How to Print PDF Patterns

Today is the day! We are doing a deep dive into printing PDF Patterns and alternatives.

Keep Reading to Learn:

• How to Accurately Print PDF Patterns

• Printing Alternatives if you don’t have a home printer

• Tips and tricks to make it go faster!

Welcome to the world of PDF patterns. Gone are the day of delicate tissue paper patterns that rip easily and no matter how hard you try to fold them neatly, they will never go back into the envelope they came in.

PDF sewing patterns are a convenient easy-to-use option. But to use them you have to first print them off.

Most PDF Patterns will come with printing instructions - often in the first few pages of the instructions or as a separate “read first file”. Be sure to read the pattern printing instructions and follow these steps accurately.

1.The most important step to getting an accurate print is to print the first page - also known as the test page. There will be a measurement square that you need to measure to make sure it is printing accurately.

If your measurement square is not measuring correctly make sure you have done the following:

• Printed at 100% and/or selected “no scaling”

• Selected the correct paper size - for US select Letter size, and for all other select A4. You want the paper size selected on your print dialogue box to match the paper you are printing on.

• Used the correct file size. Choose “print at home”, OR if given the choice between A4 and Letter - for US select Letter size, and for all other select A4

After you check for size accuracy, you can then proceed to print the rest of the pages.

2. Now that you have printed off your pages it is time to paste them together. In order to accurately paste them together you will want to cut off the right and bottom margin. Each page should have a bounding box. Trim off this margin with scissors, or fold them under.

You can then match up the edges, the alignment square, and tape your pattern together. It is easiest to do this in rows and then connect each row together at the end.

And there you have it! Pasting together a pdf pattern is like a simple puzzle. It just takes a bit of time.

But what if you dont have a home-printer? What are your options then?

1. Check to see if your work place has a printer that you can use and they are ok with you using for personal purposes

2. Check out your local library - many libraries have low-cost printing available.

3. Use the copy-shop file and pay to get your pattern printed. There are many printers out there that can print an A0 size pattern. Here are a few options to get you started.

• Local printers - look for local printers in your area that can print A0 or “architectural prints”

• Fedex

• PDF Plotting

• Blackbird Fabrics

• Ewe Fibers

• Electric Sheep Makerspace

• Tape Free Patterns

And finally here are our best time-saving strategies to using PDF patterns

1. Use a paper cutter for trimming pages in bulk. This is the one I use. I like that the blades are easy to replace, and its small and easy to store.

2. Opt to print A0. Like we previously mentioned - Printing A0 takes the hassle out of printing and pasting each page together.

3. Print only the sizes you need. When cutting out your pattern - this will make it much easier to know what line to cut on. You will need to open your file in Adobe Acrobat and deselect the sizes you don’t need. Check to see if you can skip printing any pages! If you print a smaller size, chances are you can skip printing a few pages.

4. Use a projector - no printing necessary. Check out this blog post here (COMING SOON!) where we talk in-depth about projector sewing!