Return policy comparison · 2026
StewMac vs The Stitchery
Policy data verified July 24, 2026 by the Thrifle team
Winner
StewMac
A
4.5 / 5.0 · Excellent
The Stitchery
C+
2.4 / 5.0 · Fair
The verdict
StewMac has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against The Stitchery's C+ (2.4/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 365-day window (industry-leading) versus 30-day window (industry standard).
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
StewMacThe Stitchery
Return window · worth 2.0
Restocking fee · worth 1.0
Return shipping · worth 1.0
Holiday window · worth 0.5
Transparency · worth 0.5
Key terms side-by-side
| StewMac | The Stitchery | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 365 days (unaltered, unused) | 100% Satisfaction Guarantee (no specific day limit published; personalized items excluded) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes (members) | No - $13.95 fee deducted |
| Restocking fee | None published | None published beyond the return shipping fee |
| Return shipping | Standard customers pay return shipping; StewMAX members get free return shipping (prepaid domestic label, international costs reimbursed on receipt) | $13.95 FedEx return fee, deducted from the refund or charged to the card for exchanges |
| Holiday extension | None published | None published |
| Non-returnable | Consumables (sandpaper, finishes, glue, polishes, cleaners), started kits requiring assembly or finishing (pedal, amp, or guitar kits - these get gift cards or replacements instead), altered or worked items | Personalized items, unless defective |
| Watch-out items | — | — |
StewMac tip
Tonewood has to come back completely untouched - no sanding, cutting, or shaping - so don't start a guitar build until you're sure you're keeping the wood.
The Stitchery tip
The flat $13.95 return fee applies no matter the order size, so it eats a bigger chunk of a small craft kit purchase than a large one - worth combining items into one order if you're unsure about several pieces.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, StewMac or The Stitchery?
StewMac has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against The Stitchery's C+ (2.4/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 365-day window (industry-leading) versus 30-day window (industry standard).
What is StewMac's return window?
StewMac's return window is 365 days (unaltered, unused).
What is The Stitchery's return window?
The Stitchery's return window is 100% Satisfaction Guarantee (no specific day limit published; personalized items excluded).
Does StewMac or The Stitchery offer free returns?
StewMac: Yes (members). The Stitchery: No - $13.95 fee deducted.