New to the PDF pattern world but want to give it a try? Read on for some of our tips and advice, and details about how to use our pattern printing service! Check out our Sewing Pattern Resources page for a list of our recommended pattern designers to get you started.

So what is a PDF pattern exactly?

A PDF (Portable Document Format) or digital pattern is, at it's core, the same as a tissue printed pattern. The exact same pattern pieces that would be printed onto the tissue paper and folded up into an envelope are instead provided to you as a digital file, or PDF, to print with your preferred method. Nothing else is different, and PDFs contain all the same sizes and pattern markings as their tissue counterparts.

Why do we like PDF sewing patterns?

Deren, Jessamy, and Elise all prefer to work with PDF patterns for several reasons. PDFs allow for more flexibility when making adjustments. If you need to make a different size or want to hack or adjust your pattern, you can simply print it again. You don't have to worry about only having one chance to cut into your tissue, or spend lots of time tracing your pattern tissue onto different paper, you can just cut right into your printed PDF. Many PDF patterns also come "layered" which means that you can essentially toggle different size lines off and on, greatly simplifying the cutting process, especially for a more complex pattern with lots of different lines! If your pattern is layered, we recommend printing your size, along with the sizes above and below, to allow yourself room to make adjustments or grade between sizes if needed. Keeping a collection of PDF patterns on your computer is also much more efficient- instead of keeping track of lots of envelopes and hard copies of instructions, you can pull up all of your patterns and instruction files instantly. Most importantly, there is a whole world of newer pattern designers in the sewing world who are releasing their patterns only as PDFs, freeing up their need to sell physical goods to focus on designing more great patterns!

What comes with a PDF Pattern?

When you purchase a PDF pattern, you typically receive 3-4 types of files: 

1. Instructions
2. Print-at-home
3. A0 / Copyshop
4. Projector (this is a newer format and thus not as common)

It is our strong recommendation that once you purchase a PDF pattern, you should download it immediately, and save it in a folder on your computer or tablet where you know you can access it in the future. This way, when you are ready to sew, you have your files easily accessible and don't have to go looking for your pattern in your email or downloads folder! We do not recommend trying to download and save patterns on a phone, it is much easier on a computer or tablet.

You can open and view your pattern files in any pdf reader, such a preview, but we recommend downloading the free Adobe Reader, because it allows you to use all the features of your pattern. 

How to use each file:

• Instructions: Your sewing instructions come in a multi-page file, usually with detailed step-by-step sewing instructions and illustrations. Your instructions will also have information about using you pattern, as well as comprehensive sizing information and fabric requirements. We recommend keeping your instructions pulled up on a computer, tablet, or phone while you sew, or printing them on your home printer if you want a hard copy. We do not print instructions.
• Print-at-home: This format is designed to be printed on letter or A4 sized paper on your home printer, and then tiled together with tape or glue to create a really large sheet of paper. to work from. The Helen's Closet Blog has a really great tutorial for assembling patterns at home. We do not print "Print at Home" pattern files.
• A0 / Copyshop: This document format is designed to be printed on a large format printer or plotter. The pages typically measure 36" x 48", and most sewing patterns are 2-3 pages long. In some instances, patterns can be longer, and measure 36" x 96" for example, but that is less common. We can print A0 / Copyshop pattern files!
  
• Projector: The newest sewing pattern format, projector patterns don't need to be printed at all! Instead, sewists use a short throw projector to project the pattern lines directly onto the fabric for cutting. A good resource, if you are interested in learning about this method is, projectorsewing.com .

How do you get patterns printed at EWE Fibers?

Here at EWE Fibers we are happy to print your sewing pattern for you! This is a service we have been offering since 2021, and we love being able to print on demand! Please note, our printing service is intended as an accompaniment to fabric and notions purchases, we are not a large scale print shop. If you would like a large portion of your pattern catalogue printed, we encourage you to check out Pattern Printing Company for a more economical option.

If you would like to add printing of a PDF pattern to your order, Please follow the steps below:

1. Open your A0 / Copyshop pattern file and note how many pages it is. Patterns are usually 1-5 pages. If you are seeing a double digit page count, you may be looking at the print-at-home file!
2. Navigate to our PDF Pattern Printing Page, and select your page size (the A0 default is almost always the correct size), and select the number of pages in your pattern. We charge for printing by the page.
3. Type in the name of your pattern in the designated field.
4. Click the button that says "Click here to attach your large format file", and a dialogue box will open. select the pattern file from where you have saved it on your device, and click "open". Make sure to select only the A0 / copyshop file, not the entire folder of files. If you have ever attached a file to an email, you can do this, it is the same process!
5. In the text box below, please leave any additional comments such as a request to only print specific size layers. 
6. Add the pattern printing to your cart and proceed with checkout. If you want to print multiple patterns, you will need to repeat this process for each individual one.
7. If you are local to Charlottesville, we can usually have your pattern ready for pickup the same day, be on the lookout for a email notification when your order is ready for pickup. If we are shipping your order, our typical turnaround is 1-3 days to get your order in the mail.