Your Guide to Using PDF Sewing Patterns

Welcome to the world of PDF sewing patterns! If you're used to paper patterns, digital patterns might seem a bit mysterious at first. Don't worry—we're going to walk you through everything you need to know to get started.

Downloading Your Pattern

Once you've purchased your pattern, you'll receive a download link (usually via email).  Click the link and save the ZIP folder to your computer. Find it in your downloads folder, then right-click and select "Extract All" (Windows), or double-click to unzip (Mac). Or, open the ZIP folder and select the files inside, and move them to the folder you want to store them in (i.e. "copy" and "paste" the files you want to the location you want to have them on your computer).  

What's Inside Your Pattern Folder?

When you open your pattern folder, you'll see a few different files (see last image above). Here's what each one is for:

• A0 Copy Shop File - This version is formatted for large-format printing on A0-sized paper (a typical paper size in Europe and other places in the world, though US copy shops should be able to print this size). If the pattern pieces are small, we sometimes use an A1 sheet, so you may see files with A1 instead of A0.  This size can also be printed at a copy shop or print shop that does wide format printing. And sometimes, we combine the A0 and 36in files (see below) because they end up fitting the same pattern pieces.  We try to make it so that you are not going to have to print more, or larger, sheets than needed, so you save money.
• 36in Copy Shop File – This version is formatted for large-format printing on 36” wide paper, which is typical in the US.  Send or take this file or the A0 (or A1) file to a print shop if you want your pattern printed on big paper with no taping required!  
• Print at Home Tiled File - This is your tiled version for printing on your home printer on regular 8.5×11" or A4 paper. We'll focus on how to use this version below.
• Projector File - If you have a projector setup for tracing and cutting patterns, use this file. Our projector files have layers for sizes and for a scale grid (in 4” and 10cm), so you can set up your projector scale easily.  These layers can be turned off.
• Instructions - Your step-by-step cutting and sewing instructions with all the details you need to make your project.

Considerations for Printing

Many Green Pepper patterns don’t have a lot of pages to print, so printing at home may be a quicker and easier (and cheaper) option. See below for printing at home. But, if a pattern has over 10 to 12 pages, you might consider sending the copy shop files to a copy or print shop to have printed.  This usually costs $4-9 (USD).  Our A0 and 36” wide files have scale boxes to make sure they are printed correctly.  And, all our patterns files are layered by size, so you can turn off the sizes you don’t want to have printed before printing. This is a personal preference, and not all print shops may be able to accommodate a request to turn off layers of sizes. But if they can, it can make using the pattern a little simpler.  To send your pattern to a printer, you can often email the file or upload the file via a link on the print shop's webpage.  You can always call the company to ask about the best way to do that.  Also, Folkwear, will print PDF patterns for anyone and mail them to you.

Layered Files.  Other than our one-size patterns, all our patterns are layered by size, so you can turn off the layers you don't want to print.  You don't have to do that, of course, but it is an option.  To turn off layers, look for the "Layers" icon on the right (usually the second from the bottom - it looks like two layers of paper (but so do several other icons).  When you open the layers, you will see small boxes with an eye inside the box beside each layer.  To hide a layer, you click on the box so the eye disappears.  Then the layer is hidden (not seen).  So, to print a size Small, for instance, you would hide all the layers for other sizes.  However, don't hide layers that say things like "Text" or "All Sizes", or layers that are not labeled (these often have page formatting in them).  You will need those layers to see the grainlines, label information, etc.

Printing Your Print-at-Home Pattern

This is where the magic happens! Here's how to print your tiled pattern correctly:

Step 1: Check Your Print Settings

• Open the Print at Home PDF file. When you go to print, make sure these settings are correct:  Page Scaling: None (or "Actual Size" or "100%") - This is the most important setting! If you print at "Fit to Page," your pattern pieces may be the wrong size.
• Orientation: Portrait (most printers will do this automatically)
• Paper Size: Letter (8.5×11") or A4, depending on your location

Step 2: Print a Test Page First

Before printing all the pages, print just page 1. Every pattern has a test square—it should measure exactly 2 inches × 2 inches (or 5.08cmx5.08cm). Use a ruler to measure it.

If your test square is the right size, you're good to go! If not, double-check your scaling settings and try again.  Weirdly, we have found that some printers print the correct size when you use the “Fit to Page” setting. You might have to choose to print at a scale of 100%, or a "Fit to Page" scale.  

Step 3: Print All the Pages

Once your test square is correct, print the remaining pages. You might want to print only the size you need if the pattern includes multiple sizes.  Our patterns are layered by size, so you can turn off the layers you don’t want to print (see information above). And you can decide if you want to print all the pieces of a pattern, or just the pieces you want/need. Check the layout on the first page to determine which pages you might not want to print.

Taping Your Pattern Together

Now for the fun part—creating your full-sized pattern! Here's the easiest way:

What You'll Need:

• Scissors or a paper trimmer
• Clear tape or a glue stick
• A large flat surface (your floor works great!)
  

The Process:

1.    Trim the margins - Each page has a border that needs to be trimmed off. You can cut off all four sides, or just trim the top and right or left margins and overlap the pages. Either way works—it's personal preference!

2.    Layout your pages - Look for the page numbers printed on each sheet (in the top right corner). Start with page 1 and lay out your pages in order like a grid. Refer to the layout of the pages on page 1 to show how the pages are ordered.

3.    Match the alignment marks - Each page has diamond marks along the edges. These should line up perfectly with the marks on adjacent pages. This is your guide for accurate placement.

4.    Tape as you go - Start from one corner and work your way across and down. Tape the pages together. You don't need to tape the whole edge—just enough to keep things secure.  Some people prefer to use a glue stick for this instead of tape. Either is great!

5.    Cut out your pattern pieces - Once everything is taped together, cut out the size you need following the lines for your size. Or, as we prefer, trace the pattern on tracing paper (Folkwear sells a great Swedish tracing paper that is wonderful for this purpose).

Pro Tips for Success:

• Take your time with alignment - Those little marks are there for a reason! Matching them carefully ensures your pattern pieces are accurate.
  
• Use a flat surface - Your dining room table or clean floor is perfect for laying everything out.
  
• Keep your original PDF - You can always print it again if needed! Many sewists print patterns multiple times in different sizes.
  
• Consider a copy shop - If taping isn't your thing, the copy shop file is worth the small printing fee for the convenience of full-size pieces.
  

You're Ready to Sew!

That's it! You now have a full-size pattern ready to use just like a traditional paper pattern. Lay it on your fabric, cut, and start sewing. Don't forget to read through your instructions before you begin.

Happy sewing! If you have any questions, we're always here to help.  Send us an email anytime at info@thegreenpepper.com.