Newbie in Devon

[Fatgirlslim83]

Hi All,

I have been new to sewing for 10 years!! I know that sounds odd but I found the receipt for my sewing machine the other day and I have had it for 10 years! I have been meaning to learn to make my own clothes for that long and have started and stopped many times!
So I am starting again, again!

To that end, I have a question (first of many no doubt!) I have bought a pdf pattern, can anyone recommend where to get it printed and what size to get it printed please?

Thanks in advance 

[BrendaP]

Welcome to TSP.

Most .pdf patterns have a choice of printing yourself onto multiple sheets of A4 and sticking together or taking it (on a USB stick) to a copy shop and have them print it on A0 paper.  Ask them to use the thinnest paper they have.

Use Google or local papers to find your nearest copy shop.

[Lachica]

Welcome. If printing it yourself be careful to select 'print actual size'. There should be a trial square  on one of the first pages which will print to 10 cm. Print this page first to check, or you could end up with 66 pages at 80% of the size. Can you tell I've done this?!

[StitchinTime]

Hello and welcome to TSP.

There's a feature on the Sewing Directory about specialist pattern printers which might be useful for you.

[Efemera]

As for size.. do you mean your own size? Ready to wear sizes bear no resemblance to pattern sizes which are all different too... depends on what you are making... give us a little more info and I’m sure we can help.

[Fatgirlslim83]

As for size.. do you mean your own size? Ready to wear sizes bear no resemblance to pattern sizes which are all different too... depends on what you are making... give us a little more info and I’m sure we can help.

Hi Efemera,

Thanks for the reply.
I was meaning the size of the paper it should be printed on so I end up with full size pattern. 

[Efemera]

OK... I print mine at home on A4 45gsm....I’m too impatient to send it off for A0 printing, plus I’ve never found anywhere that’s cheap enough.

[doesntworkonwood]

If you're printing at home a4 will do. Choose the file that says either a4 or letter.

If you want it all in one sheet, i hear netprinter.co.uk is very good. In that case you should choose the file that says a0 or copyshop.

What pattern is it if you don't mind me asking?

[Nevis5]

Just wanted to say hello @Fatgirlslim83  ! I've not really ventured much into the world of PDFs, so I'm no use to you at all, but just thought I should welcome you 

[Silver Rose]

And a welcome from me @Fatgirlslim83 , I haven't tried  PDF patterns either so can't help you there. Look forward to seeing your dressmaking projects though - we love to see photos of your sewing.

[snoozi soozi]

Hello @Fatgirlslim83 welcome me no use on the mystery of pdf either but you'll get loads of suggestions about everything here 

[Surest1tch]

Welcome from me too 

[fajita]

Welcome, @Fatgirlslim83 

[Kenora]

Welcome from me too. I've used pdf patterns and have always printed them on A4 paper at home. The suggestion to use 45gsm paper is a good one, although I've yet to try it through my printer. Small word of warning - you need to be fairly accurate when sticking the pages together, but that probably goes without saying.

[b15erk]

A big welcome from me too @Fatgirlslim83 !  Look forward to seeing some of your projects.

PDF's are great.  A bit tedious to stick them together - unless you have them printed 'properly'.  One advantage I find, is that if you need a different size, you just print it off, no tracing.

Jessie