Nearly all of my free sewing projects on this blog come with a printable pattern. Some even require multiple sheets to be taped together. I try to make the format similar to other websites in case you’ve used .pdf patterns in the past. But if you’re new to .pdf patterns or are otherwise having issues, here’s how to assemble them!

1. I save my patterns as .pdf file, which requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. It’s a pretty standard program and file type so it’s likely already installed on your computer, but if you need an update, here’s the source: https://get.adobe.com/reader/. Before printing, check the pattern to be sure you’re printing the correct pages (unless you want to print the step by step photos). At the print dialog box, check the box that says print at “Actual Size.” Any other selection will distort the pattern so it’s slightly larger or smaller and we don’t want that.

2. Print the pages needed for the file. You might have one or more. Either way, be sure you have the full collection by noting the page numbers in the corner.

3. It’s likely your printer will have a margin that ensures your image doesn’t print to the very edge. Assembly will be easier if you trim off this blank margin edge. This will give you pages that overlap slightly during assembly. If you trim across the gray outline boxes, this will give you pages that don’t overlap but rather butt against each other.

4. To line up the pattern pages, match up the corresponding diamond shapes. Each diamond will have a letter, so it’s simply a matter of matching A1 to A2, B3 to B4 and so on. The faint gray lines indicate the border of every page, you should be able to line those up as well. When the diamond goes together, tape it in place.
If you have many pages, it’s easier to tape up the pages into rows first. Then tape the rows together into a full block.

5. If you prefer your pattern to be on a different kind of paper, now is when you can trace the pattern pieces. Be sure to also trace other important symbols like the grain line, notches, dots, and other lines that mark placement.
You can also just cut them straight from the printer paper — be sure that each piece is fully taped together along the joins so they don’t fall apart when you cut them. Be aware that the paper will be harder to pin through than typical tissue used for patterns. But if you’re not picky or you use pattern weights you should be fine. 😀