Almost every time, the printer is shrinking or enlarging the file because "Fit to page" or "Scale to fit" is switched on. Set the print scale to 100% (also called "Actual size") and print again. Then measure the test square on the first page with a ruler before you print the rest.
Check these first
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Test square is slightly small | "Fit to page" or "Shrink to printable area" is on | Choose "Actual size" or 100% |
| Square is off, and the pages look different from the layout guide | Wrong paper size (A4 vs US Letter) | Use the file made for your paper size, if the designer offers both |
| Square is correct but edges are clipped | Printer can't print to the paper edge | Keep scaling at 100% and check the pattern's margin guidance |
| Size is wrong only from a phone, tablet or browser | The viewer applies its own scaling | Open the file in a desktop PDF reader and print from there |
A quick way to test
- Print only page one, or whichever page holds the test square.
- Measure the square with a ruler, not a tape measure that might stretch. Compare it to the size stated on the page.
- If it's right, print the rest. If not, open the print dialog, look for any scaling option, and set it to 100%.
- Print the test page again. Some printer drivers have their own scaling setting separate from the PDF reader's, so check both.
What not to do
Don't nudge the scale to 102% or 98% to make one measurement match. That makes the problem worse if the real cause is something else. Find the setting that's changing the size, turn it off, and reprint. Reprinting one page costs far less than recutting fabric.
If it keeps happening
If the square is right at 100% but the pattern pieces still don't match up, look at how you assembled it. Pages taped slightly off-grid can add up across a large pattern. Our guide to printing and assembling PDF sewing patterns covers the test square, page layout and taping.
If you're printing patterns often and fighting your printer's settings, the printer itself may be worth a look. Each type has tradeoffs, so see Best Printers for PDF Sewing Patterns: Laser vs Inkjet vs Ink Tank. Confirm current details on the manufacturer's official site before you buy.
Related
- Pattern Printing, Storage & Workflow
- How to Organize a Digital Sewing Pattern Library: File Naming, Folders and Backups, handy for labelling your A4 and US Letter files so you grab the right one