inside: I get asked all the time how to use PDF sewing patterns. Downloading, Printing and Assembly are questions that you have all the time, so this posts sets out to answer all your pdf pattern questions. Get all the PDF details here.
**edited and republished from 2019**
What is a pdf sewing pattern? A pdf sewing pattern is a digital pattern that you have to download and print yourself. It is saved in the PDF format {a file format that provides an electronic image of text or text and graphics that looks like a printed document and can be viewed, printed, and electronically transmitted.} Read on to get all the details about this type of pattern.
How to Use PDF Sewing Patterns –
Not sure where to even find the free downloads? Here is a post/video specifically about access patterns in your account on my site..
First, let’s talk about WHY I love PDF patterns… There may be other reasons out there, but I love that they are instant… buy and download and sew immediately! If you don’t live near a store to buy patterns it doesn’t matter… The PDF designer market has also exploded, and now you can find nearly any style/size in a pdf sewing pattern.
I also love that you can print your pattern as many times as you want. I usually trace {as seen below} and only print the actual pattern once, but if you wanted to you could print and print and re-print as much as you wanted, whenever you were sewing the pattern. If you lose the paper – no worries, just print again! Most designers will also allow you to re download from their shop, so if your computer crashes you can re download all your pattern as well.
There are probably 20 other things I love about pdfs but for me, those are the top two. I also love that many pdfs are free and you can sew without spending a lot of money.
The video in this post will walk you through the entire process of how to use pdf sewing patterns. If any of this confuses you watch the video. {if you have an ad blocker on you will have to disable to see the video}
Where to find PDF sewing Patterns?
Many designers have a shop on their site… For example here is MY SHOP and here is the link to the Peek a Boo Pattern Shop. You can also find Patterns onEtsy or Blueprint {lots of free ones here too} There are great resources on facebook with sewing groups… I love the PDF Pattern Sales and Promotions Group as well as theFree PDF Sewing group.
Free vs Paid Patterns?? {you all know I LOVE my free pdf patterns!!} Here are my thoughts on free patterns…
Pros-
- Free!!
- You get a preview of how the designers makes patterns before you buy a pattern from the same designer
- Can test a style for very little investment
- Great for beginners who want to practice
Cons – {some of these may apply to some patterns, but often free patterns are amazing}
- limited sizes
- limited testing
- may have poor drafting
- directions not downloadable {like mine – you have to view the directions in a blog post}
- fewer options
What do you think? Pros and cons for free patterns? Let me know in the comments what you think.
How to Download PDF patterns-
When you find a pattern you want to download you need to follow the links to the checkout. Each site has a slightly different process, but I will walk you through the process here on my site… You will see a link that looks like this image..
Or it may just be text that is a different color. Like the red text below.. That is a link that will take you to either a post about the pattern or the actual pattern download. Sometimes its a couple of clicks/steps to get to the checkout. On this site you will be able to download some patterns straight from my shop and some will need to be downloaded from the blueprint site. If it is a free pattern you still have to “checkout” even though you will not be charged any money. For paid patterns you will be asked to enter your payment details at the checkout.
You can go back into your account on lifesewsavory.com and under your account see the orders or download tabs to re-download any of your purchased patterns. If you don’t see an e-mail after you checkout you can come back here to download {but also check your junk mail folder as that may be where it is}
How to print PDF sewing patterns –
Printing is probably the most important part of the whole pdf process. If you get it wrong the whole project will not turn out. Some printing tips –
- print from a laptop or computer, not a mobile device.
- Download and print from your computer based program, NOT a web browser version
- Use adobe acrobat for opening and printing for more accurate sizing. {it is a free download –you can get it here.}
- Only print the page that has the 1″ test square to start – measure before printing all the pages
- Print using the actual size or 100% settings
- Read the instructions carefully, sometimes you don’t have to print all the pages for your size/style.
When we moved I upgraded to a laser printer and WOW! Best decision ever!! Ink jet printers may be cheaper, but the ink runs out so fast and is pricey! My Brother Laser Printer is amazing and I’ve only replaces the toner once in two year and I print A LOT! Plus there are lots of options for toner and I adore the wireless printing!!
How to Assemble a PDF pattern –
We are getting closer to the actual SEWING! Let’s move onto the assembly process of a pdf pattern. Print all the pages you need {again – check the instructions to see if only partial printing is possible} Also, some patterns have layers which allow you to only print a single size.
After you have printed you will need to trim the border of the page {unless its a trimless pattern} I only trim one side of pages, then line up the diamonds.
Continue to put the rows and columns together. On the second row I trim the top and one side of each page.
Patterns usually include a layout guide so you can see what it will look like all taped together. Follow this guide when taping together.
Another personal preference… will you cut the size you need from the printed pattern OR will you just trace one size and save the print out? If I’m sewing for myself and know I will only ever need one size, I do often cut the paper. My backup is knowing that I can always go back and print again if I did need another size.
I use tissue for tracing if it’s a kid pattern and I know that I will be making many different sizes and don’t want to keep printing and taping.
Here’s the kind of tissue I buy… I only have to purchase every couple of years when I buy the big pack.
PDF instructions are also part of the package. All paid patterns and many free patterns come with the instructions as part of the download. The instructions can be photo steps or many designers use digital illustrations for the tutorial. You “can” print this part, but usually it is many many pages with photos and I just don’t want to use the ink for that. So I print the pattern pieces and then bring up the tutorial on my laptop or ipad to do the actual sewing. Of course, this is purely a personal preference and you can print or use a device to read the instructions.
Ideas for PDF pattern storage –
Now that you know how to print and use pdf patterns here are some ideas for storing those patterns. Store your pdf patterns and instructions on hangers. Print and tape the pattern together, then roll the entire sheet. Use filing cabinets with folders for your patterns and instructions. Use clear page protectors and large binders to organize your patterns. Use manila envelopes to keep all your pattern pieces and instructions together. You can even print and put a picture of the pattern on the front. Don't have enough patterns for a while file cabinet? Try just a desk top organizer. Gorgeous pattern organization with plastic bags, cardboard backing, plastic dividers and boxes. A bit more work up front, but amazing results. PDF pattern storage ideas
Hanging Storage for PDF Patterns
Roll your PDF Patterns
Filing Cabinet Organization
Binder Organization
Envelope Organization
File Organization
Organizing My Pattern Stash
Sewing Home Decor and Accessories
Jan Trom says
I’m trying to print in layers. I need a size 8 and would like to save ink by not printing sizes 2-6/7. Is this a pattern specific thing? Some patterns you can cut off sizes and others you can’t? I’m trying to print the knit romper for girls.
Margot says
Where is the printable pattern for the selling bag
Margot says
Where is the printable pattern for the sling bag
Nada Liberto says
Can not print free pajamas pattern. Stopa halfway. ???
Emily says
I don’t know why. Are you downloading first? Seems like a computer or printer error.
Helen Leeds says
I cant seem to get to the video toturial for the backpack/purse I just purchased. can you please help me?