What is a printed pattern?

In a printed pattern package, you will receive one or more printed pattern sheets on fairly sturdy paper and an explanatory booklet usually in A5 size.

Sometimes, the explanatory booklet includes a link to a video on the designer’s website or directly on a video platform to watch the most complex assembly steps or sometimes even all the assembly steps (this is generally called a "sew along"). 

Often, the printed pattern package is "a beautiful object" decorated/designed and the explanatory booklet is printed on nice paper.

On the sheet(s), the pattern is printed to scale in all the sizes planned for the model. This clearly helps minimize the risk of errors related to incorrect pattern printing.

Most of the time, the pieces do not overlap or overlap very little; which makes tracing the pieces easy. 

For printed patterns, I really advise you not to cut into the sheet but to trace it with the seam allowances that suit you. You never know, you might gain or lose weight, want to make the model for someone of a different size... in short, once cut, the other sizes are lost and that’s a shame... So prioritize transferring the pattern onto tracing paper if you think you’ll make the model again in the future. 

Once your pieces are traced, all you have to do is fold your pattern sheet back into the package and store the package. For my part, I use an old shoebox; it’s the ideal size for storing them. It’s also a way to enjoy the object (you see it) and remember the models you have in stock at a glance.

Advantages of the printed pattern

1.  Beautiful object 

As I said above, independent printed pattern designers put a lot of effort into creating a beautiful object. The printed pattern packages are often original and reflect their creator’s style.
Sometimes simple, sometimes decorated, rather natural or downright psychedelic... there’s something for every taste and it’s always a pleasure to look at them! This also helps not to forget previous purchases and to remember what you already have... 

2. Usable immediately upon receipt (no preparation time)

The printed pattern format allows immediate use. Indeed, once purchased or received, you can start tracing the pattern without going through the printing step. Moreover, the pattern is printed to the correct scale on thick, quality paper.

3. No hidden costs

When you buy a printed pattern, apart from the pattern paper, you won’t have any additional costs related to it. 

4. Easy to store

The printed pattern is easy to store in its decorated package. You can also slip your pattern pieces inside for future use. 

Disadvantages of the printed pattern

1.No immediate delivery (unless bought at a local haberdashery) 

If you buy a printed pattern online, you will have to wait for delivery, unlike the PDF pattern. 

2. Unique (cannot be reprinted)

As I said above, it’s better not to cut into your original sheet... otherwise you’ll have to buy the pattern again if you change size! 

3. Need to trace it

Unless you cut into your original sheet, see point above

4. More expensive initially than the PDF pattern

At purchase, the printed pattern costs more than a PDF pattern but watch out for the printing costs of the PDF format! Often a printed pattern ends up costing less than a PDF printed at home. 

My opinion on printed patterns

Since I started sewing, I have tested many printed and PDF patterns.

I first started using printed patterns recommended by my sewing teacher and I found this format pleasant for beginners. As I progressed, I became interested in the PDF format which I found less expensive to buy. I had the chance to test small pieces (about ten sheets to assemble) and "large" pieces (up to 40 sheets to assemble). 

Today, the conclusion is that I use both! 

When do I use printed patterns?

1. For "large" pieces because assembling PDF patterns is clearly not my favorite part of sewing! Whereas the time spent tracing the pieces from my printed pattern sheet doesn’t bother me at all; the assembly time seems like wasted time. 

To simplify, I tend to choose a printed pattern for a coat and a PDF for underwear. 

2. The financial aspect: Ultimately, I realized that for most models, buying a printed pattern or a PDF pattern comes out almost the same. The printed pattern is more expensive to buy, but the PDF pattern requires consumables for printing (paper and ink and sometimes the roll of tape gets used up...). I had tried printing in A0 but the print shops near me charge about 5 euros per sheet... so finally a pretty printed pattern package to look at in my workshop suits me just fine 😊. 

Over time, I have become a mixed team member 😂

You will find both formats in the shop and on the webshop! 

And you, what do you prefer?