Having trouble assembling your tiled PDF pattern? Watch our step-by-step guide for clear instructions on printing, trimming and joining your pattern pieces.
Printing and assembling your PDF pattern
A PDF pattern lets you download your chosen design and prepare it for sewing at home. Print the tiled file on your home printer, or use the A0 or wide-format file with a copyshop or pattern-printing service.
If you’re new to PDF patterns, follow the steps below to get started.
Download and save your files
After placing your order, you’ll receive an email with links to your pattern files. Download and save them to your computer so they’re ready whenever you need them.
Check your download email for any link expiry details.
Choose your printing format
Print at home
The tiled file divides your pattern into smaller pages that you print on A4 or US Letter paper, then join together to create the full-size pattern.
Copyshop printing – A0 and Wide-Format Files
Our A0 and wide-format files are designed to be printed at a professional copy shop.
A0 files are formatted to print on A0-sized paper, which is widely available at most copy shops.
Wide-format files are designed to print on 91.44 cm (36″) wide paper, which is available at selected copy shops that offer wide-format printing.
Find a wide format pattern-printing service →
Before you begin
You’ll need:
- Your tiled PDF pattern downloaded and saved to your computer
- A desktop or laptop with Adobe Acrobat Reader – Free to download here
- A printer and A4 or US Letter paper
- A ruler
- Paper scissors or a paper trimmer
- Sticky tape or a glue stick
Keep your construction instructions and tile layout guide handy as you work.
Printing & Assembly
- Check your print settings
Open the saved tiled PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader and select Print.
Set the scale to Actual size or 100%. Do not select “Fit” or “Shrink oversized pages”, as these can change the size of your pattern.
Select the correct paper size and Auto portrait/landscape orientation. Print single-sided.
- Print the test square
Print only the page containing the test square first. Use the page number shown in your PDF viewer when selecting the page to print.
Measure the test square horizontally and vertically. Both measurements must be 10cm (3 15/16″) to ensure your pattern will print at the correct scale.
If either measurement is incorrect, adjust your print settings and test again before printing the remaining tiles. Accurate printing is essential to achieving the intended garment size.
- Arrange your tiles
Once the test square measures correctly, print the remaining pattern tiles using the same settings.
Set aside any instruction pages and refer to the tile layout (schematic) guide. Arrange the tiles in the order shown before joining them.
- Trim the edges
Trim along the tile border on one horizontal edge and one vertical edge, for example, the top and right edges.
Trim the same two edges on every tile. Leave the other edges in place so the adjoining pages can overlap.
- Match the markings
Overlap the trimmed edges onto the adjoining tiles. Align the small triangles and match their corresponding letters and numbers.
Check that the pattern lines continue smoothly across each join. Use the tile layout guide to confirm that each page is in the correct position.
- Join the tiles
Secure the tiles with sticky tape or a glue stick, keeping the pages flat and the markings aligned.
If using tape, start with small pieces to hold each join in place. Add more where needed, particularly within the pattern pieces and across joins that will remain after cutting.
Your pattern is ready
Cut out your required size, or trace it onto pattern paper if you prefer to keep the assembled sheets intact.
Tracing is optional, you can use the assembled paper pattern directly.
Need a hand?
If you’re having trouble printing or assembling your pattern, contact us with your pattern name and a photo or screenshot of the issue.