26 Sep Why You Should Partner with Your Local Print Shop for Sewing and Cosplay Patterns
Sewing and cosplay patterns have come a long way from the days of delicate, crinkly tissue paper in an envelope. Today, many designers offer their patterns for sale online as digital PDF files. This is fantastic for accessibility, but it introduces a new challenge: printing and assembling dozens of pages of a “print-at-home” pattern. The solution? Your local large-format print shop.
Rather than spending money on ink and paper to print the pattern at home and then spending hours cutting out and meticulously piecing together a life-sized pattern, you can have it done for you by a Tucson print shop. Reproductions, Inc. utilizes large format printers that allow us to print patterns of any size. We can print your entire pattern on one or a few large sheets of paper. Here’s a closer look at why you should partner with us to print your sewing and cosplay patterns in Tucson.
Save Time (and Sanity)
Instead of a multi-hour taping marathon, you can have your pattern ready to go in minutes. This means more time for the fun part: cutting fabric and actually sewing.
Ensure Accuracy in Measurements and Piecing
Taping together all the small pieces of a complex pattern can lead to tiny misalignments that, when added up across the entire pattern, will seriously throw off your fit. Our professionals use precise calibration and printing equipment, ensuring your pattern is printed at 100% scale. We also make sure it is perfectly aligned. Tip: Always look for the test square on your pattern file to double-check the scale once you get it back.
Choose the Best Paper for Pattern Printing
Say goodbye for good to flimsy tissue paper for printing patterns. Our print shop uses durable bond paper, which is less prone to tearing and can be used over and over again. You can even choose your own paper weight, color, or type – including tracing paper. You’ll have way more control over your project, and, with higher quality paper, it will be easier to get the most possible use out of your pattern.
Tips for Successfully Using a Print Shop for Pattern Making
Before you send your pattern to our print shop, make sure you’re prepared. Use these tips for successfully using our print shop for your pattern making needs:
- Use the right file – Look for the “A0,” “Copy Shop,” or “Large Format” PDF file included with your digital pattern. This is a single, large file designed for this very purpose.
- Check the cost – Prices can vary from shop to shop, so it’s a good idea to call ahead and ask us for a quote. We may be able to offer “engineering prints” or “blueprints,” which are often the most affordable option for black and white patterns.
- Ask for no scaling – The most crucial setting is to print at “Actual Size” or “100% scale” with no scaling or “fit to page” selected.
From a simple tote bag to an intricate cosplay costume, Reproductions Inc. wants to be your partner in professional pattern printing. Our large format printing services are a game-changer for anyone who regularly creates or buys patterns for sewing projects. Whether you’re making projects to sell or just for yourself, working with us is a small investment that will save you a huge amount of time and effort, letting you get to the craft you love faster. Call us now or reach out to us online to get a quote for pattern printing in Tucson, AZ.