Definition
Pattern tiling is splitting a large sewing pattern into page-sized sections for home printing, which you then trim or overlap and tape together using alignment marks.
A garment pattern is much larger than a sheet of paper, so print-at-home PDFs divide it into a grid of tiles. Each page carries part of the pattern plus marks that show how it joins its neighbors.
To assemble a tiled pattern:
- Check the test square on one page before printing the rest.
- Lay the pages out in order using the page map, usually row by row.
- Trim one margin on each page, for example the right and bottom, or fold it under.
- Line up the alignment marks, usually triangles, circles or lines that complete across the join, and tape.
- Tape each row before joining rows together; rows are easier to keep straight.
On Sewly's PDFs, pages are lettered and numbered by row and column (A1, A2… B1), with alignment marks and a page map on the cover. Empty pages are skipped, and large plain rectangles such as waistbands, ties and gathered skirt panels are given as cutting dimensions instead of being printed, to save paper. You can print on A4, US Letter, A3 or Tabloid at home.
If you would rather not tape, print one large sheet at a copy shop, on A0 or 36 × 48 in paper, or use a projector. See how to assemble a tiled PDF sewing pattern and printing at a copy shop.