Paper patterns VS PDF patterns

There are 2 ways to get around your sewing patterns - let me lay out the pros and cons for ya - then pick your poison.

Posted: 1 February, 2025

Paper Patterns

The original way to buy patterns, and my personal favourite because I like sewing without using a computer.

Neatly packaged in an envelope with an illustration/image on the front and printed fabrics requirements suggestions and body measurements on the back.

These are compact and complete, easy to store and are ready to use immediately.

Most paper patterns come with a selection of sizes, so you can grade between them if needed.

These patterns are printed on tissue paper, but no need to clench your anus, it is robust and will handle multiple uses.

Because they are physical – you can flick through your collection like a library and get inspired right then and there!

On the downside, not all companies offer this option. This is actually a good thing because sometimes the shipping fees and the air miles are just not worth it.

This also means you have access to interesting designers all around the world!

I tend to cut my patterns to my size fast and loose like, because lord knows i’m not spending my sewing time on anybody else.

Vintage Patterns

Vintage sewing patterns were always printed, so thats always a nice thing to look back on.

Remember that the body of a lady of the 1930’s is very different to what you and I got today!  Don”t be personally upset with the measurement math. If the numbers match your body, go for it, but if you are a standard size 14 today, you’ll have to look for a bigger size that works for your 2025 body.

Thats just how it goes, it’s not a personal attack it’s just dated info.

Personally I love the tactile nature of the vintage paper pattern although I rarely use them as the techniques are old and basic and we can all do better.

PDF Patterns

PDF patterns that ping straight to your email instantly! Magic!

Just don’t forget to file them neatly in the cloud somewhere cause you only get to download it a limited number of times.

New modern independent pattern designers love this option, it gets the pattern to the people without the printing and packaging overheads.

You can use an at home printer for A4 copies (or lets be honest – the work printer), print out 20+ pieces and cellotape them together . Extremely labour intensive and can be messy to use afterwards. I guarantee you will only do this once cause what a waste of life!

There is sometimes an option to print A0 size. I would highly recommend you so this!

I print mine here!

And don’t forget to print the instructions so you are not getting sucked back into your phone!

PDF’s are harder to store because the paper is much thicker, and if you remember from school, you can only fold a piece of paper 7 times.

But if you fuck it up, you can just reprint it! A good option for beginners learning to understand their body shape and the fitting aspect of sewing.

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