Tip and Tricks 4 PDF Sewing Patterns: Using the Layers Feature

You're back! Did you enjoy our first installment of Tips & Tricks for PDF Patterns that debuted last week? If you missed it, be sure to catch up. Today I want to discuss something that not every PDF pattern has, but is a new feature that a lot of designers are moving towards. In fact, every single Bella Sunshine Designs pdf sewing pattern has this feature. It's layers! I promise you, once you use your first layered pattern, you will hate using any pattern that doesn't have them. Which brings us to our next installment in the series...

Using the Layers Feature to Select Your Size

 

Ahhh... layers. How did we ever get along with PDF sewing patterns without them? Honestly, they are my favorite feature of sewing patterns which is why every pattern that I release has them. To use them, you need two things: a pattern that includes the feature (not all patterns are created equal... ha ha), and Adobe Reader which you can download for free here. Go ahead and download it now if you don't already have it.

How This Works

Once you've got you Adobe Reader you can open your PDF pattern.

Simple right? Now we are going to access the layers option. Click on the little icon that looks like two sheets on top of each other. This gives you access to the layers.

Next, there will be an option with a triangle next to it. It will be named according to what the designer specified when they named the pattern pieces when they saved it. The name isn't important. Click on it to access the goodness that lies below.
Here is the moment you've been waiting for: the layers! Again, these will be names differently depending on the designer. Generally, there will be several different sizes listed, as well as some layers that must be left checked.



Next, toggle the layers on and off by clicking the "eyeball" to the left of the layer name. Your first time through, you might play around with the layers to determine what layers need to be checked if your pattern printing instructions don't already tell you. I think my favorite thing about layers is you don't get confused when cutting by having the other sizes there to distract you. But the most awesome part is that you get the benefit of nested sizes. Because once printed, if you need the width of the size 5 and the length of the size 10, you can easily adjust the pattern after printing all on the same page. Easy peasy. And now your life will never be the same.

Which Designer Use This Feature?

Many people have asked who does layered pattern pieces.  To help you out, I've compiled a short list of those that have layered patterns at the time of this writing.  While this is no way all designers that may have this feature, it's a good place to get you started:

ALL clothing patterns have layers:

• Bella Sunshine Designs

• Seaside Notions

• Striped Swallow Designs

• Straight Stitch Designs

• Max and Meena

• GrayDay Patterns

• Addiek

• Gracious Threads

• Itch to Stitch

• Sofilantjes

• Terra's Treasures

• Jennuine Design

• Selvage Designs

• Sew Straight & Gather

• Titchy Threads

• 5 out of 4 Patterns

• MuffinHead Patterns

Most recent patterns have layers (ask the designer directly for more details):

• Dandelions n' Dungarees

• Once Upon a Sew

• Filles à Maman

• Rose & Lee Designs

• EYMM

• Sew So Easy

• Stitch Upon a Time

• Love Notions (All but the Everyday Playdress)

• Made by Jack's Mum

• Monkey's Bug Patterns

• Simple Life Pattern Company

• LilyGiggle

• Made for Mermaids

• Big Little

• A Sparkly Baby

Have you enjoyed this series so far?  Let me know your favorite tip so far in the comments.

Did you enjoy this post?  Be sure to check out on any posts you missed:

Day 1: Organizing Your PDF Sewing Patterns
Day 2: Using the Layers Feature
Day 3: Printing your PDF Sewing Pattern