PDF Patterns

Have you ever used a PDF pattern? At this point, Make It Sew carries only printed patterns in the shop (and that’s what we usually prefer using) but sometimes there’s a pattern out there in PDF form that we really want to make. 

Sometimes the PDF pattern is ONLY available for purchase as a PDF, like the awesome Muna & Broad line. Sometimes printed patterns are released first as a PDF—I’ve noticed this happening since the pandemic, when supply chain disruptions made it more difficult for companies to get their paper patterns printed—and customers may want to get a jump on the making before they can get a printed pattern.

Northwoods Dress PDF pattern

Here are some FAQs about PDF patterns.

• Can I print these at home?

You can print most PDF patterns at home on regular printer paper. Follow instructions closely—they will often alert you to print at 100% (as opposed to “fit to page”). Then you’ll have to assemble the sheets into one large sheet.

• That doesn’t sound very fun. Is there another way?

They can be printed on a large format printer, which you may have at home (or know someone who does); your local print shop or office supply store can often handle these; and there are online services that will print and ship. This is one option. 

• Then What?

Community Pants pattern

Proceed as you normally would. You may want to trace the pattern or just cut your size directly.

It can be tempting to choose a PDF pattern for it’s reduced (or free) price, but don’t forget to factor in either the cost in having it printed or the supplies and time involved in printing and assembling at home.

Happy sewing!