Printing Layered PDF Patterns

Our Uniform Tunic PDF pattern is our first layered PDF pattern file, and we plan on continuing to layer our pattern files with our future releases. Layered PDF pattern files include all of the sizes in the same file, but they are stacked on top of one another on separate layers. This allows you to deselect sizes you don't need and select the size, or sizes, you need before printing. You can save printer ink and have an easier time tracing off or cutting out your size. Below, we're illustrating how to use a layered PDF pattern.

Print at Home PDF

Although all systems and printer set-ups are different, here are some best practices for successfully printing your downloaded PDF pattern at home.

  1. First make sure you have the most recent version of Adobe Acrobat on your home computer. You can download it here from the Adobe site. While there are many different PDF readers, they are not all created alike. Acrobat provides the most consistent printing of any we’ve come across.

  2. After you have downloaded your .PDF files (we recommend downloading to your desktop if possible for easy access) open the print at home pattern file in Acrobat.

  3. Once your file is open in Acrobat, follow the print dialogue boxes below to print correctly on your home printer.

  4. The highlighted areas below show the correct settings for Actual Size printing. You want to make sure Actual Size is checked. You will also see the page fit on your 8.5 x 11 in the US or A4 in the EU in the document window to the right of the image below.



  5. Before printing the entire pattern, print out just the first page to make sure that your 3 in. x 3 in. square measures correctly — and if it does go ahead and print out the rest!

Assembling your Print at Home Pattern

  1. Cut borders as needed and tape pattern together matching the numbered/lettered diamonds.

  2. Follow the instructions included in the pattern booklet to complete your garment.

Copy Shop Printing Instructions

  1. If you are in the US you can send the full sized copy shop version of the pattern to any service bureau capable of printing 34″ wide. If you are located in the US we recommend using Fed Ex Kinkos and their Large Format Black and White Printer. Another resource is PDFPlotting.com.

  2. A0 files are included for print bureaus outside of the US.

  3. All PDF files should be printed with Adobe Acrobat Reader. Access is restricted to editing programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and Indesign and as such, they will not print the files.

  4. Follow the instructions included in the pattern booklet to complete your garment.

Print at Home Layered PDF

1. First make sure you have the most recent version of Adobe Acrobat on your home computer. You can download the free software from the Adobe site here . While there are many different PDF readers, they are not all created alike. Acrobat provides the most consistent printing of any we’ve come across.

2. After you have downloaded your .PDF files (we recommend downloading to your desktop if possible for easy access) open the print at home pattern file in Acrobat.

3. Your file should open to the first page of the pattern.

Layered PDF Printing | Grainline Studio

4. Open the Navigation Pane on the left hand side of the window, by clicking the highlighted area.

Layered PDF Printing | Grainline Studio

5. If you don't see the Navigation Pane you can access it by clicking View and then Show/Hide

Layered PDF Printing | Grainline Studio

6. Click Navigation Panes and then select Layers. This will cause the Navigation Pane to open.

Layered PDF Printing | Grainline Studio

7. Click the Layers icon to display the pattern sizes.

 

Layered PDF Printing | Grainline Studio

8. Click on the eye icon to select or deselect sizes. Active layers, those with the eye visible, will be printed.

Layered PDF Printing | Grainline Studio

9. If you're in between sizes you can still select the varying sizes you need and blend between them.

Layered PDF Printing | Grainline Studio

10. Once your sizes have been chosen proceed to printing.

11. The highlighted areas below show the correct settings for Actual Size printing. You want to make sure Actual Size is checked. You will also see the page fit on your 8.5 x 11 in the US or A4 in the EU in the document window to the right of the image below.

Layered PDF Printing | Grainline Studio

12. Before printing the entire pattern, print out just the first page to make sure that your 3 in. x 3 in. square measures correctly — and if it does go ahead and print out the rest!

Copy Shop Layered Patterns

1.  If you are in the US, you can send the full sized copy shop version of the pattern to any service bureau capable of printing 34" wide. If you are located in the US we recommend using Fed Ex Kinkos and their Large Format Black and White Printer. Another resource is PDFPlotting.com.

2. A0 files are included for print bureaus outside of the US.

3. All PDF files should be printed with Adobe Acrobat Reader. Access is restricted to editing programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. Those programs will not be able to print these files.

4. You are able to select the size or sizes you'd like to print in the copy shop file by following the same steps listed above. We've provided a few screenshots below to illustrate this.

How to Print Copy Shop PDF Patterns | Grainline Studio

How to Print Copy Shop PDF Patterns | Grainline Studio

How to Print Copy Shop PDF Patterns | Grainline Studio