At Bare Thread Patterns, every digital pattern bundle is designed to give you a stress-free experience from download to cutting table. Whether you are printing at home on standard paper, sending an A0 file to a copyshop, or projecting directly onto fabric, this guide covers everything you need to get set up accurately.

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What’s Included in Your Digital Bundle

Every pattern purchase includes a .zip folder or individual PDF files containing:

•  Print-at-Home PDF: Layered file formatted for standard A4 home printers.

• A0 Copyshop PDF: Wide-format single-sheet file for professional printing.

• Projector PDF: Specialized layered workspace file with high-contrast lines, 10 cm / 4 in calibration grids.

•  Instruction Booklet: Visual step-by-step guide with clear diagrams, fabric recommendations, and pressing cues.

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 Tip: Always download and save your PDF files directly to a desktop or laptop computer first. Mobile browsers (iOS/Android) often compress or hide files in temporary download folders.

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 Method 1: Print-at-Home (A4)

Step 1: Open in Adobe Acrobat Reader. For accurate scale and layer visibility, do not print directly from an internet browser or default phone app. Always open your PDF file using free Adobe Acrobat Reader (available for Mac and Windows).

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Step 2: Select Your Size (Layered PDF)

Our patterns feature selectable size layers so you only print the size you need:

• Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader.

• Click the Layers icon (the stacked paper icon) on the left sidebar.

• Uncheck the eye icon for the sizes you don't need, keeping your target size visible.

• Keep the Text / Registration Marks / Test Square layer turned ON.

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Step 3: Check Your Printer Settings.

• Page Scaling: Set to "Actual Size" or "100% Scale" (never select "Fit to Page" or "Scale to Fit").

•  Orientation: Set to Auto / Portrait.

• Print Test Page First: Print Page 1 only. Measure the 5 cm / 2 inch test square with a hard ruler. If the square measures accurately, print the remaining pattern pages.

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Step 4: Assembling Your Pattern Pages

• Trim the margin edges along the designated cut lines (or overlap the border lines, depending on your preference).

•  Align the matching circle targets and letter/number grids (e.g., align A1 to A2, B1 to B2).

• Secure the pages together using clear tape or a glue stick before cutting out your pattern pieces.

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 Method 2: A0 Copyshop Printing

If you prefer to skip taping pages together, take or upload your included A0 Copyshop PDF to a local copy shop or dedicated online pattern printer

Printing Instructions for the Shop: Request A0 Black & White Plan Printing at 100% / Actual Scale.

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 Method 3: Sewing Projectors

Our projector files are engineered specifically for ceiling-mounted and ultra-short-throw pattern projectors to eliminate manual printing entirely.

Projector File Features:

• Un-Tiled Full Workspace: Clean, continuous vector lines without page breaks.

• Thick, High-Contrast Lines: Designed for crisp visibility on patterned or textured fabrics.

• Calibration Grids: Features both 10 cm and 4 inch test grids.

•  Unidirectional Grainlines: All pattern pieces and grainlines run in the same direction for efficient fabric layout.

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How to Calibrate Your Projector:

• Open the Projector PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader in full-screen mode.

• Toggle your target size layer on.

• Project the calibration grid onto your cutting surface or cutting mat.

•  Adjust your projector zoom/focus until the projected grid matches your physical ruler or cutting mat exactly across both horizontal and vertical axes before cutting.

or download pattern projector app, a dedicated pattern projector program. (my personal preference)

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Technical Troubleshooting

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File asking for a password?

Our PDFs are copy-protected to prevent vector editing in programs like Illustrator, but no password is required to view, layer, or print in Adobe Acrobat Reader. If prompted, make sure you are opening the file in Reader, not a vector graphics editor.

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Lines printing blurry or misaligned? 

Ensure you are not printing from an internet browser preview (Chrome, Safari, Edge). Save the file locally to your device and open it directly within Adobe Acrobat Reader.

If you run into any technical glitches or need assistance with file access, email us anytime at hello@barethreadpatterns.co.nz with your order number and we'll get it sorted!

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