You've bought your digital pattern, you have it on your computer and now comes the moment that makes everyone slightly nervous: printing it. Relax, it's easier than it looks, and if you follow these steps in order you won't go wrong.
Because here's the key: a badly printed pattern ruins the whole project, however beautifully you sew. If the scale isn't exact, the sizes won't match and the garment won't fit.
What you need
- The PDF file of your pattern.
- A home printer (for A4 or US Letter) or a nearby print shop (for A0).
- Paper, scissors or a craft knife, tape or a glue stick.
- A ruler to check the scale.
Step 1: choose the right format
Most digital patterns come in several files, one per format. Choose according to how you're going to print:
- A4: the standard European sheet. For printing at home.
- US Letter: the standard in the US and much of the Americas. Also for home.
- A0: poster format, very large. For printing at a print shop with a plotter, with almost no assembly.
If you're in Spain or Europe, your option for home is A4. If you'd rather not tape sheets together, go for A0.
Step 2: turn on only your size (if the pattern has layers)
Many digital patterns include layers : a PDF feature that lets you show or hide each size.
Open it in a PDF reader (Adobe Acrobat Reader is the most reliable for this), look for the layers panel and turn off every size except yours. You'll print a much cleaner pattern, with no overlapping lines. A relief, especially if you're starting out.
Not sure which size you need yet? Check before printing in our guide on how to choose your size in a pattern.
Step 3: set the printing to actual scale (the critical step!)
This is the most important step of all. In the print window, look for the scale options and make sure you select:
✅ "Actual size"or "Scale 100%"
❌ NEVER "Fit to page", "Shrink to fit" or "Fit to printable area"
If you leave the automatic adjustment on, the printer shrinks the pattern by a few millimetres "so it fits". It seems like nothing, but it's enough for the sizes to stop being exact and for the garment not to fit you.
Extra tip: always print from a PDF reader (such as Adobe Acrobat Reader), not from the browser. Browsers handle scaling less reliably.
Step 4: check the calibration square
Before wasting paper printing the whole pattern, do this check. Almost all patterns include a calibration square (or test square) on one of the first pages.
1. Print only that page.
2. Measure the square with a ruler.
3. Check that it matches the stated measurement (for example, 10 × 10 cm).
- If it matches: perfect, print the rest with confidence.
- If it doesn't match: check the scale settings and try again. Don't go on until it's right.
This one minute of checking saves you having to start from scratch.
Step 5: print the whole pattern
With the scale verified, print all the pattern pages. A couple of recommendations:
- Print single-sided.
- Check that the pages come out numbered, because you'll need that to assemble them in order.
- If the pattern includes instruction pages, you can print them separately or read them on screen and save paper.
Step 6: assemble the sheets
Now for the jigsaw, which is more fun than it sounds. Each sheet has registration marks on the edges (lines, triangles, letters or numbers) that must line up with those on the neighbouring sheet.
1. Sort the sheets following the numbering or the assembly map that usually comes with the PDF.
2. Trim or fold the excess margins, normally along the marked line (only two sides of each sheet: that way one overlaps the next).
3. Line up the marks on one sheet with those on the one beside it.
4. Stick them down with tape or a glue stick.
Work row by row: assemble the complete horizontal rows first and then join them together. It's much easier than going sheet by sheet at random.
Step 7: cut out your pieces
With the pattern assembled, find the cutting line for your size (or the combination of sizes you're going to use) and cut out each piece.
Before touching the fabric, check that you've correctly identified the markings: grainline, notches, darts… If any of them are unfamiliar, we have a complete dictionary in our article on the symbols of a pattern.
How to print A0 at a print shop
If you choose A0, the process is even simpler:
1. Send the A0 file to the print shop (by email or on a USB stick).
2. Ask them explicitly to print it at actual scale, without reducing or fitting. It's essential to make that clear.
3. Collect your printed pattern: it comes on one or a few large sheets, almost ready to use.
4. Check the calibration square when you pick it up, too.
You save all the assembly, in exchange for a trip to the shop.
Common problems and how to solve them
The calibration square doesn't measure what it should. The scale is wrong. Check that it's set to "Actual size" or 100% and turn off any automatic fitting. Try printing from Adobe Acrobat Reader.
The marks on the sheets don't line up when assembling. It's almost always a scale error (go back to step 3) or you've trimmed the wrong margins. Only cut along the indicated lines.
Part of the drawing is cut off at the edges. Check that you're printing at 100% and that the selected paper size (A4 or US Letter) matches the file's and your printer's.
Frequently asked questions
Can I print a PDF pattern from the browser? Better not to. Browsers handle scaling unreliably and don't show layers. Use Adobe Acrobat Reader or another PDF reader.
What happens if I print with "Fit to page"? The pattern comes out a few millimetres smaller and the sizes stop being exact. The garment won't fit. Always print at 100% or "actual size".
How much paper do I need for an A4 pattern? It depends on the garment, but a dress pattern can take several dozen sheets. If assembling them feels like a chore, A0 at a print shop is your option.
Can I reprint the pattern if I make a mistake? Yes, and it's one of the great advantages of digital patterns: the file is yours, so you can reprint any piece as many times as you need.
Print with confidence
To sum up: choose your format, print at 100%, check the calibration square and assemble the sheets following the marks. That's all there is to it.
At BERA Patterns we prepare our digital patterns in several formats, with layers so you can print only your size, and video tutorials that walk you through every step. Take a look at our pattern collection and put your printer to the test with your next project.
