When you buy a pattern from an independent designer, you often have the choice between their patterns in PDF format and in printed pattern format.

Whether you order one format or the other, you will receive exactly the same pattern and the same explanatory materials. Only the format changes, but then why these two formats? What are the differences? Why would I choose the PDF format? Does this format suit me?

That’s what I invite you to discover in this article!

What is a PDF, digital, or dematerialized pattern...?

PDF patterns are 100% digital products. When you buy a PDF pattern, you won’t receive anything "physical" but a download link that will give you access to the pattern and the instructions you selected. You will need to download the pattern sheets and the explanatory booklet! 

But don’t worry, it’s very simple!

Download and print your pattern

At C'est du Joly as in other shops reselling PDF patterns, you will need to go to your customer account or follow the link in the email sent after your order. You will need to click the download button for the pattern you selected.

I recommend saving your PDF patterns on your computer as soon as you purchase them and possibly renaming them to find them more easily. 

Next, it is necessary to print the pattern sheets following the creator's instructions carefully, especially regarding the format and print scale. Often, you will have several choices for printing: A4, A0... 

Printing options

A4 option / at home

I recommend always printing the page with the test square and taking the time to measure it to be sure of the scale and avoid printing 40 pages only to have to throw them away later. Once you have printed all the sheets, you will need to assemble them to reconstruct the pattern sheet. Often, you will have an assembly guide with marks to help properly align the pages. You will then need to tape all the pages together.

Note that some patterns are assembled edge to edge; others are assembled frame to frame or mark to mark. Please refer carefully to the creator's instructions. 

A0 option / at the printer

Take your USB drive or send your pattern directly to your favorite printer. You can then ask for an A0 print, at actual size. 

I recommend always specifying to print in black and white or risk burning a hole in your wallet 😂. 

3 examples of brands offering only the PDF version of their creations: 

What are the advantages of the PDF format

1. Immediacy
The PDF is instantly downloadable day or night, Monday to Sunday without pause... So there’s no waiting time between ordering and receiving. If a sudden urge hits you on a Sunday afternoon, you choose your pattern on the site, place your order, and print it immediately; ready to sew right away! There’s no delivery delay, no need to go anywhere...

2. Reproducibility
You can print the pattern sheet multiple times, so you can cut into the sheet and reprint it endlessly! The PDF pattern sheet can be cut without worry. At worst, if you change size, you can reprint it! 

3. It doesn’t take up space in the workshop!
Indeed, at worst it takes up space on your hard drive or in the cloud

4. It is less expensive to buy than the printed pattern
At purchase, the PDF pattern is a bit cheaper than buying its printed counterpart. That’s normal since the printed pattern is a physical item that needs to be printed, stored, and shipped...

However, you shouldn’t overlook the printing costs of the PDF pattern you ordered 😉 we’ll talk about that below!

5. It allows discovering small designers
Indeed, new designers don’t always have the budget to produce printed patterns. Producing PDF patterns costs them less; so it’s also a way to support them. 

6. Variety
PDF patterns can be purchased worldwide and easily downloaded without being penalized by shipping or customs fees. 

3 lingerie designers offering the PDF format, perfect for small pieces! 

What are the disadvantages of the PDF format

1. Preparation time
When you receive the PDF pattern, you will need to print it. In A4 format, you will need to allow time for gluing the sheets together. If you choose A0 printing, you will have to go to the printer. 

2 Hidden costs 
As I said earlier, the PDF pattern often costs less than the printed pattern, but watch out for hidden costs! Paper, printer ink, tape... and more if you go to a printer for A0. This cost should be added to the price of the PDF pattern. 

3. Storage
If you decide to copy the pattern and keep the sheet assembled from A4, it’s hard to store. Indeed, it’s hard to fold; the best is to roll it gently, but it can clutter your workspace. 

For A0, you can try rolling or folding it. 

4. Not Visible

Purchased patterns are not very visible because they’re stored on your computer. You don’t really think about them anymore...

My opinion on PDF patterns

I’ve had the chance to try both printed and PDF formats, and I like and use both! It’s all about balance, isn’t it! 

When do I use PDF patterns?

1. For small pieces in general
When you have to assemble about ten sheets, it’s much simpler and faster than for the "big" pieces. Today, I find that for "small" pieces requiring fewer than 10 pages of printing, the PDF format can suit me. 

It’s a perfect format for lingerie, for example. By the way, you’ll find patterns from Atelier Guillemette, Fitiyoo, and Arlette Sew in PDF version.

2. For designers who only have the PDF format
As I said, some small designers only offer the PDF format and that doesn’t stop them from offering us little gems! Plus, I find it’s a way to support them 😊 and promote diversity in the world of independent pattern creation. 

 3. For patterns from around the world.
I really like seeing what’s happening in the United States, Australia, Japan, Russia... and I don’t necessarily want to pay $40 for shipping... so the PDF format is ideal when you want to buy a pattern outside Europe...

In conclusion, if I have the choice, I’m more team printed except for small pieces like a little skirt or a t-shirt where a PDF format can be quickly assembled! I’m also team PDF to support independent designers who don’t have printed versions or for patterns outside Europe.

And you, are you more team printed or PDF? Let me know in the comments!

So, ready to discover our collection of over 1000 PDF and printed patterns?

They are here, and believe me, there are some real gems! 

So, get your needles and pins ready!