How to Print Just Your Size Using PDF Size Layers
Pattern Emporium pattern files include size layers, which let you hide the sizes you don't need before printing.
This means you can print just your size, rather than printing all the size lines on top of each other. You can also keep two or more sizes visible if you need to blend between sizes.
PRINTING JUST YOUR SIZE?
Choose the device you're printing from below. The steps are slightly different depending on whether you're using Adobe Reader or Sewsy.
COMPUTER OR LAPTOP
Use Adobe Acrobat Reader to select your size layers before printing.
PHONE, TABLET OR CHROMEBOOK
Use the Sewsy app to select your size layers before printing.
PRINTING FROM A COMPUTER OR LAPTOP
Use the A4 / US Letter pattern file and open it in Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer or laptop. Don't open the pattern in your web browser, as the layers may not work correctly.
Open the Layers Panel
Look for the Layers icon on the right side of Adobe Reader. Select it to open the Layers panel.
Find Your Size
The Layers panel shows all the available pattern sizes. When you first open the file, all size layers will usually be visible.
Switch Off the Sizes You Don't Need
Select the eye icon beside each size you don't need to switch that size off.
Keep going until only the size you want to print has an eye showing beside it.
In the example below, only Size 12 is switched on.
USING MORE THAN ONE SIZE?
Leave each size you need switched on. This is useful when you're blending between sizes.
WHICH PAGES DO I NEED TO PRINT?
Check the Page Printing Guide in your individual pattern tutorial. It tells you exactly which pages to print for the style and size options you're making.
PRINTING FROM A PHONE, TABLET OR CHROMEBOOK
If you're printing from a phone, tablet or Chromebook, use the Sewsy app to open your pattern and select the size layers you need.
Open Your Pattern in Sewsy
Open the A4 / US Letter pattern file in Sewsy. When the pattern first opens, all size layers may be visible.
Open Layers
Tap Layers at the bottom of the screen. You'll see the Pattern Info layer and the available size layers.
Select Your Size
Tap Deselect all. This switches off the size layers while leaving Pattern Info switched on.
Now switch on the size you want to print.
Pattern Info should remain switched on because it contains pattern information and markings that apply to all sizes.
Tap Save when you're finished.
USING MORE THAN ONE SIZE?
Switch on each size you need, keep Pattern Info switched on, then tap Save.
WHICH PAGES DO I NEED TO PRINT?
Check the Page Printing Guide in your individual pattern tutorial. It tells you exactly which pages to print for the style and size options you're making.
READY TO PRINT?
Before printing, check the Page Printing Guide in your pattern tutorial so you only print the pages needed for your chosen style and size options.
Always print page 1 with the test square first and measure it before printing the remaining pages.
View Downloading & Printing Help →SENDING YOUR A0 PATTERN TO A COPY SHOP?
If you're having your pattern professionally printed, use the A0 pattern file.
Check the Page Printing Guide in your pattern tutorial first. This tells you which A0 page or pages you need for the style options you're making.
NEW TO A0 PRINTING?
We recommend using a printer experienced with PDF sewing patterns. They'll understand size layers and the importance of printing your pattern at the correct scale.
Our A0 Printing Guide explains the process and includes printers recommended by Pattern Emporium customers.
A0 Printing Guide + Recommended Printers →WANT ONLY YOUR SIZE PRINTED?
Send the original A0 PDF to your printer and tell them which size layer or layers you want printed.
Ask them to print your pattern at 100% / Actual Size with no scaling.
IMPORTANT
Switching unwanted sizes off in Adobe Reader and saving the file does not create a new PDF containing only the visible size. If you want only certain sizes printed, tell your printer which size layers you need.
QUICK PRINTING REFERENCE
Want the whole process in one place? Our Print & Prepare Guide gives you a quick overview of printing at home, A0 copy-shop printing and using a projector.
