How to print PDF sewing patterns at home, step by step

Most printing problems come from one setting: the printer shrinking the page to fit. Set the scale to 100%, check the test square, then tape the tiles by their labels. Here is each step.

Before you print

Open the PDF in a proper PDF reader, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader or your computer's built-in viewer. Browser previews sometimes change the scale without telling you. Look for the page that has the instructions and the test square, and read it before you print anything.

Load plain printer paper. Standard paper is fine, and you do not need to buy anything special. Check you have enough ink and a few spare sheets of paper, since patterns often run to many pages.

The most important setting: print at 100%

When the print dialog opens, look for the scale option. It must say 100%, Actual size or No scaling. Never choose Fit to page, Shrink to fit or any automatic scale. If the pattern is shrunk even by a few percent, your finished piece will be the wrong size.

Also check the page size matches the one in the instructions, usually Letter or A4. Tiles are designed with margins, so most home printers cope well. Only change margin or borderless options if the pattern instructions say so.

Print the test square first

Almost every PDF pattern includes a test square, often 1 inch or 10 cm across. Print only that page first. Take a ruler and measure the square. If the sides match the stated size, the scale is right. If not, go back to the print settings and fix the scale before printing the rest.

This step saves paper, and it catches a wrong scale before you cut any fabric.

Print the whole pattern

Once the test square is correct, print all the pages. Keep them in order as they come out of the printer. Each page, or tile, will have a letter or number label showing where it fits in the layout. Often there is a small diagram showing how many tiles go across and how many go down.

Trim and tape the tiles

1. Lay the pages on a large flat surface, such as the floor or a big table, in the order shown in the layout diagram.
2. Match each tile by its letter or number label. Look for the small marks along the edges that show where pages meet.
3. Trim the margin on one side of each overlap, or fold it under, depending on the instructions.
4. Line up the printed lines of each tile so the pattern lines run straight across the join.
5. Tape the pieces together. Clear tape or paper tape is fine. Tape on both the front and the back if you want a strong sheet.

Work row by row, taping each row, then tape the rows together. That is easier than trying to join one big grid at once.

Choose your size and cut

When the tiles are joined, find the line for your size. Trace it with a colored pen to stay on track. Cut out the pieces. Check any notches and grain line arrows, and mark them clearly because you will need them while sewing.

A0 sheet at a copy shop

Some patterns come with an A0 file. This is one large sheet containing the whole pattern with no tiles. Many copy shops can print A0, usually on thin plotter paper. Take the PDF on a USB drive or send it by email. Ask them to print at 100% and, again, check the test square against a ruler when you collect it.

This option takes the taping out of the job, and it is very handy for large garment patterns.

Troubleshooting

• The test square is too small: the page is being shrunk. Choose Actual size.
• Edges are missing: your printer has hard margins. Check the pattern's printing notes and do not scale to fit.
• Pages do not line up: trim carefully along the edge and match the marks, not the paper edges.
• Lines are faint: switch to a higher print quality setting.

Storing your pattern

Once cut, fold each piece and keep it in an envelope with a note of the pattern name and size. You can always print again, but keeping the pieces together saves time when you come back to the project.

Make it with Sewzy

Every Sewzy pattern comes as a letter-size PDF for your home printer and an A0 file for the copy shop, so you can choose either way. The written guide in the app then takes you through the sewing one step at a time. Try it on a free beginner pattern like the Boxed Tote Bag or the Elastic-Waist Skirt. Get Sewzy on the App Store.

FAQ

What scale should I print a sewing pattern at?

100%, also called Actual size or No scaling. Never use Fit to page.

How do I know the pattern printed correctly?

Print the test square page first and measure it with a ruler. If the square matches the stated size, the rest will be right.

How do I join the pages together?

Lay them out in the order shown, match each tile by its letter or number label, line up the printed lines and tape them. Work row by row.

Can I print a pattern at a copy shop?

Yes, if the pattern includes an A0 sheet. Ask for 100% scale and check the test square when you collect it.