5 Reasons Why You Should Try PDF Sewing Patterns

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I’ve been using PDF sewing patterns for years… Some of my favorite patterns come from Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop and Ellie & Mac.

If you haven’t tried using these digital patterns yet, it’s time you give them a try. PDF sewing patterns have lots of advantages over traditional sewing patterns! I’ve outlined five of them below.

1. Convenience: Download PDF Sewing Patterns Instantly

Gone are the days when you had to drive to a fabric store, browse through the pattern catalogs, and then hope they had the pattern you wanted in stock…

Now, you can sit at your computer and easily download sewing patterns instantly. I love the convenience! Once you download a pattern, you simply print it on your home computer and assemble it for use right away. Of course, you can get your patterns printed on large AO paper at a copy shop, if you’re worried about wasting paper and ink.

Some indie pattern makers have even started including projector files, so you don’t have to print your patterns at all. Instead, you can use a projector and simply cut out the image that is cast onto your fabric. How cool is that?!?!

2. Cost: Get FREE PDF Sewing Patterns

Most PDF sewing patterns are cheaper than traditional, printed patterns. $6 seems to be the average price. However, I’ve also noticed that almost every indie pattern company offers a few FREE patterns. If you’re scared of wasting money, try a free pattern first, such as the Harper Cardigan from Sinclair Patterns.

Some fabric stores still run promotions where you can get sewing patterns for cheap, like $1 to $2 each. I definitely think you should still take advantage of those sales, but many indie pattern designers do the same thing… For Example, Ellie & Mac has become famous for their Wacky Wednesday sales!

3. Instructions: Video Tutorials

If you’re learning to sew, PDF sewing patterns will become your friend! The pattern instructions are easier to follow than the commercial patterns you get from a fabric store. Many often include video tutorials that walk you through the whole construction process, step by step.

Even if you can’t find a video tutorial for the pattern you want to sew, most PDF sewing patterns have picture instructions that are very detailed. I’m a major fan of Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop because their pattern instructions are written in a manner that someone who has never sewn before can follow, They have video tutorials, too.

4. Organization: Digital Files Vs. Paper Patterns

Whenever I tell my mom about some new sewing project I want to start, she says, “I bet I have a sewing pattern for that.” She’s probably right, but it takes forever to flip through all the paper patterns she has stored in boxes…

PDF sewing patterns are much easier to organize because they are digital files. You simply store them on your computer and print what you need. On top of that, if I lose one of my printed pattern pieces, I can simply print off a new one. I love that you can print out as many copies of your PDF sewing patterns as you want.

Also Read: How to Store PDF Sewing Patterns

5. Pattern Customization: Just Print What You Need

Another advantage to using printable sewing patterns is that you can just print the size you need and make pattern adjustments without worrying about ruining your original pattern. It is great to know that there is another copy saved on your computer if it is ever needed.

Most PDF sewing patterns have separate layers. This means you can choose to print just the one size you need. This not only saves on ink for your printer but also makes it easy to cut out your pattern without a ton of different lines intersecting and confusing you.

Here are some of my favorite indie pattern companies that use layers:

Also Read: Browse This Massive List of Indie Pattern Companies

Do you have a favorite company for PDF sewing patterns? We’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below.

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