Going Digital

We first introduced digital patterns and magazines during the pandemic. The disruption to International postal services really effected our deliveries and we had no way of knowing how long this would last. Also on numerous occasions we had been asked for digital options to our printed patterns. So 2020 felt like the right time and we had no idea how popular they would become.

If you have never used a digital pattern the prospect may be daunting. With our digital patterns there are five files: A Read Me sheet with instructions for printing, the Pattern Detail sheet with all the measurements and fabric requirements, the Pattern Instruction Sheet and two pattern files; one to print at home and the other at a copy shop.

The Print at Home option is ideal if you want the pattern immediately. The pattern can be printed on a home printer with either A4 or US letter paper size. Page 1 is the pattern plan; this shows how the pattern is laid out on individual pages. Not every page may be necessary for your size so you can select only the pages you want for printing.

Page 2 is the first page of the pattern; this should be printed first as it includes the test square to check the print is to scale. The home printer should be set to 100%, once printed check the square measures 10.1cm x 10.1cm or 4in x 4in. If the square is smaller or larger adjust the settings on the printer until the correct size prints. Once the pages are printed, stick the pages together following the page plan.

However, if printing at home is not for you, each pattern has a Copy Shop file, this prints on large sheets of A0 paper at either a local printer or an online printer. Here are two UK online companies we have tested….

The first is Flamingo Prints who were very quick. We uploaded the file to their website and placed the order at 9am in the morning and received the printed pattern in the next day’s post. The paper is 75gsm which is heavier than the paper we used to print our patterns on, so not as pliable but will last a long time.

The second company was Fabulosew who were slower. We placed the order and were informed that they were very busy. The pattern arrived the following week. The upside of Fabulosew is the paper they use which is 20gsm. It is thicker than the tissue used by the big pattern companies but sturdy enough to withstand pins without tearing and almost translucent, so excellent when placing over patterned fabrics. 

Flamingo charge £1.50 per A0 sheet and Fabulosew charge £2.15 per A0 sheet. As a guide The Utility Coat pattern requires three sheets but The Tie Detail Top only 2 sheets. Both companies also print Instruction sheets, but you may wish to do this on your home printer. They also offer envelopes for an additional price.