FAQ
Short answers to what comes up most often around ordering, size, materials, and care. The longer texts live in the Journal and on the shipping and returns pages.
Orders
What does made to order mean?
Every knitpiece is made only after you order it — in our atelier in Freiburg, on hand-guided knitting machines or with needles. There is no stock of finished pieces. That is how we avoid overproduction.
What is custom length?
On selected pieces — the Sirène skirts and the Double V-Neck Vest — you can set the length in centimetres. The piece is then made to that measurement. Regular made to order follows the fixed sizes and lengths in the size chart.
How long does production take?
Regular made-to-order pieces take 2–3 weeks. Custom length takes 3–4 weeks. The time is shown on the product page and at checkout. It is part of making each piece with care.
When do you start knitting?
Payment is always in advance. We start only after we have received it. The payment methods available to you are shown at checkout.
What happens after I order?
You receive an order confirmation by email. Once the piece is on its way, a shipping confirmation follows with a tracking link.
Shipping
Where do you ship?
To the countries you can select at checkout. International parcels may incur customs or import charges. Checkout mentions that when it applies.
What does shipping cost, and how long does it take?
Within Germany, DHL standard shipping is a flat €6.90 per order. Deliveries outside Germany are a flat €25 per order. Delivery time starts after payment and includes production and shipping.
What if the parcel is damaged in transit?
Check the parcel when it arrives. If you can see damage, document it and write to us at info@atelier3k.de.
Returns
Can I withdraw from an order?
Regular made-to-order pieces in fixed sizes qualify for the statutory 14-day right of withdrawal from delivery, where no exclusion applies.
Does that include custom length?
No. Pieces made to a length you chose are produced specifically for that choice and are excluded from withdrawal.
How do I send something back?
Write to info@atelier3k.de first so we can arrange the return. If you are withdrawing, send the piece unworn and in its original packaging where you can. You bear the direct cost of return shipping unless we agree otherwise. After we inspect the return, we refund the purchase price to the original payment method.
Can I exchange a piece?
An exchange may be possible by arrangement if the size or variant you want is available. Email info@atelier3k.de.
What if something is faulty?
Statutory warranty rights apply. Contact us with photos and your order number.
Size & fit
What do sizes 1, 2, 3, and One Size mean?
We use sizes 1, 2, and 3, and One Size on some pieces. The numbers sit roughly around ready-to-wear 34–36, 38–40, and 40–42. What matters is the body measurements in the size chart: knit stretches, and the ranges overlap on purpose. One Size does not mean a piece fits every body the same way. The product measurements show who the cut is for.
I am between two sizes.
Choose the smaller size for a closer fit and the larger size for a little more ease. The product page says whether the piece is meant to be close, regular, or oversized.
How do I measure myself?
Flat and close to the body, in underwear or close-fitting clothes, without the tape cutting in. On the Sirène skirts the waistband sits about 1–2 cm below the navel. Body measurements decide your size. Product measurements describe the finished piece and can be smaller than your circumference when the knit is unstretched.
I am unsure about the size.
Send your measurements and the name of the knitpiece to info@atelier3k.de. We reply in person. Please allow three to five working days.
Materials
Which yarns are in Edition 01?
Merino 80 and 160, Baby Soft, and Preber wool from Ferner Wolle, and Kid Seta from PRO LANA. The exact composition is on each product page.
What is Baby Soft?
A light blend of 50% organic cotton and 50% soy fibre. It sits softly on the skin, warms less than wool, and defines the Sirène line.
Is the merino mulesing-free?
Yes. Ferner states that the merino they use is 100% from mulesing-free farms, and it is labelled Superwash. Care instructions on the piece still take priority.
Why does mohair shed a few fibres at first?
The fine, fluffy surface of a new mohair knitpiece can release loose fibres at the beginning. That is normal for this kind of yarn and does not mean it is damaged.
Care
Do I wash wool after every wear?
No. Wool takes on odours slowly. Airing the piece for a few hours, or overnight, in a well-ventilated place is often enough. Small marks can often be treated locally.
Which detergent should I use?
A mild wool detergent, used sparingly. No regular or colour detergent, no softener, no bleach. For our own pieces we use Sonett wool care. The care label always overrides general advice.
Machine or hand wash?
Whatever the label allows. If machine washing is permitted, use a wool or hand-wash cycle, cold or at 30 °C at most, at 400 to 600 spins. Turn the piece inside out and do not overfill the drum. Do not wring knitwear, and do not tumble dry it.
How do I dry a knitpiece?
Flat, on a towel, eased back into shape — not on a hanger or a line, because wet knit will stretch. No direct sun, no radiator. Light creases can be softened with a steamer held at a distance, if the label allows steam.
The atelier
Where is Atelier 3K made?
In Freiburg. Three women from three generations design and make every piece themselves, from the first design to the last stitch.
Are there knit kits, or an archive?
Knit Kits and the Archive are not here yet — those pages are marked coming soon. The Journal keeps growing. All about Knitting will follow.
How do I reach you?
By email at info@atelier3k.de, through the contact form, or on Instagram at @atelierdreik.