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Member since 10/30/12
Posts: 139
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Posted on: 10/31/12 0:09 AM ET
I am completely BRAND NEW to sewing! I have only just bought my first sewing machine and looking to do some simple patterns. I'm a bit confused as to how to use the patterns once they are downloaded?? How do you get the pattern pieces to print at the right size for the project? Sorry if this is a really stupid rookie question!
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Nic (Melbourne)
  
Member since 1/16/08
Posts: 216
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Posted on: 10/31/12 0:44 AM ET
Welcome!!

Most of the downloadable patterns have instruction sheets on how to print and tape together.

With the couple that I have used, early in the pattern instructions, there is a test square. Print that page first and measure the square (and make sure that it is the correct size) BEFORE printing the entire pattern.

So far as connecting the individual pages into pattern pieces, some people tape all of the piece together and then cut out the pieces -- others cut out the pieces and then put them together...


What pattern are you looking to start with??

  
Member since 10/30/12
Posts: 139
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Posted on: 10/31/12 1:16 AM ET
Aaaaaaaaahhhh, ok - I think I've got it now. I didn't think about piecing the pieces together to make the right size :)

Seems like an awfully stupid question now! Although for some patterns, it seems like you'd use an awful lot of paper and ink to print out the pattern :)

Thanks again.
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Nic (Melbourne)
  
Member since 11/30/09
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Posted on: 11/1/12 0:06 AM ET
In reply to nic.0448
Quote: nic.0448
Aaaaaaaaahhhh, ok - I think I've got it now. I didn't think about piecing the pieces together to make the right size :)



Seems like an awfully stupid question now! Although for some patterns, it seems like you'd use an awful lot of paper and ink to print out the pattern :)



Thanks again.

Lots of paper (and tape) but not much ink - usually it's just a few lines on each page.
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Brother BM-2600
Janome 693
Lumina Overlocker (Serger)
http://tigergirladventures.blogspot.com/
  
Member since 10/30/12
Posts: 139
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Posted on: 11/1/12 5:18 AM ET
Thanks guys for your help
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Nic (Melbourne)
  
Member since 2/8/09
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Posted on: 11/1/12 6:13 AM ET
You had a great question. I spent years avoiding any downloading of patterns because I couldn't make sense of it. I tried a free clutch pattern once and when it printed out it said to zoom 200%!
So I figured printing out garment patterns was way beyond what my brain wanted to deal with.
Thanks for asking. I just may try it one day.

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Needlework brings joy and meaning to my life...member of ASG
Now using: Singer 301, Pfaff 6152 & BL Enlighten serger
  
Member since 9/9/07
Posts: 1112
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Posted on: 11/1/12 5:57 PM ET
I've found that downloads are just not worth the hassle- so much time putting them together.

In fact, I took a fantastic suit jacket class on Craftsy.com but never made it, because even after hours of putting it all together, I was so fed up I didn't want to start trying to alter the pattern (which sadly wasn't part of the class)

I won't buy a download again.
  
Member since 8/24/02
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Posted on: 11/1/12 7:44 PM ET
In reply to Skittl1321
Sometimes you can take them to your local copy shop, like a Kinko's, and have them printed onto oversized paper. I've done it, and it's not too expensive if you love the pattern.
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Elona
  
Member since 5/9/09
Posts: 2413
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Posted on: 11/1/12 8:08 PM ET
Speaking of Craftsy, I "enrolled in" Sew Retro Perfect Bombshell Dress. Now, I don't plan to sew the dress until December-- but it seems like The teacher, Gretchen Hirsch has some interesting tips on how to assemble, print, and work with downloadable patterns. I'll probably end up tracing the pices onto interfacing or Swedish sewing paper.

-- Edited on 11/1/12 8:09 PM --
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Bernina B330
Feet: 1,2,3,3A,4,5,7,8,10,13,16,18,20, 29,32,35,37,50,64,70,71,82,85,86, 92

  
Member since 4/8/02
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Posted on: 11/1/12 8:44 PM ET
I love downloads. Instant gratification. I tape the pieces then trace the pattern onto tracing paper. I love that some of the independants have them and cheaper than snailmail.
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Sue who used to be Sue Wilson
  
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