Print the pattern. See here supported paper format and printer settings.
For each pattern you will have a number of pages. Pages must be aligned by a scheme and taped together. The scheme consists of rows and columns.
For each pattern I will provide the scheme, since some patterns can be on 4 pages only, meanwhile others can be on 20 pages. But the basic rule is that pages are arranged in a grid: with rows and columns.
On each page, on the bottom left corner, there will be a text saying which row and which column that page is.
Arrange the pages as shown in your pattern scheme. Usually you do this on the floor, or if you’re lucky, on a big table. Here is an example of how arranged pages look like.
By now you may be able to distinguish pattern pieces on the big sheet.
The next step is to tape pages together. A note about the pages: there are no borders on pages that you must cut before taping them. Also, since most of the printers do not accept border-less printing on plain paper, the pages come out with some kind of white space border where the lines are not printed. But you have to know that the pattern lines are there too.
This is why, when taping 2 pages together that have a line starting on one page and continuing on the other, you will have to draw the missing part of the line yourself.
This is the biggest problem I have with printed patterns and pdf. I hope this will not discourage you. On the other hand, consider this: would you rather cut borders on every page before gluing? Or tape pages and draw small lines? Actually, you will probable not even have to draw anything, but go straight ahead and cut the pattern.
And you’re done. This is an example of a pattern sheet that is made from taped pages.
The pattern pieces are ready to be cut out!
Remember:
- There are multiple files for a pattern. Each file contains several sizes. You print a file and assemble the pages. On the assembled sheet you will see pattern pieces for more sizes. For a pattern, the pieces layout within the big sheet will be the same for all sizes. I did not apply paper saving, because i want all of the files to have the same layout. It will be easier for everybody to identify pattern pieces on their pattern sheet.
- On all pattern sheets, the top left corner page will have a box with 10 cm width. That’s the print test box to check the right printer scale.
- On all pattern sheets, the 4 top left corner pages, will have a box spread on those 4 pages. The box width must be 20 cm. The box is for testing if you printed pages at the right scale. Also it is there to help you understand how the pages edge come together: there must be no overlapping and you do not have to cut borders on pages.