What to Do If the 1-Inch Square on Your Pattern Is Not Right

If you've ever used a PDF sewing pattern, you've probably noticed a small square somewhere on the pattern pages. It might be 1 inch, 2 inches, or sometimes even 4 inches. That little square is there to confirm that your pattern was printed at the right scale, and checking it before you cut into your fabric is one of the most important things you can do.

Seriously. Do not skip this step!

Why the Test Square Matters So Much

Here's the thing: a square that is off by even 1/8 inch might not seem like a big deal, but think about what that means across an entire pattern piece. That's 1/8 inch for every single inch. So if your waist is 32 inches, your pattern would actually cut out at only 28 inches. Those 4 missing inches make a HUGE difference in fit!

My suggestion: always print the test page with the measurement square first before printing your entire pattern. That way if something is off, you haven't wasted a stack of paper and ink.

How to Fix Your Printer Settings for PDF Patterns

If your test square isn't measuring correctly, the fix is almost always in your printer settings. Here's what to check:

Set scale to 100% (or None). This is the most common culprit. Make sure your scale is not set to anything other than 100% or "None."

Uncheck "Fit to Page." If this box is checked, your printer will automatically resize the pattern to fit the paper, which throws everything off.

Check your paper settings. Make sure your printer properties match the paper you're using. The document should say 8.5"x11" and be set to either portrait or landscape as needed.

Deselect "Choose paper source by PDF page size" if you see that option. It can cause scaling issues too.

One more thing worth mentioning: if you're trying to print directly from a browser window, you might not have access to all of these settings. Download Adobe Reader instead (it's free) and print from there. Most pattern designers use Adobe products to create their patterns, so you'll get the best results that way. Printing from your phone can cause the same problem, so stick to your computer if you can.

You may need to check these settings every time you print unless you save them as your defaults.

Other Options If You Still Can't Get It Right

If you've tried everything above and the test square still isn't cooperating, don't give up! You have other options.

Get your pattern printed at a copy shop. Most indie pattern companies include an AO file with your pattern purchase, which you can take to a copy shop or upload to an online printing service like PDFPlotting.com. AO paper is 36"x48", which means your whole pattern prints on just a few large sheets instead of dozens of letter-size pages taped together. This is a great option for any pattern that runs 60+ pages because you'll save a ton of paper, ink, and time. Just make sure to check the measurement square while you're at the copy shop!

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Use a projector. Projectors for sewing patterns are really trending right now, and for good reason. After a quick calibration to make sure your test square is correct, you simply project the pattern image directly onto your fabric and cut. No printing, no taping, no paper waste. Many indie pattern companies are starting to include projector files with their patterns, and you can also convert any pattern into a projector file using a free program called PDF Stitcher.

I cannot emphasize this enough: CHECK YOUR MEASUREMENT SQUARE. Every single time. It really does matter!

I love PDF sewing patterns and use them almost exclusively. If you're looking for new patterns to try, check out my Massive List of Indie Pattern Companies!