INTRO
All home printers are different and have their own individual settings, so we’ve put together a short guide that will help you ensure you print your patterns to the correct scale. If the pattern is printed at the wrong scale the basic block produced from it won’t fit.
ADOBE READER
Before you start, download Adobe Reader it’s not only free but it’s also the market leader and it will let you open, view and print your PDF patterns reliably.
PRINTING YOUR PDF PATTERNS
Once you’ve installed Adobe reader, go ahead and open up your PDF pattern. Next, select FILE > PRINT in the main menu to open up the print settings (top left on the menu bar).
Print settings
Choose the correct paper size from the drop-down list in the print dialogue box. Make sure the paper size you select here is the same as your PDF download. It will either be US Paper size, A4, A3, A2, A1 or A0.
Next, click the scale radio button and type 100% in the input box. Never scale to fit as this will warp the scale of your pattern. When you’re ready click print.
Scale
Making sure your pattern printed to the correct scale is a top priority and should be done before piecing your patterns together!
At the top of each printed page, you will find a scale: centimeters on the left and Inches on the right. To ensure your pattern has printed correctly, measure one of these scales using a ruler. If the measurement on your ruler matches the scale, then your pattern printed perfectly and you’re ready to start piecing your pattern together.
Page positioning
Individual pages are ordered using a simple grid. The top row of pages is labeled A. The second row B, the third C, etc. The first column is labeled 1, the second 2, the third 3 and so on. The amount of rows and columns depends on how big your pattern is. We use this grid to position the pages in the correct order. You can find the page number at the top of each page.
Trim your pages
Each page has a border, allowing your pattern to fit neatly within the your printers available printing area. However, this means you must trim the right side of each page so it will match neatly up with the next. Cut along the right hand edge of the document, marked by a thick line and a pair of scissors (bottom right edge). Make sure you don’t cut into the lines of the pattern or the registration marks.
Piecing together
Piece your pages together in sequence joining A1 to A2 then A2 to A3, etc. Make sure the + registration marks and pattern lines, line up correctly. Once in position sellotape them together. We found it easier to sellotape one at a time. For best results use Scotch tape. It’s less sticky than most sellotapes allowing you to remove it if you make a mistake.
Once you’ve completed the top row of pages start on the second, continuing this process until you complete all rows: A, B, C, etc. Finally, remove the bottom edge of each row, using the registration marks and pattern lines as a guide. Line the top row up with with the row below it and secure with sellotape.
Once you have stuck all your rows together you should end up with a finished pattern, similar to the one below.
