Privacy Policy

Effective date: June 2026. Last updated: June 2026.

This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect when you use stitchmend.com, why we collect it, and the choices you have. We have tried to write it in plain language. If anything is unclear, you can always reach us at contact@stitchmend.com.

Stitchmend is a free resource of guides and simple tools for fixing your own home sewing machine. We are run by the Stitchmend team. We are not interested in collecting more about you than we need, and we do not sell your personal information.

Information we collect automatically

When you visit stitchmend.com, some information is collected automatically through cookies, analytics, and (in the future) advertising providers. This is standard for almost every website and helps us understand how the site is used and keep it working. It includes:

  • IP address, anonymized where the law requires it.
  • Browser type and version.
  • Operating system.
  • Pages viewed, time spent on each page, and the path you take through the site.
  • Referring URL, meaning the site or link that sent you to us.
  • Device type, such as desktop, tablet, or phone.
  • General geographic location estimated from your IP address, usually no more precise than a city or region.

We use this information in aggregate to see which guides are helpful, to fix problems, and to improve the site. We do not use it to try to identify you personally.

Information you provide voluntarily

If you use our contact form, you choose what to send us. That typically means your name, email address, and the message you write. We use this information only to read your message and reply to you.

We do not add you to a mailing list, we do not send marketing email, and we do not sell or rent your contact details to anyone. We keep your message only as long as we need it to handle your question, and then we delete it.

Cookies and tracking technologies

Cookies are small text files that a website stores in your browser. We and our service providers use cookies and similar technologies to remember basic preferences, to measure how the site is used, and (in the future) to support advertising.

You are in control of cookies. Every major browser lets you see the cookies that are stored, block or delete them, and ask to be warned before a cookie is set. You can usually find these controls in your browser's settings or privacy menu. If you block cookies, the site will still work, though some measurements may be less accurate.

Google Analytics 4

We use Google Analytics 4, a web analytics service provided by Google, to understand how visitors find and use stitchmend.com. Google Analytics sets cookies and processes information such as the data listed above to produce reports about site activity. We have it configured to limit the personal data it handles, including IP anonymization where it applies. We use these reports only to improve our guides and tools. You can learn more in Google's own privacy documentation, and you can opt out of Google Analytics across sites using Google's browser opt-out add-on.

Advertising

We do not serve ads on stitchmend.com today. We are disclosing the following now, for transparency, so that this policy is accurate if and when we add advertising in the future. If we do begin serving ads, they will be handled by Google and other advertising partners, and the points below will apply.

  • Third-party vendors, including Google, use cookies to serve ads based on a user's prior visits to this website or other websites.
  • Google's use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads to you based on your visits to our site and other sites on the internet (interest-based ads).
  • You can opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings at adssettings.google.com. You can also opt out of interest-based ads from many other participating vendors at aboutads.info/choices.

If you do not opt out, you may still see ads, but they may be less relevant to you.

Your rights under GDPR and UK GDPR

If you are in the European Economic Area or the United Kingdom, you have rights over your personal data under the GDPR and UK GDPR.

Our lawful basis for processing depends on the situation. For analytics and any future advertising cookies, our basis is your consent, which you can withdraw at any time through your browser controls. For replying to a message you send us, our basis is our legitimate interest in answering your question, and the data you provide is given by your own choice.

You have the right to:

  • Access the personal data we hold about you.
  • Rectify data that is inaccurate or incomplete.
  • Erase your data ("the right to be forgotten").
  • Restrict how we process your data.
  • Object to certain processing.
  • Data portability, meaning you can ask for a copy of the data you provided in a usable format.

We keep personal data only as long as we need it for the purpose it was collected, and then we delete it. To exercise any of these rights, email us at contact@stitchmend.com. You also have the right to complain to your local data protection authority.

California privacy rights (CCPA and CPRA)

If you are a California resident, you have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act. These include the right to know what personal information we collect, the right to access it, the right to ask us to delete it, the right to correct it, and the right not to be discriminated against for exercising your rights.

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. We do not sell your personal information, and we do not share it for cross-context behavioral advertising in exchange for money. If our practices ever change, this statement and the controls below would apply, and you could opt out at any time by emailing contact@stitchmend.com.

We honor the Global Privacy Control (GPC) signal. If your browser or an extension sends a GPC signal, we treat it as a valid request to opt out of any sale or sharing of your personal information for that browser.

Third-party links

Our guides sometimes link to other websites, such as manufacturer manuals, technician references, or supplier specifications. Once you follow a link to another site, this Privacy Policy no longer applies. We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of sites we do not control, so we encourage you to read their policies.

Children's privacy

Stitchmend is intended for a general adult audience and is not directed to children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13, or under 16 where that higher age applies. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it.

Data security

We take reasonable steps to protect the limited information we handle, including serving the site over a secure connection and limiting access to any messages you send us. No method of transmission or storage on the internet is completely secure, so we cannot promise absolute security, but we work to keep your information safe.

International data transfers

Some of our service providers, such as our analytics and future advertising partners, may process data on servers located outside your country, including in the United States. Where that happens, those providers rely on recognized safeguards intended to protect your data to a standard similar to the protections in your home region.

Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time as our site grows or as the law changes. When we do, we will revise the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. If we make a significant change, we will make a reasonable effort to highlight it. We encourage you to review this page now and then.

Contact us

If you have any questions about this policy or about your personal data, please email us at contact@stitchmend.com. We are happy to help.