Background

Why layers matter in sewing patterns

All the sizes of a sewing pattern sit on top of each other in the PDF file. This saves space and means one single document can cover every size. Without the layers function, however, you will see all the pattern lines at once when you print – which quickly turns into a confusing tangle of lines.

If you show only the size you need, you will see just the matching cutting line and can cut out your pieces neatly without mixing anything up. By the way, selecting the right size layer works the same way in all three file versions: A4, A0 and the projector file.

Step by step

Selecting size layers on a computer (Windows/Mac)

If you want to print your sewing pattern on your A4 printer at home, the most reliable way is the free Adobe Acrobat Reader. Your operating system's standard PDF viewer, or the Preview app on a Mac, unfortunately shows layers only partly or not at all.

1. Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader.
2. Click the Layers icon (two overlapping squares) in the sidebar on the left. If the sidebar is not open, you can find it in the menu under "View", then "Show/Hide", then "Side panels", then "Layers".
3. A list of all the size layers opens. Click the eye icons to hide every size except the one you want. Leave the text layer switched on.
4. Then print as usual.

On the go

Selecting size layers on a phone or tablet

For this I recommend the free Xodo PDF Reader app for iOS and Android:

1. Open the PDF in Xodo.
2. Tap the tools icon or the three dots at the top and select "Layers".
3. Here too: use the eye icon to switch off every size except the one you want and the text layer.
4. You can then print your sewing pattern straight from the app.

Passing it on

Having a sewing pattern printed by a copy shop in just one size

If you want to send your sewing pattern to a copy shop or plotting service, or pass the file on to someone else to print, it is not enough to simply save the file with the layers hidden. The other sizes are still in the file – they are just switched to invisible. When the file is opened again, they may reappear, and that can cause confusion at the print shop.

1. First hide all layers except your size and the text layer, as described above.
2. Go to "Print" and choose a virtual PDF printer, for example "Microsoft Print to PDF" on Windows or "Save as PDF" on a Mac.
3. Be sure to give the file a new name. Don't overwrite the original file, as you may need it later for other sizes.
4. The newly created PDF file will then really contain only the size layers you want. You can safely pass this file on to your copy shop.