What happens if the fabric you chose is unavailable?

Why a chosen fabric disappears

None of these is anybody’s fault, which is why it helps to plan for them rather than hope they will not happen.

• The run sold out. Fabric is made in batches, and a popular one can go quickly.
• Not enough is left. There may be some, but not the length your design needs, especially for a floor-length kameez, wide trousers or a matching dupatta.
• The new batch differs. A fresh delivery of the same cloth can be a slightly different shade, which matters when pieces must match.
• A flaw is found. A length that looked fine on the roll turns out to have a mark or a weak patch when it is unrolled.

Three things a fair substitute process includes

Whoever you order from, these are reasonable to expect. If a seller will not commit to them, that tells you something.

• You are told first. Before cutting, with a plain explanation of what has happened.
• You see the alternatives. Clear photos and a description of each option: type, weight, colour and how it differs from your choice.
• You can decline. Choosing none of the alternatives is a real option, and you know beforehand what happens to your money if you do.

What to ask to have written into the quote

A few lines added at the quote stage save a difficult conversation later. Ask for these to be stated in writing:

• the fabric described precisely, not just by a trade name;
• the colour, with the photo it was agreed from;
• what you would accept as a substitute, if anything, such as “same colour, any soft cotton”;
• that you will be asked before any change is made;
• what happens to your payment if you decline every alternative.

How it works with us

With Fabric + Stitching, the fabric is proposed with photos and descriptions and agreed in your written quote before you pay. Because it is part of what you approve, a different fabric cannot simply be swapped in: any change has to be agreed with you in writing before cutting, with any effect on the total or the timing set out. We make no promise that a particular cloth will be available, so if you have a strong preference, say so early.

If you decide not to go ahead, the cancellation terms in your quote apply: a paid order cancelled before cutting is refunded minus the cost of any fabric already bought for it. Our payment and cancellations page has the full wording, and cancelling or reporting a fault explains how it works in practice. With Stitching Only, the fabric is yours, so this question does not arise. To begin, ask for a quote.