Getting Started

Getting Started

New to Pattern Emporium or PDF sewing patterns? Start here.

PDF sewing patterns are simple once you know how they work. Your pattern files are downloaded rather than posted to you, so you can get started straight away.

We'll take you through the process, from downloading your files to getting ready to sew.

1 Download
2 Choose Your Size
3 Choose Your Options
4 Print or Project
5 Prepare
6 Sew
1 Download

After purchasing, your pattern files are stored in your Pattern Library on the Pattern Emporium website.

Go to Download My Patterns in the website menu and sign in if prompted. On your account page, select the pink Enter Your Pattern Library Here button, then choose the pattern you'd like to use.

Each pattern includes several files so you can choose the ones that suit how you want to work:

Tutorial PDF

Your step-by-step sewing instructions. We recommend keeping this open on your computer, tablet or phone while you sew rather than printing the whole tutorial.

Print at Home Pattern

For printing on A4 or US Letter paper using your home printer.

A0 Copy Shop Pattern

For large-format printing at a copy shop or pattern printing service.

Projector Pattern

For projecting the pattern directly onto your fabric.

TIP: For the best results, use Chrome or Safari to download your pattern files. Microsoft Edge, Samsung Internet and the browser within the Facebook app can sometimes cause issues with PDF layers.

Where are my downloaded files?

Once downloaded, your PDFs are saved on your device. You don't need to download them again each time you want to print your pattern or read your tutorial.

iPhone / iPad: Save to the Files app, then look in Downloads.

Android / Chromebook: Open Files or My Files, then look in Downloads.

Mac / Windows: Your files will usually go straight to your Downloads folder. You can move them somewhere else from there.

Download to a Computer → Download to an iPhone / iPad →
2 Choose Your Size

Pattern Emporium patterns use body measurements to help you choose your size. Don't automatically choose the same size you usually buy in ready-to-wear clothing, as sewing pattern sizing can be different.

You'll find the Body Measurements Chart on page 4 of your tutorial.

Every Pattern Emporium tutorial also includes a step-by-step sizing guide specific to that pattern. It will show you which measurements to use and help you choose the best size for the style you're making.

Are You a Combination of Sizes?

That's completely normal. Your sizing guide will explain when you may need to use more than one size and show you how to multi-size for that pattern.

OPEN YOUR TUTORIAL & FOLLOW THE SIZING GUIDE →
VIDEO: HOW TO MEASURE YOURSELF →
3 Choose Your Options

This is the fun part! Decide which options you're going to make.

Your tutorial will show you the different styles, lengths, necklines, sleeves, pockets and other options included with your pattern, and help you work out which pattern pieces you'll need.

Lots of Pages? Don't Panic!

Your pattern file includes all the sizes and all the options. You won't need to print them all. We'll show you what to print in the next step.

4 Print or Project

Choose the option that works best for you: Print at Home, A0 Copy Shop or Projector.

Not Sure Where to Start?

Our Print Your Pattern Guide gives you a quick overview of all three options and the steps involved.

View the Print Your Pattern Guide → Download PDF →
How Do I Print Just My Size?

Most Pattern Emporium pattern files include all sizes in the one file, but you don't need to print them all.

You can select just the size or sizes you need before printing. This is done using something called layers.

When selecting your size, keep the Pattern Info layer selected too. This contains important pattern information and markings.

Show Me How to Select My Size →

Print at Home

Use the A4 / US Letter pattern file.

Print from a desktop or laptop using Adobe Reader, or use the Sewsy app when printing from a phone, tablet or Chromebook.

Don't Hit Print Yet!

You do not need to print every page.

Your tutorial includes a Page Printing Guide table showing exactly which pages to print for the pattern pieces and options you're making.

A0 Copy Shop

Use the A0 file for large-format printing at a copy shop or pattern printing service.

Some patterns have more A0 pages than you'll need because the file contains different pattern options or separate FBA pieces.

Before sending your file to the printer, check for a READ FIRST file in your downloads. You can also check the A0 section on the pattern's Pattern Specs page to see what's included on each page.

A0 Printing & Copy Shops →

Projector

Use the Projector file to project the pattern directly onto your fabric, so there's no printing or joining pages.

5 Prepare

Before you start cutting, check your tutorial to make sure you have everything you need.

Join Your Pattern

If you've printed your pattern at home, join the printed pages together before cutting out your pattern pieces.

Watch: How to Join Your Pattern → View the Step-by-Step Guide →

Choose the Right Fabric

Check the fabric suggestions in your tutorial before choosing your fabric.

Each pattern includes fabric recommendations specific to that style, including the types of fabric we recommend and, where relevant, fabrics we don't recommend using.

Fabric choice can make a big difference to how your finished garment looks, hangs and feels, so don't skip this bit!

Fabric Choice Really Does Matter

Our fabric suggestions are there for a reason.

If you've used a doona cover, quilting cotton or another structured fabric and you're wondering why your garment isn't sitting quite right, it might be time to learn a little more about fabric.

Explore Fabric Edits →

Prepare Your Fabric

Pre-wash and dry your fabric as you intend to care for the finished garment, then iron it ready for cutting.

Get Ready to Cut

Use the Pattern Piece Guide and cutting information in your tutorial to:

  • make sure you have all the pattern pieces you need
  • check how many of each piece to cut
  • check which pieces are cut on the fold or as a mirrored pair
  • cut any interfacing required
  • transfer any pattern markings you'll need for sewing

Once everything is cut and prepared, you're ready to sew.

6 Sew

Follow Your Tutorial

Now you're ready to sew!

Keep your tutorial open on your computer, tablet or phone and follow along as you sew.

Pattern Emporium tutorials are designed to take you through your garment step by step, with detailed instructions and plenty of photos along the way, so you don't have to guess what comes next.

Your Tutorial Is Already on Your Device

Once you've downloaded your tutorial, you don't need to download it again every time you want to use it.

It's saved on your device, so simply open the copy you've already downloaded and keep it handy while you sew.

Need a Hand?

Got a question? Check our FAQs first. You'll find answers to many of the most common questions about patterns, printing, sizing, sewing and more.

Visit the FAQs →

Still need help with your pattern, sewing, printing, size or fit? Pop into our free Pattern Emporium Sewing Circle on Facebook.

Visit the Sewing Circle →

For account, order or download issues, please use our Contact page instead.

Contact Us →

And That's It!

You've downloaded your pattern, chosen your size and options, prepared your pattern and fabric, and you're ready to sew. Keep your tutorial handy, take it one step at a time and enjoy making something that's completely yours.