Print your sewing pattern at true scale, on any paper
Every Sewly pattern prints as a tiled PDF on home paper, as large sheets for a copy shop, or as a projector file, with a test square to check the scale before you cut.
Your pictures stay private and are only used to make your pattern.
- 1
Choose your paper
Pick A4, US Letter, A3 or Tabloid to print at home, A0 or 36 × 48 in for a copy shop, or the projector file. Check the seam allowance before printing; the default is 1.5 cm (5/8 in) on wovens and 1 cm (3/8 in) on knits.
- 2
Print the test square first
Print the page with the test square at 100 % or Actual size, with Fit to page turned off. Measure it: it should be exactly 5 cm or 2 in. If it is not, change the print settings and try again before printing the other pages.
- 3
Assemble the pages
Follow the page map on the cover. Pages are lettered by row and numbered by column, with alignment marks on the edges. Trim or fold one margin, match the marks and tape. Skipped pages are the empty ones, so nothing is missing.
- 4
Cut the fabric
Lay out the pieces as the cutting layout shows for your fabric width, on grain. Mark the rectangles given as cutting dimensions directly on the fabric with a ruler and chalk. Then follow the sewing guide, step by step. Seam allowances are already included.
Which paper sizes can I print sewing patterns on?
Sewly prints every pattern at true scale on the paper you have:
- At home: A4, US Letter, A3 or Tabloid (11 × 17 in), tiled across several pages.
- At a copy shop: A0 or 36 × 48 in, on large sheets with little or no taping.
- With a projector: a projector file you display directly on your fabric.
Choose the size when you print: the pattern stays the same, only the layout changes. Our post on A4 vs US Letter explains why both exist.
Check the scale with the test square
Every PDF has a test square measuring 5 cm and 2 in. Print the page with the square first, at 100 % or Actual size, never Fit to page, and measure it with a ruler.
If it is off, the whole pattern will be off by the same amount, so fix the print settings before printing the rest. Our guide on printing a PDF sewing pattern at the right scale covers the settings in common PDF readers.
Pages that are easy to put together
Tiled pages are lettered and numbered by row and column (A1, A2… B1), with alignment marks to match each edge to the next. A page map on the cover shows where every page goes, and pages with nothing on them are skipped, so you never print a blank sheet.
Trim or fold one margin, line up the marks and tape. See how to assemble a tiled PDF pattern for a quick, accurate method.
Fewer pages to print
Large plain rectangles, such as waistbands, ties and gathered skirt panels, are not printed at all: Sewly gives them as cutting dimensions, which you mark straight on the fabric with a ruler and chalk. Only the shaped pieces go on paper.
On a gathered skirt or a cushion cover, that can leave almost nothing to tape together, and on a dress it saves a good stack of sheets. More in print fewer pages.
Copy shop and projector files
An A0 or 36 × 48 in file prints on large sheets at a copy shop or print service, which saves taping on big patterns such as dresses and trousers; see printing at a copy shop.
The projector file is made to be projected onto your fabric at true scale, so you cut without any paper. Calibrate it with the test square once for your setup; projector sewing explains how.
Seam allowances, guide and fabric quantities included
Seam allowances are included: 1.5 cm (5/8 in) on woven fabric and 1 cm (3/8 in) on knits by default, adjustable before you print.
The PDF also contains the sewing guide: step-by-step instructions for your garment and options, the pieces list with cut counts, notions, fabric quantities for 110, 140 and 150 cm (45, 55 and 60 in) wide fabric and cutting layouts. Printing needs a Maker plan ($7.99 a month or $59 a year) or an Atelier plan.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a paid plan to print a Sewly pattern?
Yes. Making patterns, the 3D preview and the sewing guide on screen are free; printing needs Maker ($7.99 a month or $59 a year) or Atelier ($14.99 a month or $119 a year). Both print every pattern on every paper size, with the PDF guide.
What scale should I print a sewing pattern at?
At 100 %, also called Actual size. Turn off Fit to page or Shrink to fit, which scale the pattern down. Then measure the 5 cm and 2 in test square to confirm.
What if my test square measures wrong?
Check the scale setting in the print dialog first: it is almost always the cause. If it says 100 % and the square is still wrong, try another PDF reader, as some apply their own scaling. Do not cut until the square is right.
Should I print on A4 or US Letter?
Use the paper you have. Both print the same pattern at true scale; only the number of pages and their layout change. A3 and Tabloid mean fewer, larger pages if your printer takes them.
Are seam allowances included?
Yes: 1.5 cm (5/8 in) on woven fabric and 1 cm (3/8 in) on knits by default. You can change them before printing.
Can I use the pattern with a projector?
Yes. Choose the projector file, display it on your cutting surface and calibrate it with the test square so it projects at true scale. Our guide on projector sewing explains the setup.
What will you sew next?
Bring the picture. Sewly brings the pattern.
Your pictures stay private and are only used to make your pattern.