Print your PDF pattern at actual size by checking the "fit to page" setting and printing at 100 percent scale

The most common mistake when printing a PDF sewing pattern is letting your printer shrink it to fit the page. When you open a pattern PDF, your printer's default setting is often "fit to page" or "shrink oversized pages," which makes the pattern smaller than intended. The seam allowances and finished measurements won't match the instructions, and your garment won't fit.

Before you print, open the PDF in your reader (Adobe Reader, Preview on Mac, or your browser's built-in viewer). Look for the print dialog—usually File > Print or Ctrl+P on Windows, Command+P on Mac. Find the scaling or sizing option and change it from "fit to page" to 100% or "actual size." This tells the printer to output the pattern at the exact dimensions the designer created.

Some patterns come as single-page PDFs; others are multi-page files where you print each page and tape them together. Either way, the 100 percent rule applies. If you skip this step, you will spend time sewing a garment that doesn't fit.

Key Takeaways

  • Always set your printer to 100 percent scale or "actual size" before printing, not "fit to page."
  • Check your PDF reader's print dialog for a scaling or sizing dropdown menu where you make this change.
  • Multi-page patterns require you to print each page at 100 percent, then tape or glue the pages together in order.
  • Test the scale by printing a test page with a ruler measurement marked on the pattern itself.
  • Glossy or cardstock paper makes patterns easier to handle and more durable than regular printer paper.

Where to find the scale setting in common PDF readers

Different programs hide the scaling option in different places. In Adobe Reader (the free version), open File > Print. On the left side, look for a section called "Page Sizing & Handling" or "Scaling." Click the dropdown next to "Page Scaling" and select "None" or "100%." Do not select "Fit to Page."

On a Mac using Preview, open the PDF and press Command+P to print. In the print dialog, look for a dropdown that says "Scale" or "Scaling." Set it to 100 percent. If you see a checkbox for "Scale down to fit paper," leave it unchecked.

If you are printing from your web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge), the print dialog works the same way. Press Ctrl+P or Command+P, then look for a "Scale" or "Zoom" option. Set it to 100 percent. Some browsers also have a checkbox labeled "Background graphics" or "Print backgrounds"—leave these as they are unless the pattern has colored lines you need to see.

After you change the scale setting, the print preview should show the pattern at full size. If it still looks small or the preview shows only part of the pattern on one page, you have the right setting and the pattern is genuinely multi-page.

Printing multi-page patterns and taping them together

Many sewing patterns span multiple pages. Your printer will output each page separately, and you assemble them by taping or gluing the edges together. The pattern PDF usually includes small alignment marks or numbers on the edges of each page to show you which pages connect.

Print all pages at 100 percent scale. Lay them out on a large, flat surface in the order shown in the pattern instructions. Look for the alignment marks—often small triangles, circles, or numbers printed along the edges. Match these marks on adjacent pages so the pattern lines up correctly. Use clear tape on the back of the pattern (the side you won't be tracing from) to hold the pages together. Tape along the full length of each seam where two pages meet, not just at the corners.

Once all pages are taped, lay the complete pattern flat and check that the lines flow smoothly from one page to the next with no gaps or overlaps. If you see a gap, the pages may have shifted—carefully peel back the tape, realign, and retape. If you see an overlap, one page may have printed slightly larger than the others, which usually means the scale setting was not consistent across all pages.

Testing the pattern size before you cut fabric

Before you cut into your actual fabric, print one copy of the pattern and measure it against the dimensions listed in the instructions. Most patterns include a measurement line or a note like "this line should measure 2 inches." Use a ruler to check. If the measurement is correct, your scale is right and you can proceed.

If the measurement is off, go back to your print settings. The most likely cause is that the scale was not set to 100 percent. Print another test page with the scale corrected. Do not assume the first print was right just because it came out of the printer—a pattern that is even 5 percent too small will result in a garment that is noticeably tight.

Some sewers print the pattern on cardstock or glossy paper instead of regular printer paper. This makes the pattern stiffer and easier to pin to fabric without tearing, and the pattern lasts longer if you make the same garment multiple times. Your printer should handle cardstock without issue, but check your printer's manual if you are unsure.

What to do if your printer won't print at 100 percent

Occasionally a printer or PDF reader will override your 100 percent setting and still shrink the pattern. This usually happens when the PDF itself is formatted with margins or when your printer has a built-in "economy" mode. Try these steps in order.

First, check your printer's physical settings. On many printers, there is a button or menu on the printer itself (not the computer) that controls scaling or "fit to page." Consult your printer's manual or look for a "Settings" or "Setup" menu on the printer's screen. Disable any "fit to page" or "auto-scale" option.

Second, try a different PDF reader. If Adobe Reader is not working, read and install it for free from Adobe's website, or try your browser's built-in PDF viewer. Different readers sometimes handle scaling differently.

Third, if the pattern is a very large file, your printer may be running out of memory. Print only a few pages at a time instead of the entire pattern at once. This is rare but can happen with complex, high-resolution patterns.

Paper and storage tips for printed patterns

Regular 20-pound printer paper works fine for a pattern you will use once. For patterns you plan to use repeatedly, glossy photo paper or cardstock holds up better and resists tearing when you pin it to fabric. Cardstock is thicker and stiffer, which some sewers prefer because it does not shift as easily under the scissors or rotary cutter.

After you finish a garment, store the pattern flat in a folder or large envelope. Do not fold it, because creases can make it hard to align pieces accurately the next time you use it. If you have taped multiple pages together, store the whole assembled pattern as one unit. Label the folder with the pattern name and size so you can find it quickly.

If you print the same pattern in multiple sizes (for example, a child's size and an adult size), use different colored paper or a marker to label each version. This prevents confusion when you are cutting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the pattern says "do not scale" or "print at 100 percent"?

This is a reminder that the pattern designer has already sized everything correctly. It means you must print at 100 percent—not 90 percent, not 110 percent. Follow the instruction exactly as written. If your printer is set to 100 percent and the pattern still comes out the wrong size, the problem is usually that your PDF reader or printer is overriding your setting.

Can I print a pattern smaller or larger than the original size?

You can, but the finished garment will not match the designer's measurements or fit specifications. If you need a different size, check whether the pattern publisher offers that size as a separate PDF read. Scaling a pattern yourself changes all the dimensions—seam allowances, armholes, necklines—and the garment may not fit or look right.

My pattern printed but some pages are missing. What happened?

Check your print dialog to see how many pages the PDF contains. If you selected "print pages 1 to 5" but the PDF has 8 pages, you will only get those five. Open the print dialog again and select "all pages" or enter the full range. Also check that your printer did not jam or run out of paper partway through—check the printer's error log if it has one.

Do I need special ink or paper to print a sewing pattern?

No. Regular black ink on regular paper works fine. If you want the pattern to last longer or be easier to handle, use cardstock or glossy paper, but this is optional. Colored ink is not necessary unless the pattern uses color to show different pieces or construction steps.

Can I print a pattern on fabric directly instead of paper?

Some sewers use printable fabric sheets (special sheets coated to accept printer ink) to print patterns directly onto fabric. This works, but it is more expensive than paper and not necessary. Most sewers print on paper, cut out the pieces, pin them to fabric, and trace around them with chalk or a marking pen.