Printed vs. PDF vs. Projector Sewing Patterns: Which Is Best?

Sewing patterns have come a long way! Gone are the days when a trip to the fabric store was the only way to find something worth sewing.

I still use my favorite printed patterns from Simplicity, Butterick, and Vogue, but I've become a huge fan of indie pattern designers who sell online. Some of my favorites are Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop and Ellie & Mac Patterns. The variety of modern, stylish designs you can find from indie designers is honestly unmatched.

There are now three main types of sewing patterns: printed, PDF, and projector. Each has its advantages and trade-offs depending on your setup and sewing style. Here's a breakdown of all three!

Printed Patterns

Printed patterns are the traditional option. They come in a paper envelope with tissue-like pattern pieces and a folded instruction sheet inside. You can buy them online, but most people pick them up at a local fabric store. I try to wait for sales at Hobby Lobby, where patterns often go on deep discounts.

Pros:

• Many fabric stores have large pattern catalogs you can browse in person, which makes it easy to find exactly what you're looking for.

• The tissue paper is easy to pin directly to your fabric.

Cons:

• Once you cut out a size, that size is gone unless you traced it first. My workaround is to cut out the largest size and fold down the edges to the size I need. It's not ideal, but it preserves all the sizes for future use.

• Multiple sizes printed on the same sheet can make it really hard to tell one cutting line from another.

• The instructions tend to be text-heavy with minimal pictures, which makes them tough for beginners to follow.

• The tissue paper tears easily, especially after a few uses.

PDF Patterns

PDF patterns are downloaded as a digital file after purchase. Most pattern designers include both an A4 file (sized for standard 8.5"x11" paper) and an A0 file (a large-format version for printing at a copy shop or through a service like PDFplotting.com). You can view the instructions on your phone or computer without printing them, which I do regularly since the instructions can be quite long.

Pros:

• Instant access! You get your download right after purchase, no driving to the store or waiting for shipping.

• Most PDF patterns have separate layers, so you can select and print only the size you need. This saves ink and makes your pattern pieces much easier to cut out without a tangle of size lines everywhere.

• You can print the file as many times as you want for personal use. Lost a piece? Just reprint it.

• Instructions are usually much more detailed than printed patterns, often with step-by-step photos. Many include sew-along videos, which is incredibly helpful for visual learners.

• PDF patterns are usually cheaper than printed ones, and many indie designers offer free patterns so you can try before you buy.

Cons:

• Your printer settings must be correct. The scale must be set to 100% or the sizing will be off. Always print the test page first and measure the square before printing the full pattern.

• You have to tape the pages together before you can use the pattern, which adds time before you even start cutting.

• While the pattern itself is cheap or free, you're still spending money on paper and ink.

Also read: How to Store PDF Sewing Patterns

Projector Patterns

Projector patterns are the newest option, and I think they're more than just a trend. If a designer offers a projector file, it's usually included when you purchase the PDF version.

Here's how it works: you open the file in Adobe Reader, project it from a ceiling-mounted projector down onto your cutting mat, and cut your fabric directly from the projected image using a rotary cutter. No printing, no taping, no paper waste.

Pros:

• No printing or taping required. Once your projector is set up, you can go from purchase to cutting in minutes.

Cons:

• The initial setup takes time and effort. Your projector must be calibrated correctly and the document set to the right size. If anything shifts, you'll need to recalibrate.

• Not all sewing spaces can accommodate a ceiling-mounted projector.

• The upfront cost of a quality projector is a significant investment.

Read This Before Buying a Projector for Sewing Patterns

So Which Type Is Best?

Honestly, it depends on you and your sewing setup. Printed patterns are great for browsing in store and sewing the classics. PDF patterns are the most flexible and beginner-friendly option. And if you do a lot of sewing and want to eliminate the printing step entirely, projector patterns are worth the investment.

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Many sewists, myself included, use a mix of all three depending on the project!

What type of pattern do you prefer? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Related reading: 3 Machines You Need in Your Sewing Room (Beyond a Basic Sewing Machine)