24 Jun The Long and Short of It
During the last ten days I’ve been on a learning curve, the crux being:
Like it or not PDF patterns are here to stay, and I better get on board before I’m left behind!
No, I haven’t lost weight. I downloaded Grainline Studio’s Maritime’s Shorts pattern and this was my result. I’ve sewn four different PDF patterns with mediocre to moderately acceptable success.
Being inept disturbs me, so instead of moving on I committed myself to addressing my ongoing PDF issues. I knew it was me not the PDFs 😉 Fortunately, my commitment eventually led to a successful result.
To date I’ve learned:
- It is absolutely essential that the size of the printed square on the pattern is exact. My iPad printed too small, my MacBook Pro too large….. Hub’s computer printed perfectly. Make sure your printer is set to print at 100% with scaling turned off.
On the first Maritime experience, the square printed between 3 1/8″ to 3 1/4″. Little did I know my pattern would print out three sizes too big!
- Keep the unassembled printed pages in order!
- Trim the paper as you piece the pattern together, as opposed to before.
- Tape the squares first. If they don’t match, don’t use.
- After all of the squares are taped, lightly tape the intersecting pieces on the cutting line in your size.
My favorite advantage of using the PDF pattern is the ability to reprint once it has been downloaded – great for experimenting with alterations.
____________________________________________________
Despite madly pursuing the Ready-to-Wear Fast for two out of the last four years, I had yet to sew jean style pants or a fly zipper. Shorts are an excellent introduction!
With the PDF obstacles behind me I enjoyed focusing on sewing the Maritime shorts. Would you believe I made NO alterations other than adding 3″ to the length? The fly was a cinch and the fit is perfect 🙂
My fabric is a wonderful quality cotton twill from Sawyer Brooks. I chose to underline the shorts with a very lightweight striped oxford cloth for added comfort and to prevent wrinkling. I like the inside of the shorts almost as much as the outside 🙂
Due to the tricky print design, my biggest concern was cutting the pieces straight on the grain. I got it although the pattern doesn’t match at the sides. I was determined to match the back pockets to the fabric!
I already love these shorts!
They are ideal for a backyard cookout paired with the refashioned Sara Campbell top or for a casual night out!
The moral of this story is don’t be afraid to sew anything! You can do it! ….and it’s OK if it takes more than one time to get it right!
Until soon!
Vernelle Nelson
Posted at 08:00h, 24 JuneHi, Sarah. The end result is great. I, too have had challenges with PDF patterns. My solution is to always make a muslin first. It’s time consuming, but well worth it in the long run.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:04h, 24 JuneMe too, Vernelle! The white shorts were my muslin. I wanted a similar fabric to what would be used for the shorts and chose the heavier white cotton, but I couldn’t try them on for size until late in the process. At that point I decided to finish them to get the whole story! It took a while to figure out what had happened 🙂
Many thanks for your comment!
kathie Bennett
Posted at 08:03h, 24 JuneLove these all occasion “shorts”!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:04h, 24 JuneThanks, Kathie!
Eleanor Schreyer
Posted at 08:09h, 24 JuneThank you for the tips about PDF patterns…and I especially liked how you matched the pockets at back. Very slimming idea..pockets don’t jump at the eye as they would mismatched. I will remember that tip! Look terrific on you!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:04h, 25 JuneThank you, Eleanor! I thought about leaving off the pockets but decided to make the entire pattern first time around and am happy I did – the pockets are a definite bonus 🙂
Cindy Aymes
Posted at 08:15h, 24 JuneLove your shorts! I too love doing something special on the inside. A non-sewing friend of mine thought I was insane to take the time to do a special facing on the inside of a skirt! I just smiled and said, “I’m special, I deserve it!” And so do you! Love the insides too! Cindy
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:05h, 25 JuneThank you, Cindy! Clothes feel and look better when you’ve taken the time to add a special touch 🙂
Susan
Posted at 08:17h, 24 JuneYour shorts are fantastic; what a wonderful fit! Have you tried using glue stick rather than tape for your PDF’s? I find this much easier and you can iron if the paper becomes creased.
Jennifer
Posted at 08:36h, 24 JuneA glue stick! What a fabulous idea. I will have to try that next time!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:05h, 25 JuneWhat a marvelous idea!! Thank you so much, Susan 🙂
Elle C
Posted at 08:49h, 10 JulyI too, use a glue stick, and once I cut my size I add Micropore © medical tape to strategic spots. You can iron over Micropore tape. give it a try, you will love it.
Carolyn
Posted at 08:23h, 24 JuneThese look fantastic! Love everything about your final pair!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:06h, 25 JuneThank you, Carolyn!
Desert Morning
Posted at 08:25h, 24 JuneI am so impressed. Brava!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:06h, 25 JuneAh……many thanks, Desert Morning 🙂
Sew, Jean Margaret
Posted at 08:26h, 24 JuneLovely shorts and fantastic that you didn’t need to do any fit alterations. The extra length looks great.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:07h, 25 JuneThank you, Jean! The lack of fitting issues was such a nice surprise 🙂
Cissie Wellons
Posted at 08:42h, 24 Junethose shorts are just adorable on you. I’ve been meaning to make this pattern again (with the added length) but haven’t found fabric as cute as yours! You’re right, too. The inside is almost as cute as the outside! I’m feeling the urge to copy you.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:08h, 25 JuneThank you, Cissie! I hope you will copy – can’t wait to see yours 🙂
Laura Casey
Posted at 09:22h, 24 JuneLots of good information….have a PDF I want to try…..will take your info and try. Your finished shorts are CUTE and love the idea of underlining them….Good Job, should never expect anything less!
LAURA
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:09h, 25 JuneMany thanks, Laura! Who knows – paper patterns may be obsolete one day 🙂 Good luck with your PDF!
Barbara Carlon
Posted at 09:36h, 24 JuneI agree with you, making sure the size of the square is exact is super important. If it’s off by a smidgen, then you’ll make the wrong size. After carefully lining up all those squares and taping them together,who needs a disappointing end result. I have another tip for everyone, instead of taping the squares together, tape the pattern lines together where they chose over.
Love your shorts! What a cute color and pattern. Underlining them was a great addition.
Barbara Carlon
Posted at 09:38h, 24 June*cross over
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:10h, 25 JuneThank you, Barbara! I agree with your tip 🙂
Pat Corcoran
Posted at 09:54h, 24 JuneYour shorts are just as fabulous on the outside as on the inside. Great job.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:10h, 25 JuneMany thanks, Pat! The second pair were actually fun to make 🙂
Art Attack
Posted at 10:11h, 24 JuneGlad you’re on the PDF bandwagon! They are instant gratification to your inbox. Just wish they’d tape themselves together! REALLY cute shorts. I have this pattern and need to get cracking!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:11h, 25 JuneIt took a while but I’m here 😉 Many thanks, Dorcas – look forward to seeing your Maritime shorts!
Sandra
Posted at 11:02h, 24 JuneI love your shorts!!
I always use a paper cutter (I don’t know the proper English word sorry but in Holland we call them paper cutters) and cut of the right side of the paper and the top, it is so much easier to put the pdf pattern together then it fits like a puzzle. (I read this on a pattern by True Bias website, works great).
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:12h, 25 JuneHi Sandra! Many thanks for your comment. We use the term paper cutter and I need one if I’m going to continue using PDF patterns 🙂
Beth (SunnyGalStudio)
Posted at 11:33h, 24 JuneI made that pattern as well and it is the only one from Grainline that I would probably make. Very cute summer shorts. and did you notice that the instructions specify 1/2 inch seam allowance. I didn’t until I had sewn them up at 5/8 inch and perhaps that is why they fit pretty well 🙂 But as for taping – I can live without it, tissue paper patterns are soooo much easier to work with.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:16h, 25 JuneHi Beth!
Nice to hear from you 🙂 Fortunately I did notice the instructions for 1/2 inch seam allowances. I too prefer tissue patterns, but I’m trying to stay current. Who knows………….. if the printed White Pages can become obsolete so can printed patterns! I’ve learned in this thread of comments that the patterns can be sent to a print shop which eliminates taping.
CarolinasCallin
Posted at 11:36h, 24 JuneUGH…not a fan of the downloaded patterns…does that make me a very lazy sewist? 🙂 I find the process so very tedious, although I know it’s here to stay.
Your shorts turned out really cute! Love that fabric!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:17h, 25 JuneThank you, Cheryl! No your not lazy – you (and I) just prefer the traditional method 🙂
Joan
Posted at 12:15h, 24 JuneGreat shorts!!
Ugh, I hate PDF patterns. Some companies now offer printshop versions instead of the PDF. I just forward the pattern to my printshop and for $6 – $8 you have a super lovely patten without printing or taping!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:19h, 25 JuneThank you for this comment, Joan! What a wonderful tip – I’m going to be all over the printshop method 🙂 🙂
Gerhild
Posted at 12:26h, 24 JuneLove the shorts and great information on the pdf issues.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:19h, 25 JuneMany thanks, Gerhild 🙂 🙂
Lisa C in Dalals
Posted at 13:28h, 24 JuneBeing able to make cute shorts (vs. just solid ones in the store) in any length would be magical to a wardrobe. Lucky girl!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:21h, 25 JuneThank you, Lisa! I so agree with you about the choice of RTW shorts. Very rarely do I see any I have to buy 😉
Sharon Eisen
Posted at 13:56h, 24 JuneYour shorts look marvelous and your tips are very useful.
But I have to admit that I HATE Pdf patterns. I think they are a pain to assemble. And they are cumbersome. I prefer to buy a printed pattern on light paper – no assembly required). I can just get right to sewing without having to solve a puzzle first!
The pattern companies are smart. The consumer pays for the paper and the ink and usually pays the same price as a printed pattern. Whenever possible I try to bypass the pdf patterns.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:23h, 25 JuneThank you for your comment, Sharon!
You are not alone and I prefer patterns printed on tissue too, but I want to be current. I believe we will be seeing many more PDF patterns. I love Joan’s tip about sending the pattern to the print shop!
Amy Thompson
Posted at 13:59h, 24 JuneI love everything about those wonderful shorts with the bursting design!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:24h, 25 JuneThank you, Amy! I find them very cheerful 🙂
Jennifer Miller
Posted at 14:12h, 24 JuneOh, I had been wondering about the downloaded pdf patterns. Sticking to tissue for now…but those shorts are adorable.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:25h, 25 JuneMany thanks, Jennifer! Hang on as long as you can, but I get the feeling things are changing 😉
Lori
Posted at 14:18h, 24 JuneYou will love all the pdf patterns out there. I just keep buying and printing away. The Maritime shorts took a couple of times to tweak the fit but like you I love them. I really need to make more of them but first my machine has to come back from the repair shop.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:26h, 25 JuneThank you, Lori! It’s good to know you’re such a fan of PDFs since your clothes always turn out so nicely 😉
Barbara
Posted at 16:29h, 24 JuneThese look fabulous inside and out. And the fly was a cinch? I must try, even if just to master a fly.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:27h, 25 JuneMany thanks, Barbara! Yes, the fly was a cinch. There are more steps and moving parts involved, but it is not difficult at all. Good luck 😉
Rachel
Posted at 17:48h, 24 JuneI made the Maritime shorts pattern last year whilst my daughter at the same time followed me making her own. I agree it is an excellent patten but like you I added to the length. I think the website had some handy hints for the fly zip. Dd now thinks sewing is easy, hurrah how good was that result.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:29h, 25 JuneYou are so smart to sew along with your daughter, Rachel! ‘Teach your children well……’ as the song states 😉
Many thanks for your comment.
Margo
Posted at 20:36h, 24 JuneFantastic shorts! The inside really is quite lovely. I haven’t jumped on the PDF bandwagon very much but I just bought the Ginger jeans to try for the fall. Fingers crossed they turn out as well as your shorts! Thanks for the tips.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:29h, 25 JuneThank you, Margo! Jeans are on my fall list too 😉
Julie Starr
Posted at 22:52h, 24 JuneWhat a darling fabric and underlining combo! I’ve fallen hard for this pattern. The RTW results of the fly front and pockets are reason enough alone! I still can’t get over how the square being off by only a tiny bit could throw off the size that much. This was a VERY helpful post.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:31h, 25 JuneThank you, Julie! Your cute shorts were my inspiration. I learned so much during this project beginning with respecting the square!
Beckyjopdx
Posted at 00:53h, 25 Juneokokok. You’re always soooo good and skilled, I kinda love to see that there was something new for you to learn. You’re still amazing, I don’t mean anything disrespectful, I just love how we all perfect our niches, and sometimes ignore something seemingly simple.
Anywho. PDFs. Adobe will override your print driver, and you will need to check each time you boot back up. Adobe, more so lately, isn’t so hot about updating its ability to play with either OS (ignoring Linux here.) when your print driver window pops up, just be sure to hit the box for “Actual Size” and you should be fine. I, too, have had to learn to love PDFs as I find I prefer indie patterns, and I’m an ex-graphic designer!
Your shorts (and fly) are lovely, as you do. 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:32h, 25 JuneSuch a helpful comment, Becky and I need it as I learn this new method of pattern downloads!
Many thanks 😉
Myra
Posted at 05:08h, 25 JuneVery nice shorts Sarah! I don’t think I’ve ever underline any shorts, you’ve taught me something new! I love all three looks
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:33h, 25 JuneHi Myra!
My white shorts did not need underlining but the cotton twill was a little rough even after washing. The underlining was just the right touch 🙂
Becky Bagwell
Posted at 07:24h, 25 JuneYou look good in everything!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:34h, 25 JuneNot really but I think I’ve finally learned what looks good and what doesn’t on me.
Thank you, Becky!
alexa
Posted at 07:58h, 25 JuneI’m glad you liked the shorts as I just bought them yesterday. They look wonderful on you- I hope I’m in luck too. I loved both of the white shirts you had. Did you make the one in the last picture as well? I really need to make a few classics like a well fitting white tank to fill out my wardrobe.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:58h, 25 JuneThank you, Alexa! The second top is from Kate Spade. Look forward to seeing your Maritime shorts 🙂
Kathy
Posted at 08:21h, 25 JuneAnother winner, great fit and great fabric.. So cute and youthful looking. You have a really good eye for picking out prints, not an easy task.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:00h, 25 JuneThank you for this nice compliment, Kathy. I always try to imagine every detail of the finished project before starting. That’s not to say that the fabrics I buy online are always what I expect 😉
Mary Lynn
Posted at 10:24h, 25 JuneSuch cute, well fitting shorts! The one PDF pattern I tried was Grainline Archer and it took over my dining room (some pages
printed twice, some only half) I should have had a party – Pin The Tail On the Archer! When I finally made the muslin I looked like one of “I Love Lucy’s” maternity tops! I am a committed Luddite! I’ve had 3 washing machines since January and just want a plain ole no frills non HE one with an agitator and soak cycle! Help! Sorry for the moment of whining. Anyhoooo, Imperial batiste (a wonderful smocking fabric) is a great underlining for cotton – feels great and is wonderful to work with and gives enough body for cotton shorts, skirts,etc. I stray…. love the shorts!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:18h, 25 JuneLOL! Sounds like one of my former PDF experiences! Yes, I love Imperial batiste as a lining. Adore it. I didn’t have any on hand and have to order it or drive 60 miles, so I went with the stripe 😉
Many thanks, Mary Lynn!
lynne
Posted at 18:18h, 25 JuneI really enjoy your blog and enthusiasm. The hardest thing for me in my area is purchasing quality fabric. Online purchases elude me. I just love to touch the fabric before i purchase
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:42h, 25 JuneThank you, Lynne!
I order all of my fabric unless I happen to be traveling. It’s hard and it takes practice to get it. I recommend ordering samples because even fabrics you may be familiar with might vary in color and weight.
I too like to touch the fabric but thank goodness great fabric can be bought online!
Good luck 🙂
CINDY C
Posted at 20:15h, 25 JuneSCREEEEEE. Now THAT is your single most flattering neckline ever!!!!!!! SLap that baby on a simple 3/4 sleeve fitted dress, drop the hem below the knees, and make fifteen versions in all the colors of the rainbow! Oh yes, the shorts are fabulous, too. 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:21h, 26 JuneCindy,
The top is a Kate Spade that I bought in May. Made of a heavy knit, it is the most flattering top I’ve ever owned and is on my list to copy 🙂
CINDY C
Posted at 20:20h, 25 JuneOops, I meant the neckline of the top in the last two pictures. The stars all snap into alignment with that one. 🙂
Linda Galante
Posted at 00:42h, 26 JuneGreat shorts! The inside is definitely as beautiful as the outside! I’ve made quite a few PDF patterns and love how easy it is to ‘get’ them. The downside for me is how long it takes to put them together. I was into them for awhile, then found myself gravitating back to paper to avoid the ‘some assembly required’ issue. But those shorts are super cute. Just might have to break my PDF fast and order that pattern :).
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:18h, 26 JuneThank you so much, Linda!
I agree that they take forever to put together! I l really appreciate Joan’s comment regarding sending the patterns to the print shop.
The shorts did not require a marathon assembly session – this pattern my be worth breaking the PDF fast 🙂
Kathryn
Posted at 02:12h, 29 Junethede look great! Well done on confronting your sewing fears! I’ve still never done a fly front & am going to try on some shorts soon too. I’ve used a lot ofPDF patterns but just printed one off where I could not get the test square the right size. It’s only a tiny bit bigger but your experience makes me think I should try & get it right rather than go ahead as is, in case it ends up huge!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:15h, 29 JuneThank you, Kathryn!
The fly was surprising easy – lots of moving parts, but Grainline provides excellent instructions for this portion of the pattern.
I wll NEVER sew another PDF pattern unless the square is perfect! Good luck 🙂
Claire Kennedy
Posted at 08:31h, 29 JuneI love how encouraging you are – cause just working through these challenges gets you to a much more satisfying (and empowered) place. I have been known to tweak my pdf printing – printing out that page with the square and doing anywhere from 98% to 101%….most of the time 101% works. And congratulations on the fly – looks really great – flat as a pancake!!!
Marguerite
Posted at 17:17h, 29 JuneCongratulations on battling the PDF patterns and winning! The shorts are great. I bought that Sawyer Brook fabric in navy and had a dress in mind …now I’m thinking shorts like yours.
As for the PDFs….well I’m all for innovation if it seems to improve what we have. And although the delivery is very au courant, the paper still comes into play, only it’s your paper and time being used. So in this case I do believe the profit margin is what will push them into the future. I guess its very cost effective for the producer. What amazes me is the price paid for PDF and then the work involved in creating a paper pattern after all!
can’t imagine a designer Vogue being better in PDF. Or something with a ton of pieces. The craziest thing of all is I’m heading back in time. I’m getting the best fit ever from junior petite patterns from the 60s and 70s. I can use them pretty much right out of the envelope which is a time saver. Older patterns came in quite an array of sizes which made it easier for someone to get a good fit.
But PDFs are the future and it bodes well for all of to get use to it! Thanks for your post on this.