Projecting Patterns
Project and adjust a pattern
Choose layers, improve line visibility, navigate the file, and keep track of what you have cut.
Overview
Once your projector is calibrated, you can use Sewsy to choose pattern layers, improve line visibility, and navigate around the file.
Sewsy also remembers your place and settings so you can close the app and continue later.
Steps
1. Open your pattern
Open an existing projector pattern, or press Projector pattern to choose a new file.
Select a PDF or SVG pattern from your device or cloud storage.
2. Choose your layers
Open Layers if the pattern contains layers.
Select the sizes, markings, or other layers you want to display.
The available choices depend on how the pattern designer created the file.
Some patterns place markings, labels, or other important details on a separate information layer. If part of the pattern appears to be missing, select the size layer and any available INFO, Markings, Labels, or Text layer.
3. Improve pattern visibility
Open Display options.
Depending on the file, you can adjust:
- Choose the line and background colour from the predefined choices
- Increase the line weight
- Darken lines, which may help depending on how the pattern file was created
Choose settings that make the pattern easy to see against your fabric or cutting surface.
4. Rotate or flip the pattern
Open Transform options to:
- Rotate the pattern
- Enter a custom rotation
- Flip it horizontally
- Flip it vertically
Flipping can be useful for pattern pieces placed along a fold or when you need a mirrored piece.
5. Position the pattern precisely
Use the movement controls to move the projected pattern by a specific distance.
Choose the amount you want to move with each tap.
Exact movement can also help when making lengthening or shortening adjustments.
6. Zoom and navigate
Zoom in when you need to read small text or inspect part of a pattern.
Zoom out to see more of the file.
Use the minimap to see which part of a large pattern is currently visible and move quickly to another area.
7. Track completed pieces
Add a checkmark after cutting a pattern piece.
This makes it easier to keep track of your progress, especially when a pattern contains many pieces.
8. Return to the project later
Sewsy remembers your:
- Position in the pattern
- Selected layers
- Calibration
- Display settings
- Transform settings
When you reopen the pattern, you can continue without setting everything up again.
Tips
Check the calibration grid before cutting whenever the projector may have been moved.
Use higher-contrast colours on dark or patterned fabrics.
Zooming changes what you see on your device. Your calibrated pattern scale remains the reference for cutting.
Troubleshooting
The Layers button does not appear
The Layers button only appears when the pattern file contains optional layers.
Some patterns are flattened, meaning that every size and marking is combined into one fixed image.
Check whether your pattern purchase includes a separate layered or projector version.
Some lines or markings are missing
Open the Layers panel and confirm that you selected more than just the size layer.
Pattern designers may place labels, grainlines, notches, and other details on a separate layer called:
- INFO
- Information
- Markings
- Labels
- Text
The names depend on the pattern designer.
The pattern is difficult to see on the fabric
Open Display options and try:
- Choosing a different line or background colour
- Increasing the line weight
- Darkening the pattern lines
- Reducing the room lighting
The best settings depend on the colour and pattern of the fabric.
The pattern is no longer the correct size
The projector may have moved since calibration.
Recalibrate whenever you change the projector's:
- Position
- Height
- Angle
- Zoom
- Distance from the cutting surface
Use the calibration grid to measure a known distance before cutting.
Sewsy asks me to enter full screen on iPad
On iPad, newer versions of iPadOS can run apps in different window modes, including Split View, Slide Over, Stage Manager, and resizable app windows.
A Sewsy window may look large without being in true full screen. When that happens, Sewsy shows an overlay asking you to enter full screen before continuing.
Use the iPadOS window controls to enter full screen. This is usually the green full-screen control at the top of the window, or the full-screen option in the window menu.
Return to Sewsy once it is in full-screen window mode. Projection tools work best when Sewsy has the full screen available.