Using digital sewing patterns:

Using PDF layers:

When the pattern PDF is opened in Adobe Reader, the layers icon can be selected to view the drop-down menu of all layers. Each size will be a different layer. Click the eye icon next to each layer to hide or view it, and then print directly from Adobe Reader in order to print only the visible layers. This is possible to do at a print shop, but they may have to do the step of hiding layers to skip printing them, so you will need to ask them about it.

Many other sewing pattern companies have more detailed instructions on using PDF layers. Here are just a few:

• Tilly and the Buttons: How to Use Layered PDF Sewing Patterns
• Pattern Emporium: Unlock the Magic of Layers in Digital Sewing Patterns

There are alternatives to Adobe Reader, although we can't vouch for their effectiveness. Foxit may be a good option.

If you want to use a vector graph design program (Inkscape, Affinity Designer 2, etc.) to print or to alter the pattern digitally, you can open it in one of these programs, and the layers will be preserved. See the "Altering patterns digitally" section below for more detail.

Printing PDFs:

The T4Textiles "A4" and "A0" PDFs have dimensions that are smaller than the expected paper sizes. When you print at 100% scale (a.k.a. actual size), the contents of the PDF will take up less than the whole page. The size of the margins will depend on your paper size. When printing a T4Textiles pattern, the "A4" file can be printed on A4 or US Letter (8.5x11") paper at 100% scale, and the "A0" file can be printed at a print shop on A0 or Arch E (36x48") paper at 100% scale.

Many other sewing pattern companies have additional information about printing and using PDF patterns. Here are just a few:

• Friday Pattern Company: Printing and Assembling PDF Patterns
• Closet Core Patterns: How to Print and Assemble PDF Patterns

Projectors:

The T4Textiles "Projector" PDFs are similar to the "A0" files, but have a few changes to make them work better with projectors:

• Because projections typically have lower resolution than printing, all sizes are drawn in solid lines and have a thicker line weight to make them more visible.
• All "cut on fold" pattern pieces are expanded to a full pattern piece to cut flat.
• The file is not split into multiple pages.

If you have a projector and a cutting mat with a measurement grid, you can simply use the Pattern Projector app. It's an extremely easy-to-use program and includes features such as viewing/hiding layers, flipping and rotating the pattern, and more. To use the app directly in your internet browser:

• Click "Start Calibrating" in the upper right corner, and then "Enter full screen" in the top left, and calibrate the projector by dragging the corners of the grid.
• Click "Project" near the upper right to load and project a PDF file.

Altering patterns digitally:

If you want to accomplish alterations such as grading between sizes digitally, you can open the PDF in a vector graphic design program. The following options are popular for sewing patterns:

• Affinity Designer 2: This program was used to create the T4Textiles patterns. If you select a PDF file, right click, and choose Open With > Affinity Designer 2, it will open the file with all layers and objects that were in the original file.
• Inkscape: Create a new document, choose File > Import, and select the PDF file. This will load each layer of the file as its own layer in Inkscape, but the paths under each layer won't have meaningful labels or organization. You may want to trace the relevant pattern pieces and label your new versions.
• Adobe Illustrator: We can't recommend this program as of 2025, as it is significantly more expensive and also performs worse than other options.