has arrived. Describe the contents honestly on any customs form; our article on the customs form for a fabric parcel goes through it line by line.

Once your fabric reaches us in Pakistan and the quote is paid, production takes 5 to 7 working days. The finished outfit comes back as a separate shipment, with delivery and any import charges already in your quote. See the unstitched suit stitching page, the worldwide delivery page or country pages such as Stitching Only in Ireland. Not started yet? Begin with a Stitching Only quote.