Printing made easy

How to print your PDF pattern

Q: My test square is the wrong size. What do I do?

Check that scaling is set to Actual size / 100% and not "Fit" or "Shrink oversized pages". Printing from a browser preview can also rescale — always print from Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Q: Which file should I print?

Use US Letter if you are in the USA or Canada, A4 elsewhere, A0 for a copy shop, and the projector file for projecting onto fabric.

Every Ivy pattern comes in one ZIP file with files for three ways to print. Pick the one that suits you.

Option 1
US Letter & A4
Print at home
Best for: Starting right away with your own printer.
1. Unzip the download and open the US Letter or A4 file in free Adobe Acrobat Reader.
2. In the print window choose Actual size / 100% (not "Fit").
3. Print page 1 only and measure the test square.
4. If it is correct, print the rest and tape the pages together (see below).
Use the layers panel in Acrobat to print only your size and save ink.
Option 2
A0 · Copy shop
Print at a copy shop
Best for: No taping — the whole pattern on a few large sheets.
1. Send the A0 file to a local print shop or an online pattern printing service.
2. Ask for black and white, 100% scale on plain paper.
3. Measure the test square when you pick it up.
Many US print shops call this "engineering" or "blueprint" printing — it is usually inexpensive.
Option 3
Projector file
Project onto fabric
Best for: Cutting straight from your fabric with no paper at all.
1. Open the projector file in your projector software or Acrobat.
2. Calibrate with the grid on your cutting mat.
3. Turn on only the layers (sizes) you need and cut directly.
Projector files have thicker lines and a contrasting background so they are easy to see on fabric.

Always check your test square

Print at 100% / Actual size (never "Fit to page"). Measure the test square on the first page: it should be exactly 1 inch or 5 cm. If it isn't, check your printer settings before printing the rest.

Home printing

Assembling your pattern pages

Print & check
Print at 100% and measure the 1 in / 5 cm test square first.
Trim one edge
Trim the right and bottom margins of each page (or fold them under).
Match & tape
Line up the page numbers and the diamonds on the edges, then tape.
Cut your size
Cut along your size line. Grade between sizes if you need to.

Hands cutting out a paper sewing pattern with scissors — Cutting the pattern

Save paper & ink

Print only the sizes you need

Our patterns are layered: each size sits on its own layer. Open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader, click the Layers icon in the left sidebar, and hide every size except yours (and any size you are grading to). Then print as normal.

Tip: keep the "Info" layer switched on — it holds the grainlines, notches and labels.

Printing help

Printing questions

Can't find what you need? Send us a note — we usually reply within one business day.

My test square is the wrong size. What do I do?

Check that scaling is set to Actual size / 100% and not "Fit" or "Shrink oversized pages". Printing from a browser preview can also rescale — always print from Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Which file should I print?

Use US Letter if you are in the USA or Canada, A4 elsewhere, A0 for a copy shop, and the projector file for projecting onto fabric.

Can I print on a different paper size?

Yes. Print the A0 file with "Poster" or "Tile" mode in Acrobat at 100%, or ask a copy shop to print it on 36-inch wide paper.

I lost my download link.

Look for the email titled with your order number (check spam too), or contact us with your order number and we will resend it.