Printing Patterns in Layers
In order to save ink and paper, I've split my recent patterns into layers where you can select which layer (and therefore, size) to print! To use this function, we will be using Adobe Acrobat.
Getting Started
1. Open the pattern with Adobe Acrobat. If Acrobat is not set as your default PDF processor, you can right click the pattern PDF, scroll to "open with," and select Adobe Acrobat, as shown below.
2. To view the layer options of your pattern, locate the bar on the left that has several icons, including what looks like a stack of squares. This is your "layers" tab. Click to open.
3. You can now browse all layers of the pattern, including:
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Each size of the pattern individually both with and without seam allowance
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All sizes of the pattern on one layer with seam allowance
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One layer of all sizes without seam allowance
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The "Tiling Layer" which includes materials that help with putting the pattern together
To view or hide each layer, click the small box next to the name of the layer. When you see the eyeball icon it means you are viewing that layer, and vice versa when the box is empty.
4. Click the size or sizes that you wish to print, and make sure those are the only sizes visible in your layers panel. Before printing, be sure the Tiling Layer is also clicked, as this will be important for assembling your pattern.
5. To print, go to "file" and "print."
6. When selecting what size to print, be sure that the scale is 100%. Note that all patterns are made for US letter size printer paper.
Note: if this is your first time printing at home, on US letter size paper, etc., it may be a good idea to print just the first page of the pattern and measure the 1"x1" test square to ensure your full pattern will come out the correct size.