Hopefully, a simple list of steps with example photos will help those of you with printing problems. (If you need to see something up close, all the following example pictures will enlarge if you click them.)
When you are emailed a pattern letter, you will find the links to your pattern files. Download the file to your computer (make sure you put it in a folder you can find again later!).
Once you have it on your computer, open the .zip file. (Ignore the files that start with a dot.)
You will see a list of different files of the same pattern in various paper size options:
Select the file with the paper size you will be using for printing. I chose the standard letter size (8-1/2 x 11) to print mine.
Enter your password when prompted.
Once the file is open, select “Print” from the “File” menu fly-out at the top of the screen:
The “Print Dialog box” will open:
Move the dot in “Print Range” box from “ALL” to “Pages from” and type “1 to 1” in the number boxes.
Also make sure that the “Page Scaling” fly-out has the “None” selected.
Here’s a pic of what it might look like on your screen:
Click “OK” button to print your test page.
Measure the boxes on the printed page to check your sizing. It should be a large 6-inch square divided into quadrants.
If it measures correctly, select “Print” from “File” fly-out at top again.
This time just make sure that the selected “Print Range” is “ALL” and print entire pattern. (It may be up to 30 or so pages.):
Most printers cannot print all the way to the edges, so you may not have the circles on the corners for lining pages up. Worry not – just line up the edges with NO overlapping.
The print preview usually shows the margins that will NOT print in grey.
Once you have your stack of printed pages, lay them out on the floor or whatever large flat surface you have.
It’s like a giant puzzle.
Tape edges together without any overlapping of pages.
You may have to refer to the pattern on the computer screen to check for some of the missing lines and draw them in yourself. Connect any lines from page to page as necessary.
Cut your pattern out and have fun testing it! Happy sewing! =)
Still have questions? Leave me a comment below.
UPDATE: I’ve added a couple more pictures below that might help some of you.
If your print dialog box looks like this:
Make sure “Actual Size” is selected. (Indicated by lower red arrow.)
Also check your “printer properties” by clicking the “Properties” button (example is for an HP printer).
The Properties dialog box might look something like this:
Under the “Effects” tab, make sure the size under “Resizing Options” is set to “100% of normal size”.
Thanks for the advice but I still have a question. What do I do if the squares don’t mearsure 6 inches?
The biggest problem with that is usually the margins. First, make sure that your page scaling is definitely set to “None” in the print dialog box.
If that isn’t the problem, do you know how to take a screen shot of your print settings so you can send me a picture of what you are seeing?
And is your test square too big or too small?
Brooke, I appreciate you great detailed description of printing and taping. I requested a packaged pattern for the Ladies Traveling Suit (in addition to the pdf.), since I had difficulty printing the slip. I just printed out my pattern from my HP printer and it neither has the joining marks, nor the Row and Column identification, making it it difficult to tape one to another since I am unsure of the order. I planned to work on the skirt first, so I found the pieces of the skirt back and lined them up on top of my packaged skirt back. There is a consistent 3/4″ missing between the 2 pattern pieces lengthwise. I also tried it to the skirt front and had the same result. The pattern is sized properly, except there is 6/16″ of the pattern missing on each end of the 8.5″ x 11″ sheet of paper.
The layout of the pdf pattern pieces is different from the layout of the packaged pattern pieces, right? The packaged pieces has all the skirt pieces on one sheet and the jacket pieces on a second sheet.
Any ideas? Thanks
Cher
Cher -
You are correct, patterns may have different layouts of pieces depending on the paper size used to print it. (Think of it like the cutting layouts being different for 45″ wide and 60″ wide fabric – same pieces but they fit more efficently in a different order on different sized fabric.)
Check your actual “printer settings”. I’ve added two new screenshots above that might help you.
Use the little print “preview” window in the right corner of the “print dialog box” to help you see where your margins are – the little circles in the corners should show up in the grey area and be right on the edges.
I wish I could come sit at your computer for a couple minutes – I know it’s got to be some stupid little setting! Computer settings can be so maddening sometimes!
Cher – Are you using PDF’s or PatternMaker? If you are using PatternMaker, PLEASE confirm that you have the Alignment Marks and Page Labels checked on Print Options per http://www.tangleddiva.com/patternmaker/Tutorials/Installing3w.pdf
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