All of my pattern drafting tutorials include so-called “pattern drafting designers,” which are meant to help you draft your own real-size patterns using standard tools such as paper, a long ruler, a French curve, and a pencil. Additionally, exact calculations for the necessary dimensions are provided and accompanied by illustrations in a downloadable PDF, making the drafting process easy and straightforward. However, now, I offer also custom PDF patterns.
Apart from the tutorials, some patterns are available for download as full-scale PDF patterns. Instead of following the tutorial to draft the pattern yourself, you can directly download a ready-to-use real-size pattern.
I have just begun creating these custom patterns, so there is currently only one available. However, I plan to create patterns for all basic pattern slopers in the future.
What does the PDF look like
The custom PDF patterns available for download are NOT like standard graded sewing patterns with multiple size options. Instead, each pattern is custom-drawn to your exact body measurements. For example, your waist, hip circumference, and ease are directly used to create the pattern. As a result, the document contains a single pattern tailored specifically to you.
All of the custom PDF patterns are drawn without seam and hem allowances. Seam allowances from the pattern designers are used to estimate fabric requirements.
Paper format
The default paper size for measurements in inches is “letter size,” while for measurements in centimetres, the international “A4” format is used. Of course, this can be adjusted—you can use inch measurements with an A4 format or centimetre measurements with a letter size format, depending on your preference (see the image below).
The patterns include signs and symbols you may already recognise from standard sewing patterns. These include, for example, the grainline, centre FRONT/BACK markings, notches, horizontal and vertical balance lines, darts, etc.
Please note that sewing instructions for basic pattern blocks are not included, as these blocks are intended to serve as a starting point for creating your own unique fashion designs.
Correct printer settings
To ensure the patterns print accurately, set your printer to 100%, No Scaling, or Actual Size in the print settings (see the image below). This guarantees that the content of the PDF fits perfectly on the letter-size or A4 page, as intended. Additionally, set the orientation/rotation to “Auto.” Proper printer settings are crucial for achieving precise results. Without these settings, the pattern may become distorted, leading to inaccurate measurements and a non-fitting pattern.
Assembling the PDF pages
The pattern pages are designed for easy assembly without the need to cut away any paper. You can simply overlap the pages and glue them together using the letters in the page corners as a guide. Alternatively, you can trim the edges along the dashed lines and use clear tape to assemble the pages. Be sure to follow the page order shown in the pattern preview (see the image below).
Each page is clearly labeled with a large number, and the corners for assembling and gluing the pattern are marked with corresponding letters. At the bottom of this page, you can find a sample document.
PDF pattern – a digital product
Take into consideration that these custom patterns, as well as the tutorials, are digital products. As such, a non-refund policy applies. Be sure to carefully review the measurements you enter into the pattern designers before proceeding with your purchase and download.
Sample custom PDF pattern document