Printing a pattern at full size (A4)
The pattern is calculated to your measurements — now you just have to print it right. One wrongly set box and everything is 3% off. Here's how to get a pattern at the right size, every time.
The app generates a PDF of your pattern, calibrated to the centimetre on A4 paper that you print at home. No sheets to buy, no giant photocopier: just your office printer. But home printing has a well-known trap — automatic scaling. Here's how to avoid it.
1. Print at 100% (the setting that matters)
In the print dialog box, look for the scale option and set it to 100% or 'Actual size'. Above all not 'Fit to page', 'Shrink to fit' or 'Fit': these options shrink the pattern by a few percent to leave a margin, and throw everything off.
Print the first page only first, to run your scale test. No point wasting ten sheets before you check.
2. Check with the test square
Each sheet contains a test square (often 5 × 5 cm) printed along with the pattern. Once the page comes out, measure this square with a ruler:
- It's exactly the stated size → your scale is good, you can print the rest.
- It's a little smaller → the printout has been reduced. Go back to the settings, turn off any scaling, and start again.
This ten-second check saves you from cutting out a whole garment at the wrong size. Never skip it.
3. Assemble the pages
For the large pieces, the pattern is spread over several sheets, with assembly markings (lines and marks at the edge of the page). The method:
- Lay the pages out in order, following the markings.
- Overlap or butt the marks from one page to the next.
- Tape them, then cut out the piece once the assembly is complete.
Trimming the edge of each sheet a little (the white margin) helps to line things up neatly, but it's not compulsory if you overlap by transparency.
4. From paper to fabric
Once your paper pieces are ready, pin them onto the fabric along the grain, transfer the markings, and cut. You can then follow the assembly steps with peace of mind: you know the dimensions are right.
Small patterns, great comfort
Some simple models (accessories, covers) fit on very few pages, or even a single one — assembly is then trivial. That's one more reason to start there if you're a beginner: you focus on the sewing, not on gluing paper.
If in doubt
A sheet that looks odd, a marking you don't understand? Ask me in the app: I know which pattern you're printing and I can explain the assembly of that specific model. Better one question too many than one cut too far.