Print a pattern at true scale, at a copy shop, or on your table

A pattern is only useful at its real size. Each way out of Pattern Forge — home printer, copy shop, file or projector — keeps it to measure.

Before you start

Print it at home

1. Choose the paper

   Press A4 or US Letter. Switch to Tiled to see the sheets; the print run counts them.

2. Open the sheets

   Press Open print sheets.

3. Print at 100%

   Turn off “fit to page” and “shrink to fit” in the print dialog.

4. Check the square

   Measure the check square before cutting: 100 mm a side (4 in if you work in inches). If it's off, print again.

5. Tape the sheets

   The sheet map (first, when there's more than one sheet) shows where each goes — A1, A2… across, B1… below. Sheets overlap by 10 mm; lay each over its neighbour until the crosshairs meet, then tape.

Or send it to a copy shop

1. Choose the size

   Under For a copy shop: A1, A0 (the default), ARCH D, ARCH E or a 36-inch roll. Press Open copy-shop sheet.

2. Save as PDF

   In the print dialog, choose Save as PDF, and send the shop the file, asking for 100%.

Or download it

Download SVG saves the draft as one file. Download DXF saves it in millimetres for a plotter, cutting machine or CAD program, with the cut line (seam allowance included), the stitch line and the markings on separate layers.

Or project it onto your table

1. Open projector mode

   Press Project onto your table with the projector over your cutting mat.

2. Calibrate once

   Press Calibrate. Drag the four yellow corners onto four marks on your mat that make a rectangle you know, and type its Width and Height. Check one grid square measures 5 cm.

3. Project

   Press Project. Choose the lines to show — Cut lines, Seam allowance, Markings, Help lines, Labels — and move the pattern with the arrow keys or by dragging.

If something's off

The check square isn't 100 mm

The printer rescaled the sheets. Print again at 100%, with “fit to page” off.

“Your browser blocked the print window…”

Allow pop-ups for this site, or download the SVG and print it at 100%.

“Three corners are in a line — spread them out.”

The calibration corners need to make a rectangle. Drag them onto four marks spread apart.

There's no sheet map

A pattern that fits on one sheet doesn't need one.