PDF patterns idiot`s guide required

[sewingj]

I am a pdf pattern virgin but @Clareew mentioned this and I really like the look of it - and it`s free.

https://sinclairpatterns.com/product/harper-classic-knit-cardigan-and-duster-for-women-pdf-sewing-pattern/

The problem is that I haven`t got a clue about how to buy a PDF pattern, how to choose the size, how to print it and cut it out - or anything else really!

Does anyone know of a really basic guide?  Failing that, I`m going to be asking you a lot of stupid questions!

[wrenkins]

Try this. I had great success with it but got completely mixed up and took ages when I went off piste with another one. 

[Acorn]

There's a size guide for that one - there's a link towards the bottom of the page.  All the sizes are on the same file for that one, so just add it to your basket and then checkout (in this case without paying any money!)

They will then either immediately give you a link to download the file, or email it to you.  Open the file in Acrobat Reader (other pdf readers are available, but Acrobat is good) - if you're printing it yourself you want the A4 file.

This file has layers, so you can hide all the sizes other than yours if you want to (if you want to do this and can't see how we can talk you through it).

Then print it, making sure that you're printing it as 'actual size' or 100%.

There will probably be instructions for assembly in the file, but if not Fran wrote an excellent tutorial here.

(This is the tutorial @wrenkins has linked to!)

[Efemera]

Or if you have an iPad just download to iBooks and print from there. I print them and then trace the size I want, that way I have a hard copy I can trace from again.

[Clareew]

The Sinclair instruction file that comes with the pattern shows you how to choose your size and how to print it out and put it together.  I always use the layers option so I can print out just the size (or 2 sizes if I am blending), I do not need to do any tracing - just cut out the pattern.  If I need a different size just repeat the procedure.  For me, this makes it much easier to store because I don't have a huge pattern sheet.

I also print on 60gsm paper which again makes it a bit thinner.

[Sewbusy]

@sewingj Thank you for putting the link in, I've printed the pattern and I'm looking forward to making it. I made something similar (twice) last year but this one is much nicer, mine had dropped shoulders.

Two lots of fabric have been languishing for months, well one lot for years! was going to adapt the old pattern but thanks to you I don't have to and this one was free!

You'll find the process of downloading and printing pretty straightforward once you start. Yes the piecing of the pattern pages is time consuming but it does get easier once you've done one, and there's always someone on here to help.

[Vezelay]

Never could resist a free cardi pattern, thanks!

Fear not - we've all struggled like that first time using a pdf. The Tutorial is in a file that you'll download once you've "bought" this. That has instruction for the printing and assembling as well as for garment construction. Read that carefully and the mist will clear. Then ask away, anything - we don't mind  .

[Sewingforfun]

What a nice pattern! I think I might try it, too. 

Another option to printing at home is to send it (or take it) to a copy shop to have them print it for you on large A0 or A1 paper. It's not that expensive, and it can be more accurate (and is much less hassle) than sticking bits of paper together.

Some places that do it are NetPrinter, EzeePlan, and there are lots of others listed here. If you have a couple to do, it can be better value on postage.

[sewingj]

Thankyou everyone, I feel more confident now
I am a bit daunted by the fact that it says it will take 40-44 pages to print!  Our printer is currently telling me it is low on ink so I think I had better make sure I have some more before I start

[b15erk]

@sewingj , it may help to set your printer to draft printing - it doesn't use so much ink.  Although pdf's sometimes have lots of pages, they usually consist mainly of lines, so shouldn't use too much ink.

Jessie

[Ohsewsimple]

I made the Harper cardigan and quite like it.  As someone who is only 5 ft I was happy to give it a go.  However I found the sleeves a bit too long and the band was very wide for my neck at the back.  So I ran a line of gathering stitches in the centre of it.   Im not usually one who uses commercial patterns but this was free and I’m always on the lookout for cardigan ideas. But so many of them are edge to edge which annoys me. 
It's worth pointing out that the seam allowances on these patterns are very small, about 6mm so be careful

I then bought the Jemma tunic and I need to shorten that a bit and I’m not sure if I like the neck band or not.  It might have been better with a shaped one so it lays better.  There was also a lot of bulk when trying to sew it and that's awkward on a narrow seam allowance.  But overall these are quite nice patterns and I don’t say that about many! 

[Vezelay]

Found this Youtube review of the Harper linked on PatternReview @sewingj - you might find it helpful.

[sewingj]

@Ohsewsimple  your comment about the seam allowance has concerned me.  I don`t have an overlocker so would have to use a stretch stitch and then finish the seam in some way and it doesn`t sound like there will be much room to do that

[Vezelay]

You could always add more seam allowance. I did this with a couple of Style Arc patterns before I got my overlocker. It's a bit of extra work but if you're tracing anyway it's doable - not too many pieces and the bands, cuffs and pockets are all straight lines.

[Ohsewsimple]

As @Vezelay says, add extra seam allowance. It’s worth doing if you want to make the garment. 
Of course, you could always buy an overlocker 
The narrow SA is fine if you know it’s going to fit and there’s really no waste but a bit skimpy otherwise.