How do I print my PDF patterns?
Socialite Patterns printable patterns are designed to work with the A4 and letter size paper.
I use Adobe Acrobat PDF viewer, so I'm not sure what features other PDF viewers have, but with Adobe, you can open up the pattern file, and on the left hand side, there is a grey bar with an arrow. Open that, and you'll see a little layers icon that looks like three stacked pages - open that and you'll see eyeball icons with the sizes. Click off the sizes that you don't want to print, and you'll be left with the size that you do want to print.
In the tutorial, you're given a printing chart. Decide which pages you want to print, then go up to the print icon.
Make sure your print settings are set to: Actual size (for page size), and Auto portrait/landscape (for page orientation).
Once your pages are printed, you lay out the numbered pages using the diagram shown in the pattern tutorial.
The pages simply get overlapped, and taped together, and then you can cut allong the dotted line of the pattern.
Some pattern pieces are laid out upside down or diagonally - this is simply to save you paper!
Why is my skirt not a full printable pattern?
For the simpler skirts, I choose not to design a full pattern to print out, but rather just give you the waist hole template, and then add instructions on how to draft the skirt yourself.
It is much quicker and resource saving, to follow the simple measurements to draft your skirt, than to print out 50+ pages and tape them together.
Once you get the hang of it, it's really easy to do! Just make sure you read through and gain an understanding of the directions and tutorials before marking and cutting your fabric.
Can I modify my purchased patterns?
I highly encourage my customers to get creative and modify to their hearts desire! I simply ask that you don't modify and then sell the patterns as your own.
Can I use the patterns for my own fashion brand?
Heck yes you can!
My biggest inspiration for starting my pdf pattern business in the first place, was my designer friends, who needed just a little extra help with drafting (and time saver patterns). This is why my patterns are very basic and fully customizeable - so that you can use them simply as a template, and then add your own twist to them!
There is absolutely no need to credit the patterns you use, however, it would make my heart so happy to see what you've done with the patterns!! So please share some photos of what you've made!
Tell me about the mix and match patterns...
Have you ever had a really hard time finding either the exact pattern or garment you have in mind?
This is where mix and match patterns come in handy - they provide a way for you to design exactly what's been floating around in your brain, by mixing the sleeve style you want, with the bodice, and then turning it into a dress, by adding a skirt, or making it a jumpsuit by adding pants or shorts!
Do most of the patterns include various lengths?
They sure do (well the majority of them, anyways!
All of my long patterns come in general lengths, and then I've just taken a bit of guess work out for you, by providing you with long, mid-length (or waist length), and short patterns.
Bodice patterms come in hipl length or waist length (for crop shirts, or to add to skirts or pants).
Always take your length measurements before cutting out your garments, just in case you need to add extra length, or to take off extra length, so that you aren't wasting fabric.
Tell me about your sizing...
My patterns come in sizes XXSmall to 4XLarge.
Remember that we all have different body shapes and sizes, and two "small bodies" might not fit perfectly into the small sizing category. They might have a small top with a medium waist and large bottom, or even fit in between various sizes.
The beauty about using patterns and making your own garments is so that you can modify and fit them to your own unique measurements. If you take your measurements and find that you are in between sizes, then simply print the two sizes you are in between, and cut between the lines!
Remember also that looser fitting garments don't need to be perfectly sized (the same garment could fit a wide range of body sizes. Same goes with knit/stretch garments).
Do the patterns come with tutorials or sewing instructions?
Of course they do! I couldn't imagine selling you a pattern and then not telling you step by step how it goes together.
My patterns come with full PDF photo/illustration and info tutorials, that you can print off (though some of them are 30+ pages long), or view on your phone or computer.
Do I need to be experienced in sewing, to use these patterns?
The answer is no!
You can be a total newbie, and still be able to navigate your way through the patterns, resulting in a gorgeous garment.
The patterns are labeled beginner through advanced, because there are some that are quicker and easier to build than others, however, all of the patterns can easily be simplified to make them easier.
What sort of machines do I need to own?
Well, you do need a sewing machine, whether it's a brand new fancy domestic, or your grandmothers domestic, or an industrial machine. And it needs to be able to sew a straight line and a zig zag (if working with knits).
Sergers are a bonus and I actually do about 80% of my sewing on my serger. It just gives you strong and clean seams, that maintain some stretch (perfect for knits).
If you don't own a serger, but are working with knits, I would suggest going over your seams twice, for strength, or doing a slight zig zag stitch.
If you don't own a serger, but are working with wovens (non stretch fabric), then I suggest getting a pair of pinking sheers (zig zag scissors), so that you can trim all of your seams, which will prevent them from fraying.
Coverstitch machines are just the cherry on top, if you want that nice and clean t-shirt finish, with the double stitch and stretch. I personally don't own one, but I've borrowed my friend's a few times, and it's lovely.
Tell me about your projector patterns...
I need to first come out and say that I myself have never used a projector pattern, so the way I design my projector patterns is based off information I've gathered, and then adding my own twist on them.
Here's what you can expect with the projector files;
- All of the layers can be turned on and off.
- They come with metric and imperial grids.
- All of the patterns that need to be cut on a fold, are lined up to a "fold" line.
- There are "scroll lines" every 10 inches, to help you keep everything lined up, as you scroll down the pattern.
- The file is one long artboard, with no particular sizing or separate artboards.
- The file is oriented vertically, but can be rotated.
If you have any feedback or ideas, please let me know, and I will try to incorporate them into future patterns!
