Most pattern instructions tell you to print, don’t print to scale, and then you assume your pattern has printed correctly. Don’t be so sure! There are some pitfalls you may be falling into unwittingly! Check out our tips for printing accurately.
1. Do NOT print from Mac Preview
Do you own an apple computer? If you open a PDF document it usually opens in Mac Preview by default. Do not print from there! Unfortunately, there is a good chance that 90% of your pattern will print accurately and one or two pages will be slightly off in scale.
2. Print from Adobe Acrobat Reader
This is a free program. You can download it here.
3. Do NOT scale. Print at 100%
This is self explanatory if you’ve printed a pattern before but if you’re asking someone else to print for you I guarantee you’ll need to mention this part. Not that I have personal experience with that or anything.
4. Double check to make sure it printed correctly.
Most PDF patterns have a box on the first page of the pattern that you can measure to see if the pattern printed correctly. Please do yourself a favor and measure that box!
5. Troubleshoot
Your pattern hasn’t printed correctly? The problem could be with a new Adobe update. Sometimes checking or unchecking the “Choose paper source by PDF paper size” box can change the paper size. Check to make sure your paper says it is 8.5 x 11 inches.
Following these steps should yield you an accurately printed PDF pattern. Now get to sewing!