Just downloaded one of our PDF sewing patterns and not sure where to start? This guide walks you through our files, step by step, from choosing the right file to a full-size paper pattern on your table.
Time 30–60 min
Level Beginner
Paper A4, US Letter or A0
Tools Scissors, tape, ruler
1. Choose the right folder
Every pattern comes in three folders. They contain the same pattern, laid out for different paper:
| Folder | Paper | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| A4 SIZES | A4 (21 × 29.7 cm) | Home printers in Europe, Africa, Asia and most countries |
| US LETTER SIZES | US Letter (8.5 × 11 in) | Home printers in the US and Canada |
| A0 SIZES | A0 (84 × 119 cm) | Copy shops, large-format printers and projectors |
2. Open the file for your size
Inside each folder there is one PDF per size, for example SIZE 00 to SIZE 22 for our women’s patterns. Size ranges change from one pattern to another: kids’ patterns, for example, use their own sizes. Find your size in the sizing chart on the pattern page (not sure? read how to choose your size), then open only that file. You print just your size, so there are no extra lines to follow.
Open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader (free, desktop version). Browsers and phone apps often shrink pages to fit, which changes the scale without warning.
Between two sizes? Choose by the measurement the pattern recommends (for example hips for pants and shorts, bust for tops and dresses). You can also print both files and blend from one line to the other.
3. Know what’s inside the file
Every size file follows the same order, so you always know where to look:
- Page 1: the calibration test page, with a 4 × 4 in box and space for notes.
- Page 2: seam allowance, the list of pattern pieces and how many of each to cut, and the pattern measurements.
- Page 3: the layout map, showing how all the pages fit together.
- Page 4 onwards: the pattern pages.
4. Print page 1 and check the scale
Print only page 1 first, with these settings:
| Setting | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Pages | 1 | Test the scale before using all your paper |
| Size / Scale | Actual size or 100% | “Fit” or “Shrink” makes the pattern smaller |
| Paper | The same as your folder | A4 file on A4 paper, Letter file on Letter paper |
| Two-sided | Off | Pages are taped side by side |
Measure the box with a ruler. It must be exactly 4 × 4 in (101.5 mm) on each side.
Even 2–3 mm off will add up across the pattern and change the fit. Fix your settings before going on: see the troubleshooting table below.
5. Print the pattern pages
Once the box is right, print from page 4 to the last page with the same settings. You don’t need to print pages 2 and 3, but keeping page 3 (the layout map) next to you makes the next step easier.
Longer garments like maxi dresses can have many pages. If that’s the case, the A0 file can save you a lot of paper and tape (see below).
6. Lay the pages out in rows
Each pattern page has a number in the corner, like 3/2. The first number is the column and the second is the row. Group the pages by their second number: row 1 is 1/1, 2/1, 3/1 and so on, row 2 is 1/2, 2/2, 3/2. Use the layout map on page 3 to check your arrangement.
7. Cut and tape
- Cut off the right edge of each page along the dashed line. Don’t cut past the dashed line, or the pages won’t line up.
- Place page 1/1 over page 2/1, overlapping the right edge. Match the corners and crosses, then hold it with a pin or a small piece of tape.
- When everything lines up, tape the full join. Finish the whole row the same way.
- Build each row, then join the rows together, matching the corners and crosses along the edges.
Tip: work on the floor or a large table, and tape row by row. Small errors are easier to spot and fix before the rows are joined.
8. Cut out your pattern pieces
Cut along the pattern lines. Check page 2 for the list of pieces and how many to cut of each, then transfer all the markings: grainline, notches, fold lines and dots. Write the pattern name and size on every piece.
Printing the A0 file
In the A0 SIZES folder, pages 1 to 3 are the same A4 information pages, and page 4 onwards are full A0 sheets. Print page 1 at home to check your size details, then send the file to a copy shop and ask them to print from page 4 to the end on A0 paper at 100% scale. No cutting or taping needed. The A0 file also works with a sewing projector.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | How to fix it |
|---|---|
| The box is smaller than 4 in | Scale was set to “Fit” or “Shrink”. Choose “Actual size” or 100% and print again. |
| The box is a few mm off | Your printer may be scaling. Turn off “Borderless” or “Scale to paper” in the printer’s own settings. |
| Pages print blank or lines are missing | In Acrobat Reader, open Advanced in the print window and tick “Print as image”. |
| The lines don’t meet at the joins | Make sure you cut the right edge only, exactly on the dashed line, and that the crosses overlap. |
| I can’t tell which page goes where | Read the numbers as column/row, and compare with the layout map on page 3. |
Questions
Which folder should I use?
Use the folder that matches the paper in your printer: A4 SIZES for A4 paper, US LETTER SIZES for Letter paper. Use A0 SIZES only for a copy shop or a projector.
Do I need a color printer?
No. Black and white works fine, since each file contains only one size.
Can I use the pattern again in another size?
Yes. Just open and print the file for the other size. To keep your printed pattern safe, you can also trace it onto pattern paper.
Ready to sew? Browse our sewing patterns and pick your next project.