Uploaded November 2023 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
I’m quickly covering how to ensure your PDF pattern prints correctly. Almost all sewing patterns have a test box (at least all mine do!) to verify your pattern pieces have printed the correct size so you can confidently cut into your good materials. PDFs are best printed using a program designed for them such as Adobe Reader (a free download on their website here: adobe.com/acrobat/pdf-reader.html) Once you’ve downloaded your pattern and saved it to your device, open the PDF in Adobe reader and hit “print”. Within this print box, you’ll need to unclick the “fit” box and either select “actual size” or type in “100%” and then make sure to select “auto” rotation. Now it’s safe to print. If you do not unclick the “fit”, a lot of printers will try try to force print the document within their page margins (in this example it’s 96%) which will make the pattern print out too small!
Continue watching and I’ll explain how to print larger and smaller to suit your needs as well.
I’m quickly covering how to ensure your PDF pattern prints correctly. Almost all sewing patterns have a test box (at least all mine do!) to verify your pattern pieces have printed the correct size so you can confidently cut into your good materials. PDFs are best printed using a program designed for them such as Adobe Reader (a free download on their website here: adobe.com/acrobat/pdf-reader.html) Once you’ve downloaded your pattern and saved it to your device, open the PDF in Adobe reader and hit “print”. Within this print box, you’ll need to unclick the “fit” box and either select “actual size” or type in “100%” and then make sure to select “auto” rotation. Now it’s safe to print. If you do not unclick the “fit”, a lot of printers will try try to force print the document within their page margins (in this example it’s 96%) which will make the pattern print out too small!
Continue watching and I’ll explain how to print larger and smaller to suit your needs as well.
