Most Love Notions patterns come with a large format pattern file. This is a file you can take or send to a print shop to print out on large sheets of paper. Which means no printing tapes regular sized papers together- score!
If you’re working with an adult-sized pattern that can mean a significant savings in time. Assembling Love Notions patterns is not difficult with the trim-less assembly style format, however, some of the larger patterns can be 30+ pages and that can be a daunting task.
If you’ve never worked with a large format pattern file, I’m going to walk you through ordering through my preferred vendor, PDFplotting.com.
Most Love Notions patterns come in A0 paper size, as well as the A4/US paper size. A0 is what international customers use for their large format printouts and is about 33″ x 46″. US copy shops generally print on 36″ x 48″ sheets. Depending on printer, you may even be able to get 36″ wide by however long since they print on a large roll that just cuts wherever needed. For example, the Sabrina Slims prints out on 36″ by 100″.
You can find exactly what your pattern’s large format size and quantity of sheets by reading the product listing.
Be sure to read the product listing to find out the large format printing details like number of sheets and size.
I create the large format pattern files to work on both A0 and 36″ x 48″ wide format so both US and international customers can use the same file.
I know what your first question is– how much does this cost?
In my experience, pdfplotting.com is the most reasonable. Color sheets are just $2.50 each, black and white sheets are $1.20 each. Most of the Love Notions ladies large format files are 2-4 sheets each. So you’re looking at $7.50-$3.60, plus shipping. This shop ships same day if you order before 2PM EST by USPS Priority. The most economical way to do this is to order several patterns at once.
Another online option is www.blueprintsprinting.com. They offer black & white prints at $1.32 per page, and color at $6.60 per page. They do charge a print setup fee of $7.00 per order. Shipping is also fast and reasonable.
If you’re on a time crunch and need your pattern same-day, some office supply chains offer large format printing. Staples calls them ‘engineering prints’ and cost $7.29 per sheet. Some Fedex & Office Max locations also offer large format files. Before visiting the store, call ahead and make sure they have that capability. My local Office Max location does not have a large format printer.
Choosing your options on www.PDFPlotting.com
This video will walk you through exactly how to order your large format files. If the video doesn’t work for you I’ve also uploaded it to Youtube.
Once you have your large format file printed you will want to preserve it. Do this by tracing your size onto a tracing medium. I love Swedish Tracing Paper. It’s similar to what interfacing feels like so it folds up easy and you can draw or even sew 6on it. Pellon also has a similar product called Easy Pattern that you can find at Hobby Lobby and Joann’s. (Amazon affiliate links)
We’re continuing on with the fun! Join us in the Pattern Support Group
I love pdf plotting — they are so helpful and I love using the full size patterns. 🙂 Thanks so much for the promo code!!
Thanks so much for this post! I have wanted to try but not brave enough to do our local office store. Your advice of online store is great! HOORAY!
Thank you for this explanation and for the promo code!
Thank you! I do have a question. Is there any real benefit to printing in color other than that the sizes are easier to differentiate? (I am a cheapskate 🙂 )
This was very helpful and also thanks for the promo code.
That’s the only benefit, you can see the lines easier.
Do you draw the different sizes on layers in illustrator? If so, could you export the PDF with layers so you can turn off the size layers you don’t need. That way you’re only printing the size you need to cut.
This is very helpful info! Thanks for the discount code!
Do you still have to tape the sheets together when it prints in 2-4 sheets?
Most of the time no, you don’t. There are a couple patterns that have really long pieces so you will have to tape a couple sheets together.
Thanks for that great information AND the discount code!
I’m finally ready to take the plunge and order a BUNCH of patterns from PDFPlotting. My copies of the Rhapsody Blouse and Boyfriend Cardigan have the large format files. Where is the A0 for the Laundry Day Tee? I see the total layout on page 3, but no separate file for the A0 or the cowl.
You should have the large format file in your account. It’s separate from the print at home file. you can find the large format info in the listing.
I wrote a long comment the other day and then it just disappeared so I don’t think it ever appeared. I have ordered two separate patterns at different times. Neither have been downloaded yet due to medical problems but I am now ready for the first time ever with PDF. However I cannot find the ldt. The classic T I do see. Can you please help. I would like to try both these now. Oh the preferred email is midnightsewer0326@gmail.com. thx again for any help.
Thank you for this info. The FedEx near me quoted $17/page so I ended up taping my own. I do wish the shipping was a bit cheaper for those not in a hurry.
I design my own patterns and have a grader do the sizes.How do I get my hand drawn patterns to digital format? I would like to do pdf to sell my patterns.
Hi Barbara,
There’s several ways you can do it. Do you know what program your grader uses? The program I use has an option to export the design as an Illustrator file that I can then open and arrange the pieces as needed and then I save it as a PDF.
I have used both companies fro printing. But, now in Europe I have a place for A0.
The problem is patterns (not yours) that only come in wide format, I wish I could convert them some how to A0.
Thanks for the info. I can’t wait to try it! I’ve used your patterns and love them, but I’m anxious to professionally print and use your updated LDT pattern.
Did not see the Discount code.
The discount for pdfplotting expired. Sorry!
I find a lot of free and low cost patterns available that are already split into Letter size sections that need to be printed and taped together. Do you know of a free or inexpensive program that will piece them back together? Can this be done with a full working version of Adobe Acrobat? At work we have a full color large format printer and I would love to make use of it. Thank You.
Not that I am aware of, but it might be possible. Most of our patterns have the AO option so you don’t have to go through that trouble.
Have any Australians organised large format printing and know who to contact and what questions to ask please?
Hi Sandra. You can get them printed on a0 paper at Officeworks.. Much easier than I expected !
Thanks
Hello, I have access to a plotter and am having difficulty printing the large format files. It keeps trying to resize them to 8-1/2 x 11 right in the center of the page. We tried various ways to print and once I am in the PDF file (where we tried to print from) it took away my ability to indicate I did not want it to resize and it wouldn’t let me choose the correct size. We also tried another printing software – but could not get it to work either. I would really like to us this plotter rather than send them out. Any help on how to set-up the PDF to print would be most appreciated.
Thanks!
Hi Wanda, when I use my large format printer (HP T730 which is probably similar to yours), I have to set the paper size to A0 (or create a custom size if I’m doing something a different length). I do that by going to PRINT- then choose the correct printer and then at the bottom I go to ‘page setup’. That brings up a menu box where I can select the paper size. Are you using Adobe Reader? If not, then you definitely should.
You can get patterns printed at sublimegrafx.com. They print in color or black and white for the same price. They were very helpful when I had questions.