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If you’ve ever used a PDF sewing pattern, I’m sure you’ve seen a 1-inch square (sometimes 2, 3, or 4 inches) somewhere on your pattern. It is there to ensure that you have printed out your pattern to the right scale.
You’re supposed to use a ruler to check and make sure your square is the right size. I suggest you print out the test page with the 1-inch square on it first to check before printing out your entire PDF pattern and wasting paper…
Getting that 1-inch square to be the right size is crucial to getting a garment to fit properly. If your square is off, even a little, do not cut into your fabric! A square that is 1/8” off might not seem like a lot, but when you think about it, that is 1/8” shorter for every inch on your pattern. So, if your waist is 32 inches, your pattern would only be 28 inches when cut out. Those 4 inches make a huge difference!
So, what do you do if the 1-inch square on your pattern is not right?
Printer Settings for PDF Patterns
First, go to your printer settings and ensure the scale is set to 100% or (None). Then, make sure that you do not have the box checked for “fit to page.” This will solve your 1-inch square scale problems in most cases… You might have to check these settings every time you go to print a PDF sewing pattern unless you set them as your default.
Of course, all printers are a little different and you might see different printer settings. Also ensure that your printer properties match the type of paper you are using. The document should say 8.5”x11” and “portrait/landscape.” You should also deselect “choose paper source by PDF page size” if you see that option.
Another possible reason that your 1-inch square could be off is if you are trying to print from a browser window. In this case, you might not have many printer settings to choose from. If possible, download Adobe Reader to print your PDF sewing patterns — it’s free. Most pattern designers use Adobe products to create patterns, so you’ll have the best luck when you use Adobe Reader. You can have the same problem when printing from your phone.
Other Pattern Printing Options
If you still can’t get your 1-inch square to be the right size after trying everything in this post, you do have other options… You could get the AO copy of your pattern printed at a copy shop or online from a website like PDFPlotting.com. This is a good option when you want to print a PDF pattern that is 60+ pages long anyway because you’ll save tons of paper and ink and you won’t have to tape all the pages together yourself. AO paper is 36”x48”. Most indie pattern companies include these files with your pattern so that you can use a copy shop. If you do go to a copy shop to get your pattern printed, make sure to check the 1-inch square while you are there!
Another option is to get a projector for your sewing room so that you don’t have to print out your patterns at all. Projectors for sewing patterns are trending because of the convenience they offer. After some quick calibrations to ensure your 1-inch square is correct, you can simply project the image of your pattern onto your fabric and then cut out your project. Many indie pattern companies are starting to include projector files with their patterns. Of course, you can make any pattern a projector file with a program like PDF Stitcher.
I can’t emphasize this enough: CHECK YOUR MEASUREMENT SQUARE! It really does matter…
I love PDF sewing patterns. You can find modern patterns for practically anything you want to sew. If you’re looking for new sewing patterns, check out our Massive List of Indie Pattern Companies!
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