First, be sure to use ACROBAT READER to open your PDF sewing patterns. It’s free! It’s best to use the desktop version. The Acrobat APP is also available to open PDF files on your smartphone. However, the LAYER feature isn’t available on the app version.
Then, open your file and check on the left side of the screen for the LAYERS icon. Click on the icon and uncheck all the sizes you won’t need by clicking on the eye icon. This will hide anything located on the layer. If you just want to print in one size, it will clear the pattern so it’s easier to read.
Be sure to keep the eye icon on the “Pattern info”, “Markers” and “Grid” layers!
Now, click on the PRINT icon at the top of the screen. The print settings will appear, so check that the ACTUAL SIZE option is ticked, and that the orientation is set to default. Click on the PRINT button!
A 5 x 5 cm (and 2 x 2″) control square is provided so you can check that your pattern is true to size.
To ASSEMBLE the A4-Letter format, cut each sheet along the bottom and right margins.
Then, tape them together matching the corresponding markers.
Cut along the pattern outlines. If you have multiple sizes, check the size key to identify the outline of the chosen size.
WANT TO SKIP THE ASSEMBLING PART? Try PDF stitcher, a free online app that allows you to stitch PDF sewing patterns into a larger format. You can then send this file to your local print shop and skip the assembling part! Check for our tutorial on how to use PDF Stitcher here. You may also use this app to make a projector file to skip the printing part completely. I’m not very familiar with this method, so I invite you to check this tutorial by Professor Pincushion.
Troubleshooting
Print as image
If the pattern doesn’t print correctly, you can try to print it as an image. To use this quick fix, open the print dialog box (file > print). Then, click on the “advanced settings” option, and check “print as image”.
Test square
When the test square doesn’t measure as indicated, you need to go back to verify your print settings. But first, ensure that you measured your test square with a sturdy ruler, not a measuring tape.
Then, open the print dialog box (file > print) and verify that “ACTUAL SIZE” is ticked OR that the scale is set to 100%. Check also the page setup. The “page setup” button is located in the bottom left corner. Once you click on the button, another dialog box will open, and you will be able to select A4 or Letter, in the top drop-down menu. Print again with your new settings and measure the test square again.
You can also try the “print as image” quick fix mentioned above.