PDF Pattern Printer Settings
So, you've grabbed your latest Pattern Emporium pattern (yay!), and now you're ready to print it at home. But wait! Let’s make sure it comes out the right size. PDF patterns need a few specific settings to get everything perfectly in place — nothing worse than printing it only to find it’s a bit… off.
Let’s go through the step-by-step together. Printer settings can be a little quirky, but don’t worry; we’ll make it a breeze. I even included a handy graphic to guide you!
STEP 1: SETTING UP FOR SUCCESS
Before you hit print, open your pattern in Adobe Acrobat Reader. Why? Acrobat Reader is your best friend when it comes to accurately scaling PDF patterns. Other PDF viewers might have hidden settings that can skew your results.
Don't have it yet? Download the free version here. Remember you want the free version.
When you open a pattern in Adobe Reader, layers allow you to customise what you see. Instead of being overwhelmed by all the pattern lines for different sizes at once, you can select only the size (or sizes) you need. This makes your pattern easier to read and use.
In the latest version of Adobe Reader, you’ll find the layers icon on the right side. If you’re using an older version, it will be on the left. For more details on how layers work, check out our blog post: Unlock the Magic of Layers in Digital Sewing Patterns.
STEP 2: PAGES TO PRINT
In your PE tutorial, you’ll find a super handy table that outlines which pages to print for each style and size. This saves time (and paper)!
Choose the exact pages you need based on that table to ensure you’re printing just the parts relevant to your specific size and style.
STEP 3: KEY PRINTER SETTINGS
When you hit “Print,” you'll see a screen like the one in the graphic above. Now, let’s talk about the must-do settings.
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Pages to Print - Select the specific pages as outlined in the tutorial’s page printing guide. This saves time and ensures you only print the necessary pages for your style and size.
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Page Sizing & Handling - Select Custom Scale and type 100% – This is crucial for keeping your pattern true to size!
- Paper Source by PDF Page Size - Do NOT select this option. Leave this box unchecked to prevent your printer from auto-adjusting and throwing off the scale.
- Orientation Auto – This setting will ensure that each page prints in the correct orientation, just as the pattern is intended.
HANDY CHECKLIST
Here’s a quick checklist you can double-check before you print:
- Correct Pages Selected (refer to the tutorial’s page guide)
- Custom Scale at 100%
- Choose paper source by PDF page size - unchecked
- Orientation set to Auto
Q&A: YOUR PDF PATTERN PRINTER QUESTIONS ANSWERED!
Q: My pattern isn’t showing any layers. Is there something wrong?
A: If your layers icon is missing, first check if the pattern has layers! Some of our classic patterns don’t, but these are being updated all the time. You’ll find this info on each pattern listing under the ‘What you get’ and ‘Pattern Specs’ tabs. If your pattern does have layers and they’re not showing up, check out our blog post on ‘How to Find the Missing Layers Icon’ under Help & Resources > Printing & Layers. You can click on the title to go directly there.
Q: I hate the new layers icon. Can I go back to the old one?
A: You’re not alone! If the new layout isn’t working for you, you can switch back to the older version of Adobe Reader. Check out our guide here for step-by-step instructions: How to Change Adobe Reader Back to the Older Version.
Q: How do I know which pages to print?
A: Great question! In each Pattern Emporium tutorial, you'll find a handy table that outlines which pages to print for each style and size. Just follow that guide, and you’ll avoid printing pages you don’t need. This way, you’re saving time, paper, and ink!
Q: What’s the deal with the scale setting? Why does it need to be 100%?
A: Ah, yes! This part is super important. Set your Custom Scale to 100% so your pattern prints in the exact size it’s designed to be. If it’s not set to 100%, your pattern could shrink or stretch, making it all a bit off.
Q: Should I select “Choose paper source by PDF page size”?
A: Nope! Leave this box unchecked. Selecting it can cause the printer to adjust based on the PDF’s page size, which often leads to misaligned pages. Stick to the settings here for the best results.
Q: Why is the orientation set to “Auto”? Can I just leave it as it is?
A: Yes, keep it on Auto. This setting ensures your pages print in the correct direction, whether it’s portrait or landscape, depending on the pattern piece. It just keeps everything running smoothly!
Q: My pattern is printing with jagged lines instead of smooth curves, or I see lines that lead to nowhere. What’s going on?
A: If you’re using an HP printer, this could be a software glitch. Try selecting the “Print as Image” option in Advanced print settings. This should smooth out those lines and fix any odd gaps.
Q: Why are there large blacked-out areas on my printed pattern?
A: This is another HP printer issue. Use the “Print as Image” option in Advanced settings to resolve this!
Q: The full page isn’t printing—why are parts of the side and bottom missing?
A: Make sure “Auto Portrait/Landscape” is checked. This centres the page correctly, ensuring the borders and joining triangles print fully.
Q: My phone won’t print the pattern to scale. What can I do?
A: You’ll need to open the pattern in Adobe Reader on a computer. Printing to scale from a phone can be tricky and doesn’t always work.
Q: My printed pattern is only one or two pages and looks tiny. What happened?
A: It sounds like you opened the A0 copy shop file, which is meant for large-format printers at a copy shop. For home printing, open the print-at-home file. Note that there are still a couple of our classic patterns (pre-2019) where the print at home file might be located at the end of the main tutorial.
Q: So, what’s the final checklist for perfect printing?
A: Here you go! Follow these four steps:
- Select the pages you need – Check the tutorial’s page guide.
- Custom Scale at 100% – No shrinking or enlarging!
- Do NOT select “Choose paper source by PDF page size” – Leave that box unchecked.
- Orientation set to Auto – Keeps your pattern pieces in line.
Need more help with downloading & printing? Click here for our downloading & printing guide.
