Put Together a PDF Pattern....The Fast Way!

There's nothing like the satisfaction of finding the perfect pattern for that fabric and then realizing you can have it immediately by printing it at home.  You find it, buy it, print it and can be sewing in a few minutes!  But... taping them together isn't quite as fun.  Today I'm sharing the fastest way I've found to tape them together so you can be on your merry (sewing) way.

Here's what you'll need:

PDF pattern

Rotary cutter

Ruler

Rotary cutting mat

Clear tape (matte finish)

Step 1:  Test Square (don't skip this step)

Print the test square provided on the pattern and verify that it's the correct size.  In my example, the test square must be 4".  If your test square size is incorrect, be sure to go back and make print setting adjustments (setting the printer to "actual" size is the common fix) until it's right on.  Once everything is correct, print your pattern.

Step 2:

Place ruler along the left line of pattern frame and cut off margin using a rotary cutter.  Do the same for the bottom margin.  

 Be sure to leave the top and right sides untouched.  Your pattern pieces should look like this:

Step 3:  Tape pages together

Align numbers or markings on the pattern and tape.  Because you cut the left margins off already, you simply need to slide the left page under the right.  Tape pages together in rows from left to right.

In this example, Blue Dot patterns have both a number and a circle to help make alignment accurate.  I tape at all alignment marks and pattern lines to assure my pattern stays together.  I use "matte" clear tape because it allows me to use a pencil or pen to make any fitting adjustments.

 Step 4:  Tape rows together from top to bottom.

That's it!  The rotary cutter saves so much time!

I hope this helps you enjoy your PDF patterns!