How To Print And Tile A PDF Sewing Pattern
A Step-By-Step Tutorial
In a world of instant solutions do you want to print out your pattern and get started right away?
I do! You can select which size to print too.
All our patterns are available as a PDF you can download on the spot! (And also as an A0 file that can be sent to a copy shop.)
You Will Need
A desktop printer.
Adobe Acrobat Reader, which you can download here for free.
A4 letter paper.
Paper scissors.
Sellotape, or clear magic tape.
A table top to lay out your pattern pieces.
Downloading Your PDF Pattern
1) Download your pattern using the link provided and save it to your computer.
2) Open the digital file for the pattern you’d like to print in Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can download the latest version here for free.
I wouldn’t try and print from Mac Preview or Windows PDF viewer. (See troubleshooting tips later.)
Choose The Sizes You'd Like To Print
You can select the sizes of the pattern you want to print. Check the size charts and garment measurements included in the pattern, you can print more than one size if you decide to grade between pattern sizes.
Click on the layers icon - it will either be on the right or left hand side of The window. If you can’t see it it may be hidden in the side bar, you’ll be able to find it by clicking on the arrow - see below.
When you click on the layer icon the pattern size layers appear.
All the pattern markings are locked in the layer that you LEAVE ON. Otherwise, you can select sizes to print by toggling the layers on or off - see arrow above. You should notice that the pattern lines for each size appear and disappear in the page preview as you switch them on and off.
Printing Your Pattern
When you are ready to print your pattern find the page that has the print test square. This is usually on page one for our patterns.
Check you have enough letter sized paper in your printer, either A4 or US Letter size.
Click on the print icon in the top row ( see arrow) and the print dialogue box should appear.
Check that the pattern is scaled at 100%, depending on your printer it might say:
Actual Size
Scaled at 100%
Custom Scale 100%
Turn off scaling
Selecting any of these options should print your pattern at the correct size.
Make sure that the “Choose paper source by PDF page size” is unchecked.
Measure the size of the test square. If it measures 10cm by 10cm you are good to go. If it doesn’t you’ll need to play about and adjust your printer settings.
If your test square measures correctly you can print out the rest of the pattern using the same settings that you selected. It’s always useful to make a note of these for future reference.
Cut away two sides of your pattern, one long side and one short side. I usually cut the right side and the bottom of each sheet. Cut just outside the printed line.
Assembling Your Pattern
In the pattern instructions there is a jpeg of the pattern print, ( see below) showing how it all fits together. The printed pattern for a camisole looks like this:
Lay out your pattern on your table, using this image to guide you. Match the diamond page markers along the sides of each sheet and the pattern lines.
Sellotape each piece in place. I find that placing a weight, or a book on the sheet that you are going to tape in place ensures that everything stays put and doesn’t move around before it’s secured.
It’s much easier to tape one sheet of paper at a time. I work across the pattern from left to right and then from top to bottom.
When you are happy that everything is assembled together correctly you can cut out your pattern pieces, using the sizes that you need. If you are planning to grade between sizes I would cut the pattern out roughly around the largest size first and plan your grading afterwards.
If your pattern is large you might need to do this as you go, however make sure that you have the complete pattern pieces close to it secured, otherwise you’ll end up with a “pattern jigsaw” to finish!
Keep the pattern key and size guides safe as you might need to refer to them later.
Et voila, you have your PDF pattern assembled and ready to go!
Troubleshooting
Make sure that you are using the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Ensure that you are not using another application to view the file, on a MAC this could be Preview and on a PC Windows PDF viewer.
Print from your saved file and not directly from your internet browser.
Double check that in your printer settings you have selected Actual size 100%
If the size of your test square is still causing problems click “Advanced Printer Settings” and then “Print as Image.”
If you have any questions please get in touch.
Happy sewing!
