This guide will help you print your pattern correctly, whether you are using a home printer, a copy shop, or a projector.

Step 1: Choose the Correct Pattern File

Tiana’s Closet patterns are provided in multiple formats to suit different printing methods:

1. Home Printer Files (A4 / US Letter)

These files are designed for printing on standard home printers using A4 or US Letter paper.

Look for file names containing:

• A4-Letter
• Home-Printer

Home printer files are easy to identify because they contain many pages that will need to be assembled after printing.

Example file names: 

• A4-Letter-PatternName.pdf
• Home-Printer-PatternName.pdf

2. A0 Copy Shop Files

These files are designed for large-format printing at a copy shop or print service.

A0 files usually contain only 1–4 pages because the pattern pieces are printed on large sheets.

Example file names: A0-PatternName.pdf

3. Projector Files

Projector files are intended for sewists who project patterns directly onto fabric.

Projector files usually contain only one page.

Example file names: Projector-PatternName.pdf

Step 2: Using Layered PDF Files

Tiana’s Closet patterns include layered PDF files, which allow you to display only the sizes you want to sew, making the pattern easier to read and trace.

For example, if you only need Size M, you can hide all other sizes before printing.

Important Note: Layered PDFs work best on a computer. Phones, tablets, and mobile PDF viewers may not display or control layers correctly.

For the best experience, please use a computer and open the file using Adobe Acrobat Reader. Adobe Acrobat Reader is free to download and use. A paid subscription is NOT required for viewing or printing layered patterns.

You can download Adobe Acrobat Reader directly from their website here: https://get.adobe.com/reader/

Step 3: Open the Layers Panel

1. Open the layered PDF file in Adobe Acrobat Reader.

2. Locate the Layers icon in the left navigation panel. It looks like a stack of overlapping squares.

If you do not see the Layers panel: Click View –> Select Show/Hide –> Select Navigation Panes –> Click Layers

Step 4: Turn Sizes On or Off

In the Layers panel, you will see a list of available sizes.

1. To hide a size: Click the small Eye icon next to the layer name –> the layer will disappear from the pattern.

2. To show it again: Click the Eye icon once more.

You can leave only the sizes you need visible before printing. The layer that contains the Legend and texts must not be unchecked – it contains page borders and notes for you to assemble the pattern correctly. This layer is often named “LEGEND – DO NOT UNCHECK” or “PRINT FOR ALL SIZES”.

Below I have turned off all sizes and keeping only size XXL and the Legend layers. It looks much cleaner than when all sizes are displayed.

Step 5: Check Your Printer Settings

When printing, make sure the pattern is printed at its original size.

Set the printer scale to: Actual Size or 100% Scale

Choose to print only on one side of paper.

Do NOT select:

• Fit
• Fit to Page
• Scale to Fit
• Shrink Oversized Pages
• Print on Both Sides of Paper

Any scaling option may cause the pattern pieces to print incorrectly.

Step 6: Measure the Test Square

For home printers, as the patterns contain multiple pages, before printing the entire pattern, always print Page 1 only. This page contains the test square used to verify print accuracy. Printing a test page first helps prevent wasted paper and ink.

After printing Page 1, measure the test square with a ruler.

The measurement should match the dimensions printed beside the square.

Once the test square measures correctly:

1. Return to the print menu.
2. Print all pages of the pattern.
3. Assemble the pages following the pattern layout guide included in the PDF (on page 2 of the file).

Troubleshooting

1. My pattern printed too small or too large.

Check that the printer is set to Actual Size or 100% Scale. Do not use any scaling or fit-to-page options.

2. I cannot see the Layers panel.

Make sure you are opening the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader. Many web browsers and mobile PDF viewers do not support PDF layers properly.

3. The layers are not working on my phone or tablet.

Layer functionality is limited on many mobile devices. Open the pattern on a Windows or Mac computer using Adobe Acrobat Reader for the best results.

4. Which file should I print at home?

Choose the file containing A4-Letter or Home-Printer in the file name. These files contain many pages and are designed for standard home printers.

5. Which file should I send to a copy shop?

Choose the A0 file. These files contain only a few large pages and are designed for large-format printing.