PDF patterns: Why modern embroiderers are choosing digital over paper, kits and books
The way we find and use embroidery patterns has changed. More and more stitchers are choosing PDF patterns over paper, kits and books. Not only for convenience, but for the value, flexibility and creative freedom they offer. This article looks at what a PDF pattern actually is, how PDF files work and why they’ve become such a well-loved and trusted part of modern embroidery.
What is a PDF pattern?
In short, a PDF pattern is a set of instructions to recreate an embroidery that you buy online and download to your device.
You know how embroidery books and magazines feature projects with beautiful photos and instructions on how to do them? A PDF pattern does exactly the same thing. Just in a digital, rather than printed and bound, format.
The tech behind the name
Documents in this digital format are called PDF files. PDF stands for portable document format and it was developed so documents (files) could be viewed accurately on any device and easily shared over the internet.
PDF patterns are also called digital or downloadable patterns, as well as instant downloads. All my embroidery patterns are PDFs that you can view on your computer, phone or tablet.
The benefits of PDF
- Quality: Because a PDF is designed to preserve the quality of the text, illustrations and photos in a pattern – regardless of the device or software that you’re using to open it – your pattern looks the same on any screen and at any size.
- Free to view: You can open a PDF pattern directly in your internet browser or use a free viewer such as Acrobat Reader (from Adobe, the company that created this format). Using a programme or app can give you more flexibility, if you want to print your design at a different size, for example.
- Small file size: Although there’s a lot of information in an embroidery pattern, the size of the document itself is relatively small. So your patterns don’t take up much space to store on your device.
- Links: I include links to additional resources in my embroidery patterns. To things like a stem stitch masterclass and books that show you how to do embroidery and all the stitches used in the pattern. In other words, there’s more to the PDF than just the pattern.
- Simple to download: It usually only takes clicking a button or a download link.
- Easy to print: PDFs maintain their integrity when printed on paper. My patterns are high-quality and sized to fit on both A4 and US-letter sized paper, for accurate and clear home printing anywhere in the world. Adjusting the size won’t distort the pattern.
Good reasons to go digital
There’s definitely an ease to buying a kit, with everything you need included and the design already printed on to fabric for you. This is great if you’re just starting out or dabbling in embroidery. But perhaps you’re looking for a little more.
Some advantages of PDF patterns over paper patterns, pre-printed fabric and kits are:
- There’s no waiting for a PDF pattern. With no shipping involved, it downloads in minutes and you can get started straight away. Before that flush of inspiration and excitement fades. Sometimes instant gratification is a good thing!
- Digital patterns are accessible anywhere in the world with an internet connection. Even if your favourite designer lives on the other side of it. Or you live in a tiny town in a remote area.
- And because they’re online, PDF patterns are available 24/7, no matter what time zone you’re in. You can save your favourites until you’re ready to buy and enjoy browsing your wish list for new projects in your own time.
- They’re economical. You don’t have to pay for packaging, commercial printing or shipping and custom duties. Or equipment and supplies you may already have. Or be left with unused peel-and-sticks or iron-on transfers (and the associated guilt over not using the full pack). Or pay a monthly subscription to access the pattern.
- And you can use them over and over. Compared with pre-printed fabric that you can only use once and iron-on transfer sheets that you can use two or three times at most. In addition to value, this gives you assurance and the confidence to try new things. You can always start over if you don’t like where you’re going with it, something’s not working for you or if you make a mistake – no unpicking required. This also helps remove any stress or anxiety you might feel about embroidering it “wrong”.
- It’s also easy to resize the design when it’s in digital format.
- There are loads of PDF embroidery patterns available now. Different styles by different artists that help expand your embroidery ideas.
- And they have longevity. A PDF pattern you saw a decade ago is likely still available, unlike paper patterns or kits that go out of production and out of stock.
- PDF patterns can be embroidered on any surface – fabric for hoop art, to embellish clothing, personalise a tote bag, even on paper – giving you substrate flexibility.
- They’re eco-conscious in that there’s no physical pattern or packaging to discard (less waste). And they have a smaller carbon footprint (no shipping, for one).
- There are endless ways to customise and personalise digital patterns, giving you creative flexibility. You can change the size to suit your project, use only certain elements, rearrange and combine them with elements from other patterns or designers, add text. You can use different fabrics and threads, choose your own colours, add beads, switch up the stitches. Practise till you’re happy before committing to the final piece. They’re an easy springboard to creativity, especially if you’re not confident in your own drawing ability.
- You also get a say in the equipment and supplies you use. Mass-produced kits are created with profit in mind, so the hoop, needles, fabric and threads usually are and feel a bit inferior. And although you’ll get better-quality supplies buying a kit from an individual designer, it’ll come at a higher price point. While there’s nothing wrong with these options, with a PDF pattern you still get the high-quality design and instructions, you just get to choose the quality of your equipment and supplies as well.
- You can print the design straight on to embroidery paper from a PDF pattern, whether that’s water-soluble or tear-away. Very convenient.
- Digital patterns don’t take up physical space, so there’s less to store compared with paper patterns and kits.
- You can build up a personal library of patterns, organised exactly how you like. It’s easy to keep track of, find and retrieve the pattern/s you want (rather than scratching through cupboards and drawers). And plan future projects when you don’t have your embroidery supplies to hand. Also, unlike buying a book, you only pay for the patterns you’ll actually stitch.
- Paper is susceptible to critters and the elements. Your PDF patterns aren’t.
- If you’re following your pattern on a tablet, you can zoom in on the instructions and photos (particularly helpful for counted thread charts). So it’s easy to read and see the embroidery up close, no matter your ocular needs.
- When buying a PDF pattern, it’s highly likely that you’re buying from an individual designer or their small business. And when you support an independent artist rather than corporations and middlemen, it puts food straight on the table of those who provide you with these sets of instructions. Which are actually so much more than just patterns. Buying direct not only gives us as artists and designers easy access to our earnings, it also ensures you’re not buying a stolen design. Something that happens to most independent pattern creators at some point.
- And finally, if the mail where you live is “iffy at best”, PDF patterns are “the way to go”. They’re a “practical tool” that “just makes sense”.
Note: This list was compiled with much help from my customers and newsletter readers, who generously shared with me why they like and enjoy using PDF patterns for their embroidery.
But what about transferring the design to fabric?
A common embroidery bugbear is transferring to fabric. It puts a fair amount of would-be embroiderers off. But there have been so many advancements in transfer options in recent years that there’s something for everyone now when it comes to this step.
Most exciting is water-soluble stabilisers, otherwise known as embroidery paper. This is the perfect partner for PDF patterns as you print the design/artwork/line drawing straight on to this paper and stick it to your fabric. No tracing required.
Heat transfers have improved substantially. Pens and tracing paper from reputable embroidery suppliers work so much better nowadays when it comes to precision. Fine-tipped pens deliver a thin, crisp and clear line that’s easily covered with thread. And they come in a multitude of colours.
There are also so many more options now when it comes to marking tools. You get heat-erasable pens, water-soluble pens, even a ceramic-tipped and eraser pen duo.
My patterns explain four different ways to transfer the design using these and other tools and products. One of them is sure to match your skill – or enthusiasm – level.
And what if I don’t have a printer?
The only page you need to print is the one with the design on it. The line art that you’ll trace on to your fabric. Ask a friend or family member with a printer or take it to a copy shop and ask them to print it out for you. It’s in black and white, so won’t cost much or use up too much of your friend’s ink.
You could also use a lightbox app on your tablet. There are a number of apps available and you can trace straight from the screen.
Why buy a Fellenn pattern?
I realise that not all PDF patterns are equal. But you can expect certain things in every embroidery pattern I offer:
- Clean, modern look: Simple yet detailed, with an elegant line that runs throughout. Every pattern is fresh and original.
- Thoughtfully designed: With 25 years of experience and know-how embedded in the design process, you can trust that you’ll be able to replicate it.
- Easy to follow: My patterns are well-written and comprehensive, with clear and detailed instructions. Plus loads of helpful tips.
- Fresh colours: The colour palettes are considered, from beautifully bold and bright to subtle, delicate and pretty.
- Fantastic stitches: You're sure to learn a new embroidery stitch. Or use one you know in a new way.
If you’d like to use a PDF pattern for your next embroidery project, there’s a wide selection available in my online shop. The collection ranges from insects and plants to fruit, nature, monograms and the holidays. Each pattern is an instant, digital download. Browse and enjoy.