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Practical PDF Sewing Patterns

in Beginners· Blogs by Olivia· Free Downloads· Learn to Sew· New to PDF Patterns· Sewing

Why you need to start using PDF patterns for sewing!

PDF patterns are a godsend for sewers. They allow you to print out a sewing pattern and use it to sew a project all within a short span of time. They may seem complicated and difficult to prepare at first, but this blog post will outline why they are a must have in your sewing process.

A little bit about PDF patterns

A PDF pattern isn’t as out there as you may think, they are, put simply, just a digital version of a printed pattern. You can find PDF patterns online on any sewing website (or similar). They are downloadable and you can save them on to your computer and print them off on regular printing paper using your household printer. If it is a large print, all you need to do is sticky tape them together! This means that through using PDF patterns you will be able to find a pattern you love and begin working on it the exact same day. This saves you from the days of waiting to get a printed pattern.

Why are PDF patterns so great?

Instant sewing

The main benefit to PDF patterns for most sewers is the fact that they can begin sewing as soon as they find a pattern they like. This also saves money as there are many free downloadable PDF patterns and shipping is no longer a cost that you need to factor in. This way, people like us can hold on to that excitement we feel when we find the perfect pattern. This will allow for the initial excitement to last all the way up to the commencement of sewing!

Accessibility

Using a PDF pattern will also mean that you will be able to find, and use, unique patterns from all around the world. There are so many small stores on the internet who sell great PDF patterns that you wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else. This will mean that you will be able to sew unique designs without the fear of running into someone with the same piece whilst being proud of the individuality of your creation. Small stores are also great at producing patterns which cater for a range of different body shapes and sizes, meaning that you will be able to create a well fitting piece without having to make your own adjustments. Overall, the accessibility of PDF patterns brings so many great benefits that will allow you to create your perfect piece.

How to use a PDF sewing pattern

Downloading the pattern

The first thing you need to do when using a PDF pattern is to find one that you love. PDF patterns are all over the internet so spend time browsing to find one you really love. Once you’ve done this, purchase the pattern and download it as a PDF file on your computer. Once you have downloaded your pattern, you will have to locate the file to use it. You will be able to find it in the recent downloads section of your computer.

Printing the pattern

Once you have opened your file, you then have to print out your pattern. All this requires is printing out the sheets you have downloaded with your home printer (if you have one). When printing, you must ensure that the scale is set to 100% so the pattern is printed ‘to scale.’ If you don’t have a home printer, you can take these PDFs on a USB to a printing store such as Office-works and receive your pattern like this. The PDF pattern will be spread out over many different sheets, which, when printed can be put together and combined to create a large pattern.

Assembling the pattern

Most PDF patterns will have margins on each side of the PDF. In order to properly assemble the pattern, you must trim off the edges of each page. To save time, you can invest in a cutter which quickly cuts straight lines across pages, some will even allow you to cut through multiple pages at a time which is super handy!

Once you have trimmed the pattern pages down, you can start to assemble the pattern. The best thing to do is lay out the pattern flat first through discovering which pages fit next to one another. Patterns are generally number or letter coordinated, allowing you to easily locate the pages which fit next to one another. Once you have the pages properly laid out, tape or glue the pages together to ensure that they are being held in place properly.

The final step to assembly is to wait until the glue is dried (if you used glue) and cut out all of the pieces, just as you would for any other pattern.

The final step: sewing

Once all of the pieces have been cut out and assembled, the final step is to begin your sewing.. the most exciting part! There is nothing complex about this step if you’re a regular sewer, you treat these PDF patterns as any other pattern.

Trying out PDF patterns is essential for every sewer. Here at Flosstyle, we deem PDF patterns to be life-changing. Not only do they come with so many benefits, but they are also so easy to use. Trust us when we tell you, PDF sewing patterns will undoubtedly change your life. Make sure to give PDF patterns a go, and let us know how you feel about them!

Happy sewing!

Olivia B

Filed Under: Beginners, Blogs by Olivia, Free Downloads, Learn to Sew, New to PDF Patterns, Sewing

in Beginners· Free Downloads· How To· New to PDF Patterns· One Yard Tote

How to use PDF sewing patterns – everything you need to know to get downloading and sewing!

If you’ve always been interested in PDF sewing patterns and wanted to know how to use them, then this is the post for you.

Here at Flosstyle we understand that downloading and using PDF sewing patterns can be daunting for some. We are here to help alleviate your anxieties and to open up a brand new world of PDF sewing patterns to you. Our blogpost “Why you should start using PDF sewing patterns now” is a must read if you’re still not quite convinced or want to learn more about the world of PDF Patterns.

We promise that you don’t have to be tech savvy to find and download amazing and creative PDF sewing patterns. Our step-by-step guide below is super easy to follow and will have you downloading PDF patterns in no time.

Step 1 

The first step to using a PDF pattern is finding the perfect pattern. If you’ve never used a PDF pattern before, we suggest trialing one of our free patterns. This post will demonstrate downloading the One Yard Tote pattern (and it will demonstrate how easy it is!). To fully get your head around PDF patterns, why not follow along with this post and download our One Yard Tote PDF pattern too. 

The One Yard Tote is a brilliant first PDF sewing pattern for you to download, assemble and sew. It’s free, it’s cute, and it’s even reversible! The One Yard Tote is perfect for carrying your groceries, books, laptop, craft items and even your swimmers for the beach. This is the perfect bag to accompany you to school, university or work as it’s perfectly sized for A4 folders and documents. All you need to create this versatile and useful bag is one yard of fabric and 2.25m of binding bias (yes that’s seriously it!).

Step 2

The second step is to download the pattern. Click on the image above and you will be linked directly to the one yard tote bag.

All you need to do is click on “add to cart”. Now click on the “view cart” button and you will see your one yard tote bag pattern in your cart. 

Next you will need to fill in some of your details and you will be able to download the pattern. 

Ta-da! The One Yard Tote PDF sewing pattern is now yours!

Step 3

The third step is something that a lot of people forget. Make sure you save your newly downloaded PDF pattern to your computer in a place that will be easy for you to find again in the future. We suggest you make a dedicated folder to save your PDF patterns in. Once you get a collection of patterns, you can create sub-folders for different types of patterns such as “dresses”, “accessories”, “toys”, and more. 

Your downloaded item will be one PDF document. This document will include clear instructions as well as the pattern itself.

Step 4 

Now that you have the PDF pattern downloaded and saved, the fourth step is to print the pattern. Our patterns provide very direct and specific advice on printing. To ensure your pattern is printed correctly please follow the instructions clearly. The most important rule to follow when printing PDF patterns is NOT to scale the print. Have a look at the image below, to see the settings we used. We kept the scaling option as “actual size”. (Depending on your printer this might also be “default” “no scaling” “100%”)

If you’re running low on ink or paper, you also have the option to print only the necessary pages (e.g. in the One Yard Tote pattern, you only need to print pages 4-6). You can keep the instructions pages open on your computer or ipad while you’re assembling the pattern and sewing.

If you don’t have access to a printer, that’s totally ok! You can ask your local print and copy shop to print off your pattern for a small fee. Officeworks charge around 10 cents for each page of printing. The One Yard Tote is a 6 page PDF, so it could cost you less than a dollar to print.

All Flosstyle patterns come with a test page to ensure the pattern has been printed correctly. Please ensure you take the time to measure the test square before you get started on the next step.

Step 5

The fifth step is to assemble the pattern. This is one of my favourite parts of the process. I love to have music playing in the background while I get completely stuck into my project (and yes before you ask, dance breaks are totally encouraged!).  

Cut the pieces out and sticky tape or glue them together. Flosstyle patterns provide clear instruction and direction so you will have no issues with knowing where to cut and where to stick the pages together. 

Step 6 

That’s it! Now it’s time to get sewing. We hope this guide has been useful and helped you feel more confident in your ability to download and assemble a PDF pattern. Don’t forget that one of the best things about PDF patterns is that you can print out as many copies of the pattern you need if you make any mistakes. 

Before you start sewing you might want to check out our One Yard Tote Timelapse Video showing how the tote is sewn together. For inspiration you can find all our blog posts about the One Yard Tote here.

We would love to see your Flosstyle creation! Join our facebook group, Flosstyle Fair and share your creations with us there. Our facebook group has over 8000 members who have a wealth of knowledge on using PDF sewing patterns and would be more than happy to help you out and answer any questions you might have. You can also share your creations on instagram with the hashtag #flosstyleoneyardtote for a chance to be featured on our page.

Happy Downloading and Sewing

Jess

Filed Under: Beginners, Free Downloads, How To, New to PDF Patterns, One Yard Tote Tagged With: How to use PDF Sewing Pattern, Learn to sew, Learn to use PDF Sewing Patterns, PDF Sewing Patterns, Print PDF Pattern

in 52 Week Sewing Challange· 52 Week Sewing Challenge - 2020· Flosstyle Patterns· Free Downloads· Freebies· One Yard Tote· Upcycle

Sewing Challenge 2020 – Week 12

This weeks challenge: Scrap Busting
Accepted/Rejected: Accepted

I love appliques for scrap busting, they use such tiny pieces of fabric that I can find a use for even my smallest scraps. I have been working on some appliques patterns getting them ready for release and the dog I made this week is one of those so no pattern available yet.

The One Yard Tote is perfect for adding appliques to and is a super quick sew, perfect for a last minute gift. The One Yard Tote is a free pattern too which makes it even better.

I love being able to upcycle when I’m sewing, so the inside of this one yard tote is made from and old quilt cover that I got from an Op Shop last year for $3. I’ve lost count of the things I have made with it already and there is still so much of it left in my cupboard waiting to be turned into other new creations.

Happy Sewing
xx Gail

Filed Under: 52 Week Sewing Challange, 52 Week Sewing Challenge - 2020, Flosstyle Patterns, Free Downloads, Freebies, One Yard Tote, Upcycle

in Arts and Crafts· Free Downloads· Uncategorized

Holiday Cheer

Goodness this year has flown by! Hard to believe there is only 1 month left to the year and we will soon to welcoming 2019. Flosstyle has some great things in store for the upcoming year! If you haven’t signed up for the newsletter and would like to, be sure to do so on the homepage. The newsletter will keep you up to date with all the fresh happenings with Flosstyle. You can also join the Facebook group, to keep up.

We recently celebrated 7,000 members in the Facebook group and gave out prizes to 7 individuals. Congrats on your win and please contact the Flosstyle page to claim your prize if you have yet to do so.

  • Jeny Harmon -2 free patterns
  • Hayley Webb -$20 certificate
  • Mel Stevens -10 credit
  • Michelle Mills -1 free pattern
  • Nicky Pritchard 1 free pattern
  • Linda Chretein-$15 certificate
  • Johanna Davidson-$5 credit

We will be having a bigger giveaway once we reach 8k members and I hear there are several fabric designers and other pattern designers involved!!!

To start off the Holiday season I have 3 vinyl files for you! They’re completely free and a gift from Flosstyle to you! But be sure to stay tuned for another freebie I have in the works. Any guesses what it may be? Hint: soft and cuddly

You can find the free svg files here.

Filed Under: Arts and Crafts, Free Downloads, Uncategorized

in 52 Week Sewing Challange· Flosstyle Patterns· Free Downloads· One Yard Tote

52 Week Sewing Challenge – Week 26

This weeks Challenge: Something with Stars (Rejected)

I know the other states have already been using re-usable bags for awhile now, but here in Queensland they have just started phasing them out at the supermarkets. So this week I thought I better get a start on making some re-usable bags for my shopping.

The One Yard Tote has just been added to the store for free, you can find it here.

I found this amazing zebra print in the curtain section at spotlight, being a little heavier it is perfect for a re-usable bag.

I had a little trouble deciding on a colour for the lining but decided to go with a light purple and now that it’s finished I love it. To be honest this bag probably isn’t going to make it to the shops, its’s the perfect size for my notebook, folders and laptop.

    

 

What did you sew this week? We would love you to come and share with us in the Flosstyle Fair Facebook Group.

 

Happy Sewing

Gail x

 

Filed Under: 52 Week Sewing Challange, Flosstyle Patterns, Free Downloads, One Yard Tote

in Free Downloads· Tutorials

Fabric Bow Tutorial

A perfect addition to any dress, skirt, toy or as a matching hair accessory to coordinate with your new outfit. Excellent way to use up small scraps.

 

Click here for FREE tutorial download. 

Filed Under: Free Downloads, Tutorials

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