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Printing Patterns

Print a PDF sewing pattern

Choose the layers and pages you need, then print directly or export a new PDF.

Overview

Sewsy lets you choose the PDF layers and individual pages you need before printing.

You can print directly from your phone or tablet or export the prepared PDF to print elsewhere.

Printing in Sewsy supports PDF files.

Steps

1. Open the pattern

Open an existing print pattern, or press Print pattern to choose a new file.

Select the PDF pattern from your device or cloud storage.

2. Choose your layers

If the PDF contains layers, tap Layers.

Select the sizes, markings, and other layers you want to include.

The exact layer choices depend on the pattern file.

If no optional layers are available, the Layers button will not appear.

Include information and marking layers

Some layered patterns separate the size lines from other details needed for cutting or assembling the pattern.

In addition to your size, look for a layer containing information or markings. It may be called:

  • INFO
  • Information
  • Markings
  • Labels
  • Text
  • Pattern information

Layer names vary by designer.

Before printing, review the page previews and confirm that the required cutting lines, grainlines, labels, notches, and other markings are visible.

3. Select the pages

Use the visual page layout to review the pattern.

All pages are selected by default. Deselect any pages you do not need.

You can also use the page-range controls to select:

  • All pages
  • No pages
  • A specific range
  • Individual page numbers

4. Print or export

To print directly, tap Print and continue through your device's print dialog.

To create a new file, tap the ••• menu in the top right and choose Export. The exported PDF will contain the layers and pages you selected.

You can save it for later or send it to another printer or copy shop.

5. Check the scale

Print the pattern's test square before printing every page.

Measure it with a ruler and confirm that it matches the size stated by the pattern designer.

On iPhone or iPad, use 100% scale when available.

On Android, Sewsy asks whether you want to calibrate your printer the first time you print a pattern. You can skip calibration and access it later from the ••• menu in the top right. See Calibrate your printer on Android for the full process.

Tips

Print one test page before committing to a large pattern.

Make sure the paper size selected in the print dialog matches the paper size used by the pattern.

Some printer apps add margins or automatically shrink documents. Always verify the test square.

Troubleshooting

The pattern prints too small or too large on iPhone or iPad

Some printers resize the PDF even when the iOS print dialog is set to 100%.

Always print and measure the pattern's test square before printing every page.

If the test square is slightly too small:

  1. 1Return to the iOS print dialog.
  2. 2Increase the scale slightly.
  3. 3Try 103% or 104% as a starting point.
  4. 4Print and measure the test square again.

The correct adjustment depends on the printer, so do not assume the same value will work for every setup.

Also confirm that:

  • The correct paper size is selected.
  • The pattern was designed for that paper size.
  • Scale to Fit or Fit to Page is disabled when available.
  • The paper is not being resized by the printer's own app or settings.

The pattern prints at the wrong scale on Android

Some Android printer services automatically shrink or resize PDF files.

Use Sewsy's printer-calibration tool to measure and correct the difference. If you skipped calibration the first time you printed, open the ••• menu in the top right and choose Calibrate printer.

Make sure that:

  • The same paper size is selected during calibration and final printing.
  • The horizontal and vertical measurements are entered separately when they differ.
  • The verification sheet is accurate before printing the full pattern.

See Calibrate your printer on Android for the full process.

Cutting lines, labels, or markings are missing

The missing content may be stored on a separate PDF layer.

Return to the Layers panel and make sure you selected both:

  • The required size layer
  • Any information or marking layer

The information layer may be named INFO, Markings, Labels, Text, or something similar.

Review the page previews before printing to confirm that every required line and marking is visible.

The Layers button does not appear

The Layers button only appears when the PDF contains optional layers.

Some patterns are flattened, meaning that all sizes and markings are combined into one fixed page.

Check whether your pattern download includes another version, such as:

  • A layered print-at-home PDF
  • A layered copy-shop PDF

Some pattern pieces are missing

Return to the visual page layout and confirm that every required page is selected.

Check the pattern instructions or page map to see which pages contain the pieces you need.

Remember that a pattern piece may continue across several pages.

The printer clips part of the page

Most printers have an area near the edge of the paper where they cannot print.

Scale calibration can correct the physical size of the pattern, but it cannot extend the printer's printable area.

Check that:

  • The correct Letter or A4 file is being used.
  • The correct paper size is selected.
  • Borderless printing is enabled when available on Android.

The page preview does not match the printed result

The printer's system dialog or printer app may be applying additional settings after the file leaves Sewsy.

Review the final print settings for scaling, paper size, orientation, borderless printing, and fit options before confirming the print job.

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