Patterns
Our Favorite Way To Print PDF Patterns – No Taping Required!
Yes, You Can Avoid Taping — Print PDF Sewing Patterns in One Piece
In my last blog post, I introduced you to our pattern Resource Page, which includes links to our favorite pattern companies. Many of the patterns offered come in traditional paper form, but some are only available as PDFs. If you’re like me, you don’t relish the idea of taping the pages of a PDF pattern together – It’s time-consuming, tedious, and error-prone. By the time the pattern is assembled, your sewing time is gone—or your enthusiasm is.
Local Printing Options
Fortunately, you can skip the taping entirely. Most PDF patterns include A0 and copy-shop-size files that you can send to a local print shop or an online PDF printing service. Here in Missoula, Missoula Copy Center prints PDF patterns on single sheets of paper for less than $10. You might have a similar print shop in your area. When we have reached out to more corporate copy shops (ie, Kinko’s, Staples), they have quoted slightly higher prices.
Online Printing Options
You may feel nervous about sending the wrong file or about talking to the print shop staff who don’t know how to sew. Thankfully, some online printing shops specialize in printing PDF sewing patterns. Here are some with good reviews (I’m not including prices because the cost might change by the time you read this):
pdfplotting.com: Has two options for paper type: Standard computer paper (20 lb), or newsprint, which is lighter weight. Fast shipping.
patternprintingco.com: Woman-owned. Fast shipping.
theplottedpattern.com: Lower-priced. No minimum. Many paper sizes and types are available.
brooklynmotifprinting.com: Woman-owned. Offers discounts to members of Seamwork, Cashmerette, Closet Core Crew, Sew It Academy and Tauko.
tapefreepatterns.com: Woman owned. Offers A0 and booklet printing. Prints on non-woven interfacing.
All three websites have extensive FAQ pages that guide you through every step of the process.
Fabric Shop Options
Fabric shops definitely understand the needs of sewers who want to print PDF patterns. We found three that will print and ship PDF patterns.
boltfabricboutique.com in Portland, Oregon, will print and ship PDF patterns.
gorgeousfabrics.com in the Boston area will print a PDF pattern if you purchase fabric and notions.
wyldwoodcreative.com in Renton, Washington, will print and ship PDF patterns. They suggest purchasing additional items to save on shipping costs.
You may have a fabric shop that prints for local customers. Please let me know in the comments if you do, and where you live.
Skip the Taping
PDF patterns can be dozens of letter-sized pages. They have tiny alignment marks, and if you make a small alignment error, your entire pattern piece is out of whack. By the time fabric comes out, your energy is already drained. Printing your PDF pattern on one big piece of paper means no wasted time: Just a clean, flat pattern you can trace, adjust, and reuse. In my next post, I’ll show you how to trace a PDF pattern that has been printed on large-format paper.
Thanks, Kate.
I just purchased a PDF pattern with a jillion pages so this info helps a lot.
Karen Winther
So glad it is going to be helpful! Thanks for reading!
– Carly
This information is so needed! I struggle with the printing every time I download a PDF.
I will keep this link forever, Thank You!
Yay! I’m glad it’s helpful. Happy sewing!
Kate
I wish you included me in your review. I am a home sewist that runs a very small print shop catering to the home sewing community. I have a very loyal customer base who have had only wonderful things to say about my service, https://share.google/ws7OrPzmVKKWQpPgf. I print both color and b/w at no additional costs. I print specific size requests when the pattern is formatted in layers. I use a premium plotter paper manufactured exclusively for the textile industry. I have an indie designer library that eliminates the need for you to count pages when ordering. I offer print discounts for members of Seamwork, Cashmerette, Closet Core Crew, Sew It Academy and Tauko. I also print small batch runs for indie designers. My pricing is competitive with the other print shops you listed. My FAQs are thorough but I also respond quickly to any help requests. Please check me out when you get the chance. Thanks!
Thanks for letting us know about your print shop Karyn! Sounds like another great resource for anyone looking to print PDF patterns!