Downloadable patterns ... Everything you wanna know

Also take the time to make sure the orientation is in automatic mode . This will ensure that the print is well centered and that you don't lose any ends.

Most PDF patterns have a small square somewhere (usually on the first page) that you can measure to make sure everything is ok. Take 2 seconds to be sure that you have printed the pattern at the right size.

Assembling the pages

If you have just bought a pattern to make a small stuffed animal, a Viking helmet, or a purse, the chances are that the pieces will fit quite well on your letter (or A4) size sheets.

On the other hand, if you are about to make pants or a dress, the pattern pieces are certainly larger than the sheets that go through your printer, right ?

You will therefore have to assemble the pages of your pattern to create the pieces:

📌 Sit on a large enough surface.

You want to be able to spread everything out (or at least see several rows of leaves at once). It's easier to align the pages correctly if you can see what you're doing.

📌 Don't mix your leaves too much.

Normally, they should already be in order, but there is usually pagination too (often with numbers and letters, for rows and columns).

📌 Check how you should put the pages together.

This can be by placing them side by side or by overlapping them (by aligning landmarks). The methods vary from one brand of pattern to another, so take a look at the instructions to make sure you're doing it right.

📌 Glue the pages together.

I recommend transparent sticky paper, one that is soft to the touch. That way, if you take notes on your boss, it writes well.

By the way, if the pages are assembled without superposition (side-by-side), it is completely normal for there to be a small gap at the edge of the pages. Home printers generally don't print all the way to the edge.

It can also happen that certain lines between pages do not fit perfectly. The sheets in your printer may move a little, this is normal. As long as the offset isn't too big (a few mm), you'll just have to retrace your line, and everything will be swell.

✂ My patterns are not all made the same... Before, I preferred to place the pages side by side (it's faster). But since it's a bit less precise, I'm in the process of changing it to overlapping pages, with precise reference points. 

Don't worry, it's specified in the instructions what you should do. 🤓

*Copy center printing option

Some digital pattern stores also offer the option of printing your pattern on A0 paper, in a copy center .

The advantage of this format is the time you will save on assembling the pages. Since the sheets are super large, there is no need (or almost no need) to assemble pages.

On a very large costume (like a mega cape), you will still have a bit of page assembly to do... but assembling 2 or 3 large pages is still simpler than assembling 70 .

The downside is an additional expense. It's not super expensive, but it's still a little more expensive than printing this at home. If you're tight on your budget, this may be an expense you'd prefer to avoid...

Speaking of price, I strongly recommend that you shop around for your printer. In my experience, large chains often charge more for this type of service than small local printers.

If you are in Quebec, I recommend the printing service from Atelier Espace Fabrik.

*Note that in Canada and the United States, the A0 format is not very common. In standard copy centers, they will instead have Arch E size paper (36" x 48"). It is a classic North American paper size, a little larger than A0 format. You can therefore have your pattern printed on Arch E, without problem.

✂ Yes! My patterns are also available in A0 format. 🤓

Checking parts

Whether you're about to make a costume with a pattern you downloaded or you're using a physical pattern, this step is important: Take the time to check your pattern pieces.

Do you have all the pieces?

Do you understand the pieces?

Most brands will list you all the parts included in the model. Hover over and confirm that you have all the pieces. There's nothing uglier than realizing halfway through creating a costume that you're missing a piece.

You can also loosely assemble the pattern by placing the pattern pieces against each other. It's a good way to make sure you know where you're going, and that you understand the license.

The instructions

Before you even start cutting anything, take the time to read the instructions . This will allow you to:

• See if you understand everything.
• Make sure you have all the tools requested.
• Confirm that you have all the materials
• Check if you want to make changes to the pattern
• Understand each of the pattern pieces (tsé, if in the step before you weren't 100% sure)

The quantity of information, the type of details and the format in which it is transmitted vary greatly from one boss to another. From one company to another.

There are patterns that come with lots of details on how to put together your project. Others who assume that you know how to sew and that you just need to put a little order into the steps.

Sometimes the manufacturing stages are in photos. Sometimes it’s illustrations. Sometimes it's just text.

Crafting patterns are often simpler, with shorter steps to follow. We often assume that you already know a little bit about where you're going (and that the important thing is to know which piece goes where).

Either way, no matter the type of boss, do a check up and make sure you have everything you need. And that you understand everything.

✂ Personally, I like to give you a lot of information and I know you're probably very visual. So I try to write clear, complete instructions, with photos.

Materials and tools

Most patterns will suggest types of fabric and list the haberdashery you need (buttons, elastics, etc.). Some will even list the tools.

I already told you, take the time to go through the steps. Among other things, to make sure you know why you need the different elements. It can even help you find alternatives if you don't have everything you need.

It’s a bit like making a plan when you start a cosplay project. It's really a good practice to list everything you think you'll need. You have fewer surprises afterwards.

If the information is not included with the pattern you purchased, it is even more important to read the instructions. Then, make a list and keep it with your boss. That way, you'll know if you ever do a project again with the same boss.

Test canvas and adjustments

There, you're ready to start... or almost.

Make a canvas, a mock up, a test .

Whatever you call it, test your pattern before cutting everything and putting together your project in your final fabric (or material, whatever it is).

The sizes and shapes of a pattern are standardized. It's completely normal that the pattern is not per-fai-te-ment adjusted to your proportions. That’s why you make a canvas. This will allow you 2 things:

• Test the shapes, measurements and proportions of the pattern. And adjust the model as needed.
• Test the assembly. And understand in what order to do things, which steps are more complex and which techniques you may need to practice a little before making the final version.

Making a canvas feels like a waste of time for a lot of people. But I can guarantee you that you can avoid a lot of headaches and nightmares if you take the time to make a canvas before really starting your project.

By the way, if you need, I have an article full of tips for properly cutting your pattern (whether for your canvas or for your final project).

Creating your project

Once you are satisfied with your canvas, you can finally cut into your beautiful fabric and make your project.

Attention! Make sure to prepare your fabric well< /a> before cutting your pattern pieces.

I know, it seems like a long and arduous process. But, I swear, if you take the time to prepare your things well, creating your costume will be really easier.

Take your time. Apply yourself. It's going to be super hot! 😊

Keeping your boss

Because, once you've finished your project, you have to do something with this beautiful boss.

You want to keep it, and you don't want to have to redo all the preparation the day you want to reuse the pattern, right ?

Store your pattern quickly after your project. Because if you leave it lying around for a couple of weeks, chances are that you'll lose pieces... We both know, there are gnomes who live in our workshops, and who steal things who are lying around.

Slip all the pieces into a large envelope, and clearly write what the pattern is (even better, if you have a picture). Worse, you can even slip in your current measurements (well, in case you change a little).

As for me, my patterns are stored in a binder. I like being able to browse by categories. But if not, a box where you can put all your patterns does the job. As long as it's easy to go see what you've got.

By the way! Don't be afraid to take notes directly on the pattern (you know, the kind of thing that doesn't work as well on a tissue paper pattern, right?). It will help you remember details that you should not forget.

• Write where you adjusted.
• Note how you finished.
• Add annotations if there are more complex parts.

Futur-you will be happy to read this little information.

Ethics and copyright

Well yes, a PDF file is easily shared... But remember, there is a lot of work behind a pattern purchased online (whether mine or those of other creators or companies).

A lot of effort was put into creating the pattern, testing it, adjusting it, transforming it, retesting it, assembling the different sizes, preparing the file so that you can easily print it at home, not to mention the writing. of the procedure to follow…

So out of respect for the creator behind the product, please keep your pattern to yourself .

It’s not made for distribution.

It’s definitely not made for resale.

Psst… If you are making an order for someone. That you create a costume that you are going to sell… It’s okay if you use my pattern. My boss is a tool. Don't resell my tool. But you can sell the fruit of your work done with the tool I provided you. 🤓

Finally, if you want to make someone happy, share your creation on social networks, tagging the creator of the pattern you used. I guarantee you will brighten up his day.

In any case, I will do a happy dance if you do it. 😊

 

We'll talk soon.
in the meantime… Keep on crafting!

🤓✂🐙