How to Download a PDF Sewing Pattern on Your Phone — and Find It Again in Sewsy

Most PDF sewing patterns are delivered by email after purchase. This guide explains how to download the PDF, save it on your phone, and then select it inside Sewsy on iPhone, iPad, Android phones, and tablets.

Step 1: Download the pattern from your email

After purchasing a pattern, you’ll receive an email with a download link or a link to view your files.

On iPhone or iPad

1. Open the email containing your order.
2. Tap the download link or link to view files.
3. Tap each file to open it.
4. When the PDF opens, tap the Share icon.
   On some iOS versions, this may be inside the ••• menu.
5. Choose Save to Files.

A screen will appear asking where to save the file.

If you’re not sure what to choose:
Tap iCloud Drive, then tap Save.

This saves the pattern to iCloud so it’s easy to find later in Sewsy.

If you already have a folder for sewing patterns, open that folder before tapping Save.

On Android

1. Open the email containing your order.
2. Tap the download link or link to view files.
3. If a list of files appears, tap each file to download it (it usually starts automatically).
4. Once downloaded, open the Files app.
5. Go to Downloads.

Step 2: Choose where to save the file

You’re simply choosing where the PDF lives. Sewsy does not require a specific location.

Common options:

• iCloud Drive (iPhone / iPad)
• Google Drive (iPhone or Android)
• On your phone (Downloads / Files)

If you’re unsure, iCloud Drive or Google Drive are the easiest long-term options.

Moving a file into a folder (optional but recommended)

If your file downloaded into Downloads, you may want to move it into a folder so it’s easier to find later.

On Android (Files app)

1. Open the Files app.
2. Go to Downloads.
3. Long-press the PDF file to select it.
4. Tap the ⋮ (three-dot) menu.
5. Select Move to.
6. Choose Google Drive or another location.
7. To create a new folder:
   • Tap the folder icon (usually at the top).
   • Name the folder.
   • Tap Move here.

Some Android devices show the Move option directly, while others place it inside the ⋮ menu. 

On iPhone or iPad (Files app)

1. Open the Files app.
2. Navigate to where the PDF is saved (iCloud Drive or On My iPhone/iPad).
3. Long-press the file.
4. Tap Move.
5. Choose a different folder, or tap New Folder.
6. Tap Move again to finish.

For ideas on how to set up folders, see: How to Organize Your PDF Sewing Patterns. 

Step 3: Find the pattern in Sewsy

Once the file is saved, Sewsy can open it from that location.

1. Open Sewsy.
2. On the Home screen, choose Print pattern or Projector pattern.
   
3. Browse to where you saved the PDF.
4. Tap the file to open it.

That’s it — Sewsy does not move or modify your original file.