A practical guide to digital patterns
Your sewing pattern
download, decoded.
Downloaded a pattern and suddenly have five files in front of you? Here is the one to choose for your printer, copy shop, or projector.
US
Letter PDF
Print at home
A4
A4 PDF
Print at home
A0
A0 PDF
Copy shop
SVG
SVG Master
Vector file
CUT
Projector SVG
Paperless cutting
The pattern is the same. The file you choose simply changes how you get it onto your cutting table. Once you know what each option is for, choosing takes about ten seconds.
Every ALTR HOUSE custom sewing pattern is generated from your measurements, then delivered in multiple formats. That means you can print at home, send one full sheet to a copy shop, or skip paper entirely and project the pattern directly onto fabric. You do not need to choose one way to sew forever. You just need the right file for this make.
The quick answer: which file should I use?
What is a PDF sewing pattern?
A PDF sewing pattern is simply a digital pattern file you download instead of buying on paper. The pattern pieces are ready to print at their intended scale. The important part is selecting the version sized for your paper or your print method, then checking the test square before you cut fabric.
With ALTR HOUSE, the pattern itself is already drafted around the measurements you entered. The download format does not change the fit. It only changes the route from your screen to your cutting table.
The five ALTR HOUSE pattern file types
US
Letter
For home printing in the U.S. and Canada
This is the tiled PDF for standard 8.5 x 11 inch paper. Print it at 100% scale, check the test square, then trim and tape the pages together before cutting your pattern pieces.
A4
For home printing on A4 paper
Same idea, different paper size. Choose the A4 PDF when your home printer uses A4 sheets. Print at 100% scale, check the test square, and assemble the tiled pages.
A0
For a copy shop or large-format printer
Want to avoid taping pages? The A0 PDF places the pattern on a single large sheet. Send it to a print shop that offers A0 or large-format printing, then cut directly from the full-size page.
SVG
For compatible vector and design software
The SVG Master is a scalable vector version of your custom pattern. Save it when you work with compatible sewing, design, or vector software and want a format that stays crisp at any zoom level.
CUT
For cutting with a projector
The Projector File SVG is for sewists who want to skip printing completely. Calibrate your projector once, open the file in ALTR HOUSE projector mode, project the pattern onto your fabric, and cut from the light.
Good to know
You receive every file type with each ALTR HOUSE pattern. You are not locking yourself into one method when you download. Try the home-print PDF today, use the projector file next month, or send the A0 version to a copy shop when you want a faster cutting day.
Which download is best for you?
If you are just getting started with digital patterns, use the PDF that matches the paper in your printer. It is familiar, it works, and it lets you get sewing right away. If you make a lot of patterns and hate taping, A0 is the easiest next step. If you already sew with a projector, the Projector File SVG turns the entire printing process into a memory.
There is no prize for choosing the most technical option. The best download is the one that makes you most excited to cut into your fabric.
One custom pattern. Any way you want to cut it.
The best part is that every version is still your pattern. Your measurements, your selected style, your intended fit. Whether it arrives as tiled pages, one big sheet, or light on your cutting table, the hard part has already been done.
If you have not generated your first pattern yet, start with your measurements. Then choose the download that feels most like you.
Your pattern, your way
Start with your measurements.
Choose your cutting method later.
Generate your first custom sewing pattern free, then download US Letter, A4, A0, SVG Master, or Projector File SVG when you are ready to make.
Open the generator