PDF pattern tutorial.pdf

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A tutorial about using PDF patterns

SK Mascis/Ernie K Designs

You’ll need: A printer. Tape. A lot of room. A big tabletop to start.

I like to clear off the floor and get the cat out of the room.

Do a test print of the first page to make sure it’s the right size. Hopefully there’s a gauge or a little ruler

on that page, so you can measure it with a real ruler. The PDF format is supposed to make the pages

print at the precise full size of the original page, but if there’s a chance for error, error will occur.

Nothing quite as frustrating as printing out an entire pattern at the wrong size with a dying printer to

make you a believer in the rubric “measure twice, cut once”. If you are having problems, check your

printer page sizing (‘scale to fit printable area’ may be the problem).

Most (NOT ALL) patterns will lay out with the pages printed in “portrait” (taller) vs. “landscape” (wider).

They will overlap at the corners and have a mark to match up at each corner, and a key to get the pages

next to the right ones. You want to be sure about how this lays out before you start taping them down,

do a section to see if it makes sense to you NOW.

I print the blank pages. They will have the little targets in the corner and make it easier to get the whole

grid straight. It does seem like a waste of time and paper, but it’s a brain saver in the long run.

I like to put together sections on a table and then assemble the whole thing on the floor. Rectangular

locks of pieces are easier to get right than strips, and tabletops are shaped just right for that. After that,

if you have to, there’s always the floor, but my knees don’t like that much. This isn’t as easy as laying out

a professional paper pattern, but the convienience and cost savings shouldn’t be exceeded by drudgery

and frustration. If you buy a pattern that is one big field of pages, write the patternmaker and tell them

you need it in smaller chunks. Pattern companies print on paper sheets that will fit on a table. PDF

pattern makers need to be that kind of professional as well.

PDF tutorial p.2 SK Mascis / ErnieK Designs

Marks on the corners will help you line up the pages so they are in the right order and will line up

straight (this is where doing this in smaller blocks helps).

Pages A, B and C make up the top row; D, E and F the second. The exploded view of the corner of B

shows how the pages match up in the layout. The big dot is where the pages connect. You can see

where missing this information can lead to an oversized pattern which you will never be able to use.

It’s helpful to have a printed page showing how the whole pattern layout works. Remember the

comment about chances for error! As long as you know you’ve printed the pages full size and have a

target in the corners to line them up, it’s just a matter of trial and error getting them laid out and taped

up.

Patience! Good humor! You are entering the 21

century future of sewing, be proud!