Exploring Paper, PDF, and Projector Options for Sewists

Sewing patterns are now available from big pattern companies and independent pattern designers. They can be in paper format, or sold as PDF files for you to print at home. And the newest of all is the sewing pattern projector file, created so that there is no need to print, cut and stick.

With all these variations in sewing pattern formats, I thought I’d go over each and compare them so that those new to using sewing patterns would be able to understand the differences and why they might choose one format over the other.

Paper Patterns

For the longest time sewing patterns were only ever available as paper patterns. They were made from tissue paper that was carefully folded and placed inside a paper pattern envelope. That envelope would typically have the sizing and illustrations of each garment style on the front, and a measurement chart and a line drawing of each style on the back.

In very fine print you might also see notes on the fabric types that were considered to be suitable for those garment types.

One Size Paper Patterns

In most cases the pattern was only available in one size – I have one that was for a size 18 and I believe it was one my mum made back in the early 1970s when she was in her early 20s.

The struggle with one size paper patterns was being able to modify the pattern later if you went up or down in size. You would have to feel quite confident in grading the pattern up or down if you were unable to buy a new copy in your new size.

Multi-Size Paper Patterns

With time there was an emergence of multi-sized paper patterns, where inside the envelope you would find a pattern covering several sizes. This made it easier to grade between sizes, but if you traced off the pattern instead of cutting it, you were able to use the same pattern later on when you gained or lost weight.

These limited multi-size patterns still exist today, and it can be frustrating to buy a pattern where your size falls in the middle of three only to gain weight later in a year or two and realize that it is far too small for you when you go to revisit it.

Pros And Cons of Paper Patterns

Here are some of the pros and cons of using paper sewing patterns.

Pros:

1. No printer required.
2. Patterns can be traced and kept for future use.
3. Can look nice on the sewing room shelf.

Cons:

1. More expensive than other pattern formats.
2. Takes up physical space vs a digital file.
3. Can be in short supply / hard to find.
4. Sizing can be limited depending on the designer and age of the pattern.

PDF Patterns

As technology progressed, the cost of home computers and printers dropped in price, and this meant that the general public were more likely to afford them.

Along with access to these new tech items came the possibility of downloading digital sewing patterns and printing them at home. These patterns could either have ‘nested’ sizes – where you check and print just the one size that you need – or be sold as a multi-sized pattern file, so that you could either cut or trace the size you wanted, similar to the multi-sized paper patterns.

The difference was the number of sizes included in each band – as more sewing pattern designers recognised the call for an inclusivity of sizing, patterns started to be sold in multiple size ranges, based upon the average bust cup size, and it isn’t unheard of for some patterns companies to include the standard and extended patterns in one purchase price.

Pros And Cons of PDF Patterns

Here are some of the pros and cons of using PDF sewing patterns.

Pros:

1. Patterns can be downloaded and printed immediately instead of waiting for a paper pattern to be delivered through the mail.
2. It’s easy to store PDF patterns on digital devices, saving space in your sewing room.
3. They are usually supplied with a larger size range so it is easier to grade between sizes.

Cons:

1. A home printer is required (or a copy shop available locally / online to submit the file to).
2. Some patterns use many pieces of paper.
3. Essential to make sure the pattern is ‘printed to scale’.
4. It takes time to cut and stick all the pages together.

Projector Patterns

New on the block are projector patterns, with sewing patterns created as projector files that are then projected onto fabric and cut out without the need of any paper pattern at all.

Pros And Cons of Projector Patterns

Here are some of the pros and cons of using projector sewing patterns.

Pros:

1. No need for any paper to be used.
2. From purchase to sewing can be faster if time is of the essence.
3. Pricing is the same as PDF pattern prices (the projector files are often included).

Cons:

1. A home projector is required.
2. Space for a projector is essential to get enough distance between it and the work surface.
3. A steeper learning curve for those who are used to other pattern formats.

Right’o, I’m sure that would have been very informative and helpful but if you’ve never used a PDF pattern before and are nervous to do so, then do check out my guides which will help you feel more confident using them:

• How PDF Sewing Patterns Work
• How To Print PDF Patterns On Your Home Printer
• How To Stick PDF Patterns Together

And meanwhile I’m going to get back to sticking together all the paper pages for a new pattern I’m making for myself.

Share it out to others!