Privacy Policy
Effective date: January 10, 2025
Last updated: January 10, 2025
Welcome to Patterns by Patsy (“Company,” “we,” “our,” “us,” “my”)! We’re delighted to have you here and hope you find inspiration and joy in exploring our Crochet Patterns and other resources.
This Privacy Policy applies to your use of our website, https://patternsbypatsy.com/ (the “Service”), where crochet enthusiasts can browse and purchase our unique patterns (“Crochet Pattern(s)”) and access additional features, including free resources, blog content, crochet tutorials, and sign up for our newsletter. Our Service is limited to providing digital Crochet Patterns and related resources. We do not sell finished amigurumi, offer pattern customization, or provide physical supplies. For a detailed list of what our Service does not include, please refer to our Website Disclaimer section 3. Use of the Service.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and share your information when you use our website or interact with our Crochet Patterns. For a comprehensive understanding of our data practices and how they relate to your use of our Services, please also review the Terms & Conditions section 13. Data Protection & Privacy and our Website Disclaimer section 10. Data Security & User Responsibility.
We use your data to improve your experience with our website and Crochet Patterns, including making our Service easier to use and more enjoyable. With your Consent, we may also send you important updates, such as pattern corrections, or occasional promotional content.
By using our Service, you Consent to the collection and use of your information as described in this Privacy Policy, including Usage Data. Unless otherwise defined here, terms used in this Privacy Policy have the same meanings as those outlined in our Terms & Conditions and Website Disclaimer. Together, our Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) and this Privacy Policy form a legally binding agreement between you and us.
To ensure clarity and consistency, we’ve provided definitions for key terms used throughout this Privacy Policy, our Terms & Conditions, and our Website Disclaimer. These definitions help you better understand your rights, our responsibilities, and how we manage your information while using our Service.
Account: A user profile created on our Service that allows you to manage your login details, payment information used for transactions, and access previously purchased Crochet Patterns. Your Account also enables you to review your purchase history and interactions with our Crochet Patterns.
Cookies: Small text files stored on your device by Service Providers to enhance your browsing experience, enable certain functionalities, and sometimes collect Personal Data, which can help improve our Service.
Content: All materials provided through our Service, including but not limited to text, images, videos, newsletters, and our Crochet Patterns.
Crochet Pattern(s): Digital files containing step-by-step instructions, images, illustrations, or video tutorials designed to help The User create crochet amigurumi or other crochet projects, which are available for purchase and downloaded through our website.
Consent: Consent means that you agree to allow us to use your Personal Data for specific reasons. This includes when you sign up for our newsletter or make a purchase. By doing either of these, you give us permission to send you updates about your purchased Crochet Patterns (like corrections) or occasional offers. You can choose to opt out of these communications at any time by using the link provided in the emails you receive or contacting us at [email protected].
Data Controller: A Data Controller is the individual or organization that determines the purposes and means of processing Personal Data. Patterns by Patsy acts as the Data Controller for Personal Data collected directly through our Services. However, certain Service Providers may also act as independent Data Controllers for Personal Data they collect or process in accordance with their own privacy policies. This distinction means that while Patterns by Patsy decides how to use data collected through its website, Service Providers may determine their own purposes and methods of processing for data related to their services.
Personal Data: Information about a living individual that can be used to identify that person, such as name, email address, and contact information.
Service(s): Our website, https://patternsbypatsy.com/, including any features, functionalities, and Services offered through the site, such as the ability to browse and purchase our Crochet Patterns, access tutorials, and sign up for our newsletters.
Service Provider(s): These are third-party service providers/companies that help us deliver and improve our Service. They handle tasks like processing payments, sending emails, storing data, or analyzing how people use our website. Service Providers follow our instructions to process data on our behalf but may decide how to use your data for their own purposes under their privacy policies.
Usage Data: Automatically collected data generated using our Service, including but not limited to page visits, browsing activity, and device information.
User(s): An individual who interacts with our Service, including browsing our website, purchasing our Crochet Patterns, subscribing to our newsletters, or engaging with any other Content offered on our website.
Transaction Data: Information related to the purchase of Crochet Patterns, including payment details (such as credit card information), billing address, and any other data necessary to complete and fulfill your transaction.
We collect and use various types of data to provide, maintain, and improve our Service. This section outlines the primary categories of data collected and their general purposes.
- Personal Data: Information you provide when creating an Account, making a purchase, or subscribing to newsletters. This includes your name, email address, and payment details. By subscribing to our newsletter or making a purchase, you Consent to receiving updates (such as pattern corrections) and occasional offers from us.
- Usage Data: Automatically collected information such as your device type, IP address, and browsing behavior when using our Service.
- Transaction Data: Information related to your payment method, such as credit card details that are used to process transactions. Our Service Providers are responsible for safeguarding this data as it is not stored by us directly.
- Cookies: Small files stored on your device to enhance your experience and support website functionality.
- Feedback Data: Voluntary information provided by Users when contacting us via forms, email, or other channels. This may include:
- Reporting issues or errors in purchased Crochet Patterns.
- Requesting support or providing reviews of Crochet Patterns.
- Sharing experiences, positive or negative, while testing one of our Crochet Patterns. This feedback helps us improve our Crochet Patterns, address errors, and enhance the overall User experience.
The data we collect to:
- Provide access to features like Account management and downloading our Crochet Patterns.
- Enhance the usability and design of our website and Crochet Patterns.
- Communicate important updates (such as corrections) to purchased Crochet Patterns and offer promotional content with your Consent.
We may rely on Service Providers to process and analyze data, but they operate independently under their own privacy policies. For more details, refer to section 6. Data Sharing & Disclosure.
This section clarifies the main reasons we collect and use your data:
- To provide our Service: We use your Personal Data, Usage Data, and Transaction Data to manage your Account, complete transactions, and ensure smooth interaction with the Service.
- To improve our Service and Crochet Patterns: Your Usage Data helps us understand how people use our website, allowing us to improve the design and functionality of both the website and our Crochet Patterns.
- To send you communications: If you’ve opted in, we’ll use your Personal Data to send you promotional emails (like newsletters or updates about your purchased patterns). If you purchase Crochet Patterns, you will receive automated transactional emails, which include order confirmations, pattern download links, and important updates related to your Account and/or purchases.
This section describes how we handle the data we collect in order to provide and improve our Service. Here’s a breakdown of how we process your data:
- Order Fulfillment: We process your Personal Data (such as your contact information) and Transaction Data (including payment details and order history) to complete your purchase, deliver the Crochet Patterns, and provide any necessary updates or corrections (like pattern revisions).
- Website Optimization: We analyze Usage Data to optimize our website’s design, Content, and functionality, ensuring a better browsing and purchasing experience.
- Communication: If you’ve opted in to receive our newsletter or other communications, we process your Personal Data (like your email address) to send you updates about new Crochet Patterns, promotional offers, or any changes to purchased patterns (such as corrections). You can unsubscribe at any time if you no longer wish to receive these communications by using the unsubscribe link in the emails or contacting us directly at [email protected].
- Customer Support: We process your Personal Data to respond to any inquiries or support requests. This ensures we can assist you effectively if you have questions about your Account or our Crochet Patterns.
- Feedback & Improvements: When you voluntarily provide feedback, such as error reports, reviews, or experiences with our Crochet Patterns (including pattern testing), we process this information to identify issues, enhance our designs, and improve your overall experience. This feedback is used solely for internal purposes and not shared with third parties without your Consent.
- Cookies & Tracking: Cookies and similar technologies are used to personalize your experience on our website, such as remembering your preferences, login status, and activity on the website. We also use Cookies for analytics purposes, which help us analyze website traffic, monitor User interactions, and improve the performance and design of our Service. These tools, such as Google Analytics, collect information like your device type, IP address, and browsing activities to help us understand how Users engage with our website. This allows us to enhance the Content and functionality of our website and Crochet Patterns.
- Transaction Data: We collect and process Transaction Data, including payment details and billing information, to securely process your orders and fulfill purchases. This ensures that payments are successfully completed and that we can deliver purchased Crochet Patterns.
We value your privacy and want to be transparent about how your information is shared. We only disclose your Personal Data in specific situations, and we ensure that your data is always handled securely. Below are the main ways we might share your data:
We work with trusted Service Providers to help run our website and process your orders. These Service Providers may have access to your Personal Data, but they are only permitted to use it for the specific tasks we’ve asked them to handle, such as:
- Payment Processing: When you make a purchase, we use a Service Provider to securely handle your Transaction Data, such as payment details and billing information. These providers help ensure that your payment is completed safely and efficiently.
- Order Fulfillment: After you complete a purchase, Service Providers help us deliver your purchased Crochet Patterns to you. This includes emailing you order confirmations and download links to ensure you get access to the purchased Crochet Patterns as quickly as possible.
- Customer Support: If you have questions or need help, we may need to share some of your information with our customer support team or other Service Providers. This ensures that we can assist you effectively with any inquiries related to your Account, purchased Crochet Patterns, and/or any technical issues.
- Hosting Services: We work with Service Providers to keep our website running smoothly. These Service Providers store and serve our website’s Content, and they may have access to your Usage Data (such as pages you visit) to ensure the website is functioning properly and is secure.
These Service Providers are contractually obligated to keep your data secure.
We may disclose your Personal Data if required to do so by law, such as in response to a subpoena, court order, or any other legal process. We might also share data to protect our rights, property, or safety, or to ensure the safety of others, including in cases of fraud prevention or compliance with other legal obligations.
If we ever decide to merge, sell, or transfer part or all of our business, your Personal Data may be part of the assets transferred. However, we will always ensure that your data is protected and that the new entity honors the privacy policy under which it was originally collected.
To improve our website and User experience, we use Service Provider analytics tools (like Google Analytics). These tools collect and analyze Usage Data such as how Users interact with our website and Content. Although this data is generally anonymous, it helps us understand trends and make informed decisions about improving our website and Crochet Patterns. This data may include things like which pages are most visited, how long Users stay on the website, and what features are most used.
In certain cases, we may ask for your permission before sharing your data. For example, if we plan to use your information in a way that’s not outlined in this policy, we’ll ask for your explicit Consent before moving forward.
Rest assured, we do not sell your Personal Data to any third parties. We value your trust and are committed to protecting your information.
At Patterns by Patsy, we collect Personal Data when you engage with our website, such as when you:
- Sign up for our newsletter: We collect your Personal Data, like your email address, to send you updates, corrections made to our Crochet Patterns, and occasional offers.
- Create an Account: We collect Personal Data, such as your name, email address, and other Account details, to provide you with access to features like managing your Account and downloading purchased Crochet Patterns.
- Make a purchase: We collect Personal Data, such as payment information and billing address, to process your transactions and deliver purchased Crochet Patterns.
In addition to Personal Data, we also collect Usage Data through Cookies and similar technologies. This data may include information such as your IP address, device type, browser type, and browsing behavior when you use our Service. Cookies are used to enhance your experience by remembering your preferences, login status, and activity on the site.
Service Providers may collect additional data, such as:
- Analytics tools: Tools like Google Analytics collect Usage Data to help us understand how visitors interact with our website. This data includes metrics like the pages you visit, time spent on the site, and interactions with the Content, which allow us to improve website functionality and User experience.
- Payment processors: When you make a purchase, Service Providers securely handle your payment details. Your financial information is processed through these Service Providers and is not stored on our website.
We do not directly store sensitive financial information. However, the Service Providers we use for payments, customer support, and analytics may retain Personal Data in accordance with their own privacy policies.
Account Confidentiality: You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your Account and password. If you suspect any unauthorized access or activity on your Account, please contact us immediately at [email protected].
At Patterns by Patsy, we respect your rights regarding your Personal Data and are committed to ensuring you have control over your information in compliance with applicable privacy laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and the California Online Privacy Protection Act (CalOPPA).
For details on your rights related to data processing, access, or deletion, see our Terms & Conditions section 13. Data Protection & Privacy.
At Patterns by Patsy, we want to make sure you have a smooth and secure experience when purchasing our Crochet Patterns. We rely on trusted third-party providers, such as SureCart and Stripe (“Service Providers”), to handle all payment transactions securely. This section explains how payments are processed, what information we collect, and how you can access purchased Crochet Patterns.
When you make a purchase on our website, you will be asked to provide payment information. All payment processing is handled exclusively by our Service Providers, which specialize in secure payment transactions. Patterns by Patsy does not store or have access to your sensitive payment details, such as credit card information, as these are securely managed on the Service Providers’ servers.
We only accept payments in US dollars. If you’re purchasing from outside the United States, please ensure your payment method supports this currency.
By completing your purchase, you confirm that the information you provide is accurate and that you have the legal right to use the payment method for your transaction.
We prioritize your privacy and work with Service Providers that implement industry-standard security protocols to protect your data. These providers are responsible for encrypting, processing, and storing your payment details securely. By using their services, you agree to their respective security practices, which are outlined in their privacy policies.
While Patterns by Patsy does not process or store your payment details, we take steps to ensure that the personal information we collect, such as your name and email, are handled responsibly and in compliance with our Privacy Policy.
If an issue occurs during your transaction, an error message will display, and the payment will not be processed. Follow the instructions in the error message to resolve the issue. If you continue to experience problems, please contact us at [email protected] for assistance.
Once your payment is successfully processed, you will immediately gain access to purchased Crochet Patterns through your Customer Dashboard. Each Crochet Pattern includes detailed images and video tutorial links to help guide you through the project.
To process your purchase, we collect and share the following data with our Service Providers:
- Name and email address: To send confirmation emails and updates related to your purchase.
- Payment information: Including billing address and credit card details, handled securely by our Service Providers.
- Transaction details: Including purchase history, used for providing customer support and ensuring access to purchased Crochet Patterns. This data is securely stored by Service Providers and handled in accordance with their privacy policies.
This data is stored securely by our Service Providers and is handled in accordance with their privacy policies.
Since our Crochet Patterns are digital files, they cannot be returned, refunded, or exchanged after purchase. All sales are final. However, if you encounter any issues with downloading a Crochet Pattern or experience technical difficulties, please reach out to us at [email protected], and we’ll be happy to assist you.
You are responsible for keeping your Account and password confidential. If you suspect unauthorized access or unusual activity on your Account, contact us immediately at [email protected].
At Patterns by Patsy, we understand that crochet is a craft enjoyed by individuals of all ages. However, we are committed to protecting the privacy of all Users, particularly children. Our Services are not specifically aimed at children, and we do not knowingly collect or solicit Personal Data from individuals under the age of 13, or any applicable age limit as defined by law.
If you believe that a child under the age of 13 (or another applicable age threshold) has provided us with Personal Data, please contact us immediately at [email protected]. We will take the necessary steps to remove that data from our records and comply with privacy regulations.
We encourage parents and guardians to be actively involved in their children’s online activities and to ensure that their children do not share Personal Data without their Consent.
Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services, such as external partners, social media platforms, or content Service Providers. These third-party services are not governed by our Privacy Policy, and we are not responsible for their content, privacy practices, or terms.
We encourage you to review the privacy policies and terms of service of any third-party websites or services you visit. For more information, please refer to our Terms and Conditions section 9. Links to Other Websites where we discuss third-party links in more detail.
At Patterns by Patsy, we are committed to retaining your Personal Data and Transaction Data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected. This includes business-related purposes such as processing orders, providing customer support, maintaining your Account, and fulfilling any legal obligations we may have under applicable laws.
The length of time we retain Personal Data and Transaction Data may vary depending on the type of information and its purpose. For example:
- Account Information: We will retain your Personal Data related to your Account for as long as you have an active Account or as needed to provide our Services.
- Transaction Data: We retain Transaction Data related to your purchases for as long as necessary to support our business and comply with legal obligations, such as tax and accounting requirements.
Once the data is no longer needed, we will securely delete or anonymize it in accordance with applicable data protection regulations.
If you have any questions regarding how long we retain your data, or if you would like to request deletion of your Personal Data or Transaction Data, please contact us at [email protected].
Patterns by Patsy operates within the United States. Some of the Service Providers we use for payment processing, website hosting, and email marketing may transfer your data to or store it in countries outside the United States.
While we do not control these transfers, we rely on our Service Providers to process your data in compliance with applicable data protection laws. For more information on how your data is handled in these international transfers, we recommend reviewing the privacy policies of the relevant Service Providers.
If you have any concerns about how your data is being transferred or handled, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].
We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices, Services, or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of significant updates via email or on our website.