tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14933168.post1252468681970245407..comments2024-03-25T04:40:27.576-05:00Comments on Erica Bunker | DIY Style! The Art of Cultivating a Stylish Wardrobe: Question: Downloadable vs. Pre-printed Patterns?Erica Bunkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07023668349294387098noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14933168.post-91887401879231885232012-01-02T21:16:59.924-06:002012-01-02T21:16:59.924-06:00I prefer printed patterns. I made a pair of pj pa...I prefer printed patterns. I made a pair of pj pants from a download and I had the hardest time taping it together. Well, at least I found out that I'm not that good at taping! LOL!Audreyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16526325745976368589noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14933168.post-34713739851598898282012-01-02T10:12:23.562-06:002012-01-02T10:12:23.562-06:00I printed some free patterns, but the sheer amount...I printed some free patterns, but the sheer amount of paper they take has me thinking very carefully about printing them or not. Not a bad thing, perhaps - I'll only print off the really interesting ones.Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03123921802204398237noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14933168.post-45099997078562524802011-12-21T17:50:10.130-06:002011-12-21T17:50:10.130-06:00I have no problem with downloadable patterns. I u...I have no problem with downloadable patterns. I use the same techniques mentioned by Ginger and others.<br />It no big deal once you get used to it.<br />If pattern companies would really find a way to produce patterns based on individual measurements, i would be in pig heaven. I know you'd still need to check the fit - no computer can make a perfect fit, but it would be nice to have it in the right ballpark.a little sewinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18086285440873869055noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14933168.post-51191764739813522172011-12-17T07:44:41.773-06:002011-12-17T07:44:41.773-06:00I prefer the pre-printed tissue patterns. The dow...I prefer the pre-printed tissue patterns. The downloadable patterns are even more work than tracing the Burda patterns, at least I think. There's the making sure your printing is to scale, printing on lots of paper for the more involved patterns, then taping all of those patterns together. <br /><br />I prefer the "pliability" of the tissue patterns; they are just easier for me to work with.<br /><br />Besides I work on computers all day, and every so often it is nice to be able to do something without having my computer right there.Sandyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13891173908371775024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14933168.post-41882697312464506252011-12-16T19:43:55.090-06:002011-12-16T19:43:55.090-06:00Great Discussion! I think the Big 4 companies will...Great Discussion! I think the Big 4 companies will be moving to software that customizes the fit and allows you to print at home.orchid loverhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14354823174262080557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14933168.post-86966710663691860252011-12-16T05:11:25.323-06:002011-12-16T05:11:25.323-06:00I have used downloadable patterns a couple of time...I have used downloadable patterns a couple of times, but you should know it's twice the work of tracing them out of BurdaStyle pattern sheets. I only buy downloadable patterns when I "really need to get that pattern"Tanyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01073735708031525696noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14933168.post-66783567460954892542011-12-15T19:46:28.080-06:002011-12-15T19:46:28.080-06:00Good question--I like both for different reasons. ...Good question--I like both for different reasons. As a freelance publisher, I know the insanity of rising printing costs especially at small runs so I understand why the trend is happening. It's a PITA but by the time I've taped the whole thing together (I definitely trace tissue--I rip them like mad if I don't) I feel like I know the pattern already. Although heck, I'd miss those times I peek into a new pattern and read through the instructions in bed at night. That's sorta why I subscribe to Burda! I wonder if the designer patterns will ever be downloadable--there are probably licensing legalities preventing it at the moment. The competition from independent pattern designers will get insane if it's not already--because it is so easy to make digital patterns at home.Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00404449004824638306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14933168.post-11029119158208458522011-12-15T17:05:14.684-06:002011-12-15T17:05:14.684-06:00I've only printed small craft projects. I refu...I've only printed small craft projects. I refuse to piece together large projects and definitely will never do so for clothing since I can almost never use the patterns without alterations.Karinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14745536331887708239noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14933168.post-49877256902939759212011-12-15T16:31:04.114-06:002011-12-15T16:31:04.114-06:00While pre-printed do save time, I really love the ...While pre-printed do save time, I really love the print-at-home versions too! Mostly because I can re-print them. Sometimes when I love a pre-printed pattern I'm terrified to cut it or ruin the tissue.J&K Roman Holidayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11215515075652411948noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14933168.post-79060084176215835302011-12-15T15:02:02.679-06:002011-12-15T15:02:02.679-06:00I have used both and by far I prefer pre-printed p...I have used both and by far I prefer pre-printed patterns. Downloadable are ok for small projects bags and whatnot. However,they require so much paper and time to cut out and tape together. It's a practice in tedium. Save yourself some time and aggravation and buy pre-printed.Clarissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00984449933832752699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14933168.post-67237824289439619862011-12-15T14:41:38.925-06:002011-12-15T14:41:38.925-06:00I've download several pdf patterns and printed...I've download several pdf patterns and printed and pieced together one. The pieces went together easily however, my project ended up a wadder. If the project consist of a few pieces, I don't mind, but would prefer pre-printed patterns.Sheilahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03688900287732221253noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14933168.post-55558007439802071482011-12-15T12:31:54.666-06:002011-12-15T12:31:54.666-06:00WATCH those default printer settings - make sure i...WATCH those default printer settings - make sure it is set to 100% (no matter what "error" msgs show up) and CHECK THAT SQUARE. (Pdf patterns will have a 1" or 4" square that you must measure to ensure that the printer is printing correctly.) Ugh, ask me how I know!<br /><br />Also, even though I cut and tape with NASA-like precision (har), something is always off by the end of a 16-page panel. One edge will line up perfectly but the neighbor edge will not. Fudgeable, but not perfect. My next strategy is to give up trying to make 1 giant sheet with all pattern pieces on it, I will instead just cut around and make sure the individual parts of a leg or sleeve or whatever are matched up perfectly. <br /><br />Oh, and cutting/taping patterns are BORING AS ALL GET OUT. <br /><br />But the convenience and instant gratification can't be beat! A lot of cute kids clothes by homegrown indie designers are available only in this format (check etsy, for example, but there are others all over the Internet).Junehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02807743649365159492noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14933168.post-49452727726208692792011-12-15T10:02:05.878-06:002011-12-15T10:02:05.878-06:00I love the convenience of printing out a pattern o...I love the convenience of printing out a pattern on demand. It's great for middle of the night panics, which seem to be the norm in a house that contains teens.<br /><br />Really, I don't see much ink used per page, so it's pretty much a wash with the gas to go to the store. <br /><br />I print, tape, then trace. I find it familiarizes me with the contours of the pattern. I've learned quite a bit about patterns, fitting, and sewing just from the meditative experience of taping and tracing.Gailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01084920468504331880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14933168.post-33660199751250700182011-12-15T09:58:09.725-06:002011-12-15T09:58:09.725-06:00I've dl'ed some patterns for small project...I've dl'ed some patterns for small projects - a tote bag, a bib, and a baby hat - and one medium project - Colette's Sorbeto top. All of these were free.<br /><br />For the small projects it was very convenient. They fit on one or two sheets of paper and that was fine to cut out and tape together. Doing just a tank-top was like 16 pages!<br /><br />Having to make sure your printer settings are correct, using up expensive printer ink, keeping the pages in order, cutting the pattern out, piecing them together - ALL CONS!!<br /><br />Letting independent designers sell their patterns, easy access to new patterns any time of day - PROSElizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01978777722972210138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14933168.post-66651232095794877862011-12-15T09:55:52.449-06:002011-12-15T09:55:52.449-06:00Downloadable. All the way!
1. Toner is essentiall...Downloadable. All the way!<br /><br />1. Toner is essentially free, considering the small amount the average pattern uses.<br />2. No international shipping charges (this usually doubles or triples the cost of a Big 4 pattern, no joke)<br />3. No international shipping waiting. I can start sewing the same day.<br />4. Less storage space. I can fit thousands of patterns on a small harddrive, as opposed to massive drawer cabinets in my sewing room<br /><br />Downloading is the way forward!!Melissa Fehr Tradehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14734428215982288386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14933168.post-53407593548355082532011-12-15T09:40:35.966-06:002011-12-15T09:40:35.966-06:00I am one of the few out there who don't have m...I am one of the few out there who don't have much choice except to use printable patterns. I live in India and pre-printed patterns simply do not exist here, so my choices are few. Here are my top 2 pros and cons for print at home patterns:<br /><br />Pros:<br />1. nice that you don't need to leave home. <br />2. They're never out of stock<br /><br />Cons:<br />1. They use up a lot of ink (not to mention paper). Even if there aren't many lines on a page, there will be a border on each sheet you print, which uses precious ink. Even when I set my printer on "Fast Draft", I have to replace ink cartridges VERY frequently.<br /><br />2. Not convenient to store. I wind up rolling mine up when I'm done so I now have a box full of rolls. The same quantity of pre-printed patterns would take up MUCH less room. <br /><br />Yes, they are tedious to assemble, but it gives me something to do while watching TV. So until I find myself in a country where I can purchase pre-printed patterns, I will continue to download them. Once I get back to the States...I will hit those pattern sales with a vengance!Meiganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14369299181385050668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14933168.post-38857041974789888302011-12-15T09:04:12.724-06:002011-12-15T09:04:12.724-06:00I don't mind printing out a pattern and piecin...I don't mind printing out a pattern and piecing it for a handbag or accessory but I would not trust using this method for clothing I still prefer a full size pattern. Time being a major factor.joenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07551890706236673783noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14933168.post-56075495355242995072011-12-15T09:00:12.816-06:002011-12-15T09:00:12.816-06:00I know this may sound silly but going to the store...I know this may sound silly but going to the store to purchase a pre-printed pattern is such a treat for me that I would hate to give it up by downloading the pattern at home. Also printer ink is so expensive!Regina Geehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12232113912510217646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14933168.post-24609129085397006472011-12-15T08:46:04.455-06:002011-12-15T08:46:04.455-06:00I have purchased a Sis Boom pattern and it was fin...I have purchased a Sis Boom pattern and it was fine. You have to be careful for not all downloadable patterns are equal when it comes to pattern, joining them, and storing them.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14933168.post-67308481443385709472011-12-15T08:45:09.003-06:002011-12-15T08:45:09.003-06:00Funnily enough I was just thinking about the same ...Funnily enough I was just thinking about the same thing recently. <br /><br />I'm a late comer to Palmer/Pletsch's FFRP books. I was shocked to find out how much it cost the Big 4 to produce a design - like $40,000.<br /><br />I'm also a bit late to the sewing blogsphere & online forums. So many of the lovely designs that you girls sewn up are now out-of-print. Vogue online allow you to order some out-of-print patterns online. But they're so expensive. If you scour local shops or eBay, you can't always get the designs you want or it'll be outrageously expensive.<br /><br />So I thought wouldn't it be good if they make out-of-print patterns available as a PDF download.<br /><br />Granted, it's not as convenient as pre-printed tissues. But it should be cheap enough for the Big 4 to do - and get more out of their initial $40k investments. And for the sewers it would be better than not being able to get a pattern at all.<br /><br />On the pre-printed front, I've taken to tracing out the pattern anyway because of bad experience with losing my investment after I grew older and wider and shorter!<br /><br />Thanks Ginger for your tip. I haven't tried downloadable patterns yet, but I'll be sure to use your tip when I do.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14933168.post-57737821592216297212011-12-15T08:33:46.307-06:002011-12-15T08:33:46.307-06:00I've used them. Pain in the butt. I'm a es...I've used them. Pain in the butt. I'm a estimator at an excavation company and have acess to a large printer but at least the patterns from "Sewing Pattern" website will not print on the plotter.BConkyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12567728669689070443noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14933168.post-9584467248334474342011-12-15T07:49:54.557-06:002011-12-15T07:49:54.557-06:00I've tried all sorts of patterns from Burda Ma...I've tried all sorts of patterns from Burda Mag, PDFs, and the Big Four. I prefer the Big Four from Jo-Anns. It always seem that the PDFs are distorted even after I've checked and double-checked the printer settings. I like Burda Mag, but find the tracing, adding seam allowances, and whatnot slower. I find the Big Four cheaper, easier to store and faster to get to the actual sewing.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14933168.post-36995026222162389482011-12-15T07:37:01.773-06:002011-12-15T07:37:01.773-06:00I definitely prefer the preprinted patterns. I hav...I definitely prefer the preprinted patterns. I have tried the downloadable patterns, it can be costly because you use a lot paper and ink.bpatricia74https://www.blogger.com/profile/07929095176117113670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14933168.post-37113599203595553982011-12-15T07:30:23.566-06:002011-12-15T07:30:23.566-06:00I love downloadable patterns, cutting mistake? jus...I love downloadable patterns, cutting mistake? just reprint, add or take up? easy, I have mine on a external hard drive and that is a super space saver this works well with totes and other stuff I still buy print pattern but i have used my downloaded ones more.RavenzTarothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17663429164254775616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14933168.post-67473005599692548332011-12-15T05:38:15.608-06:002011-12-15T05:38:15.608-06:00I like downloadable because it makes patterns avai...I like downloadable because it makes patterns available to seamstresses worldwide to a more affordable price (no shipping charges). Otherwise they're not more time-consuming to me because I'm a tracer so between tracing a pre-printed pattern or piecing together a downloadable one (and subsequently cutting it since I could reprint it any time), there's little difference,really.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com