I am with you, Michelle. I hate printing and taping or pasting. It’s just never worked out for me. I have been using PDF Plotting for several years and never considered looking elsewhere because they’ve been so wonderful. Thank you very much for this content. I found it really helpful and look forward to trying another company or two. Take care - Claudia.
I agree Claudia - PDF Plotting is great! I just like that these other companies offer thinner paper and ship folded rather than rolled. Thanks for watching!
Yes, I’m one of those weirdos who likes to tape pdf patterns together. I feel like I’m making a puzzle and find it very zen. 🤣 Great research though and I saw that you found a link with Canadian printers which is awesome because the shipping costs from the US are just crazy! Xx 💞
Haha - you were one of the ones I was thinking of when I said that 🤣 I didn't do the research for the CA printers - another blogger did - I just linked to her work - if you ever have a pattern that is too big to tape together maybe there is a place on that list that could help!
Wow, Michelle, so much research!! Thank you. I am a weirdo when I am in a hurry to try a new pattern, but generally have my patterns printed in large format. I always trace from the master pattern - once I’ve paid to have it printed, I don’t wish to cut it up. I am fortunate that my sewist daughter lives nearby, so we always share a .PDF Plotting order to split the cost of shipping. Again, thanks for all that research.
Hey Cuz! Thanks for doing all that research. I love Indie patterns and am a member of the " Don't mind putting them together club". LOL To me it's a little like putting puzzles together and I find that relaxing. I just finished a Donny top for my Sister-in-law. She wanted hers a little longer than the pattern so I added 2 inches to the length. I really like the way it turned out.
I had to add length to that pattern as well. Funny enough - that is one pattern that I was excited to sew so I actually taped that one together 🤣. I didn't enjoy it though LOL!!
That was so interesting Michelle, I do love that some companies choose lighter paper, that would certainly tempt me to getting it printed. If I ever print a pattern I try and get hold of copier tracing paper which is more like a normal bought pattern. I hate normal paper as I always end up with paper cuts when sticking and cutting 🤣. I still say though, the cost of Indi patterns AND then having to outsource the printing makes making your own clothes very expensive!! Thanks as ever for such an informative video ❤ xx
Trust me Carole, if the Big 4 (5?) had better sizing and better styling - I would much prefer to spend $1.99 on a pattern all in! I knew you were like me and didn't like to tape together 😜
Wow! Thanks so much for sharing. I'm part weirdo/part send off to print. If I want something right away and its around 30-40 pages, I print at home and tape. But if its a large number of pages, I send it off. Good to know about all these other print shops. I also have loads of files that have NOT been printed and are sitting in my computer. 😮 Need to get those printed. Happy sewing (and printing)😊❤
I can understand that. I like to have my printed in case I decide on a whim that I want to make it. I have a handful that are on my computer and not printed - but the majority of mine are printed already. I think I can count on one hand how many I've pieced together myself 🤣
Wow. Thank you for your research. I usually print at home because I am frugal, but I am glad to have your information if I decide to have a pattern printed.
I'm so glad there's an alternative to PDF Plotting. I remember Lindsey (Inside the Hem) talking about a new service that would print on lighter weight paper, but I don't remember it being less expensive - or at least comparable. The lightest weight you mentioned sounds like my tracing vellum. Heavier than tissue, but not as heavy as printer paper. And you know me, I'm not an indie person - but it's really nice to have options because PDF Plotting takes it sweet time getting to me. xox
The company that Lindsey had mentioned was Sublime Grafx, which does have tissue paper, tracing paper, or regular white paper options. And they charge by the pattern, not by the page. The price definitely wasn't the best, but I tried their service using some patterns that had at least 3 pages per pattern to get the best cost per page. I liked the tissue paper, but my problem with them was that there was an error with one page (I believe it was that the printing cut off halfway on the page, or maybe it was a missing page, I don't remember). I didn't notice the error until several months later, and when I contacted the company, the response I got was that I would have to pay to have the page reprinted (there was a 30 day limit on reporting issues), although she did offer a small discount. I was really annoyed that they had made the error but expected me to pay to have it fixed, simply due to an arbitrary 30 day time limit. I ended up printing that page on my own printer because I didn't want to pay $10 (including shipping) or more to have one page printed. I probably won't ever use them again, I would much rather try these other companies that Michelle has listed - which I really appreciate! Thanks Michelle, I will definitely check these out!
I bought my first pdf printed from PDFPlotting in December. I haven’t worked with the pattern yet, so I can’t comment on using it yet! But, I almost never cut my patterns, so I liked the heavier paper to trace from. I contacted them and they were super helpful re: layers. I created my own layers pdf in adobe, then sent that to them for printing. I opted for colors. With the shipping it was pricey in that I had already purchased the pattern. If I get a great-fitting pair of pants (finally, and please!), it will be worth every penny :) Shipping time was quick for me.
Thanks for doing all the research, Michelle! I usually tape because pdf printing adds a bit to the cost of the pattern. And I’m cheap! But I’ve found that sometimes the patterns get pretty distorted by the time I get all the pages taped, so I’m thinking about having them printed. I just found a business called The Plotted Pattern. I have not used them yet, but they charge 2.15 per sheet for #20 paper so I may give them a try. Small business in Georgia.
Thank you so much for letting me know about The Plotted Pattern! I just looked up their pricing and they are better for any of the paper types you want. I'm bummed they didn't come up in my search but I'll add them to the list in the description box. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
Real useful info Michelle. I am in the UK and usually get copy shop print because patterns can get distorted when printing on a home printer and then taping. Also I hate folding up and storing the taped pages. I use a UK company that prints on tissue paper- it is far better than Big 4 tissue though. Lynne 😊
I recently used Stitch Sew Shop for the first PDF I've ever had printed. They printed 4 pages, I didn't request layers so don't know if they do that, it was flat fold, 20# paper [cant recall if they had newsprint, but i dont mind 20#], and it was either 14$ or 17$ total with ?tax plus shipping. I believe it was 2.5$ a page. I actually forgot to mention to them printing the fifth page so I'll have to tape that pattern piece together but that's fine. This video is a great resource! I use about 75-80% Big Four and have always purchased printed indie patterns, but many of them are ending that , likely due to the cost. So I'll be checking out your resources. I had a good experience with SSS, their payment system was "down" when I tried to pay, and they emailed me within 24 hr letting me know when it was back up. Got the pattern pieces within a week, and I'm in San Francisco and they are I believe in North Carolina, so I was pleased with their service. I will try the lighter paper next time although it's not a priority for me.
Thanks so much for letting me know about them! I'll check them out and add them to the list in the description box! EDIT: I just looked on their website and they charge $5.50 for the first two pages then $2.75 for each page after that. I wonder if pricing is different for locals?? Interesting!
@@MegInASheathDress I went to a local FedEx store to print a pattern (first that I had not printed at home), so they do that. I don't know how the rates compare as it was a while ago and I hadn't looked into other options, but you would want to factor in the postage/shipping savings into the cost if you're able to pick it up locally. ☺
Hi Michelle, I just received my first pdf pattern. It was the bleeker sweatshirt pattern from Sewing and the City. You mentioned that pattern a week or so ago. Anyhow, I was amazed at how clear the instructions were and how easy it was to cut and tape together. I may be one of those weirdos who enjoys putting her own patterns together. This one was great. Thanks for the info, though. I may change my mind on patterns with many pieces. Great video!
I just got my Bleeker print out! I'm going to work on it this weekend. I'm so glad to hear the instructions were easy! Lots of people don't mind taping the patterns together - I've never enjoyed it. But that's what's wonderful about the world - we're all different!! 💕
Yep I like to tape... I get to concentrate on each part of the pattern... helps me deside how I will alter the pattern for my figure... I usually print all sizes because my figure spans 4-5 sizes... I have used PDF Plotting n I like their services but only for special occasions... thank you for doing all that research n I will be watching this again when I can sit down n makes notes 😊 till then I'll be looking for my tape 😉
Interesting. I have used PDF Plotting for years. And, like you, I have baskets and baskets of rolled patterns. But now, because of the cost and lack of storage, I am exploring using a projector.
I have found the prices at my local blueprint shop to be reasonable because I don’t have to pay shipping - usually same day service - and you’re buying local!😊
hey! new subscriber here from Tampa FL. I will check Patternsprinting and the plotted pattern. by the way- your trello boards are so cute- love the organization! thank you for sharing!
Great job on the research Michelle. I may have a few of my patterns sent out but typically I am one of those people who don’t mind printing and piecing them together. Would be nice to not have all the seams & tape….🧐.
I buy indie because they are size inclusive and their styles are. usually much more interesting than the Big 4 (in my opinion). It's a nice side effect that I'm supporting small businesses 😊
Shipping is dependent on the order amount and location to where it is being shipped - it will vary by user. I'm sorry I wasn't able to provide insight for that!
Thanks Michelle for this roundup! I am a hybrid weirdo. (Is that a thing?) I rather like printing PDFs myself, and like putting them together. If the file is under 20 pages, I still do that sometimes. But storing them! 😆😜 I don't cut any printed PDFs anymore, I like the smooth rolls of the copy shop prints and they are very easy to trace from. Several of them have been used a few times. The taped ones get rather raggedy, and they are difficult to roll easily. I have to say most of my PDF patterns live in my computer until I'm considering making them. PDF plotting gets shipped the same day, and gets to the Rocky mountains in 2-3 days. I try to do 3 or 4 patterns in a batch to spread the cost per pattern. I am interested in trying one of the others, maybe trying a mid-weight paper. Folded was something I hadn't ever thought of......... The rolls have become a decor feature in my room! 😁😁 Thanks for your research!
Of course hybrid weirdo is a thing 🤣. The full piece of AO paper doesn't fit on my cutting table, so I find it easier to rough cut the pattern pieces around the largest size before tracing. Plus - I would have to start hanging patterns from the ceiling if I kept them all rolled up LOL! I agree that the taped ones get raggedy though!!
@@MichelleSewsAgain Ah! My dining table is my only table for cutting and tracing. My cutting mats usually cover it during the week, and everything gets put away on - rinse and repeat. 😁 You DO have a lot of printed rolls! I use the corner behind my reading chair and floor lamp, though they aren't in a container of any kind - just leaning so far. I love your baskets 😉
I'm not sure anyone *likes* taping, but for me the shipping costs kill my wanting to get large format prints. I was hoping you would also include shipping in your comparison because that seems highly variable to me
Unfortunately, shipping is dependent on size of order and location "from and to" so it was not really possible for me to quote shipping fees for most of the printing services. I've heard that many people use local blueprint printers and they are able to avoid shipping fees - you might to look into whether or not that is available in your area!
I am sooo lucky that PDF Plotting is located in my town. I send the file to them and in a day or two the office manager (Susan) calls me and I can pick it up. I don’t pay for shipping. Perhaps searching for a printer who works with architects in your town is the way to go.
Each of the different printing companies has a button to click - once you click it, you just need to find the pdf file on your computer then click on it. Usually the rest is automatic!
I hate taping them together. I use my window as a light box, but ug, what a slog and trigger for neck pain. Our printer died. I called Staples and the UPS & Fed Ex stores...none even knew what A0 paper was.
That's smart to use your window as a light box! I can see where it would cause neck and shoulder pain though. I asked at Staples and they didn't know what I was talking about. I haven't asked at UPS or FedEx. Could be worth investigating since they have locations everywhere! Thanks Vicky!!
😂😂 I'm a weirdo and I use 15# paper from Dollar General. No trimming necessary because it is thin enough to match lines. A couple of those companies sound interesting though. Thanks for doing the research for us.
Thanks for this information! I definitely don't buy PDF patterns because I won't tape together, and frankly don't even want to try to figure out how to manage the PDF and send it to a printer. Yup, I'm a sewing dinosaur. But who knows, with this info, maybe???
It's not enough to compare the per page price when shipping charges vary so much. Personally, I prefer The Plotted Pattern. Multiple paper types. Option to get bound instructions.
Yes, shipping definitely plays a part. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to factor that in since it is determined by the qty ordered and the location it's shipping to. It will be different for everyone. I just learned about the Plotted Pattern today - definitely excited to try them out! Thanks for sharing 😊
Love, love, love your Elton John Shirt. PDF----yuk. Hate the taping. Shipping to Canada----expensive......unless others have found a company that prints for less in our northern climes?
My hubby and I went to his concert in April last year in Miami - it was amazing! I found a blog post with a list of CA options for pdf pattern printing - I hope one of them works out for you! wicks.ca/pdf-pattern-printers-in-canada/
I'm a weirdo, I like to tape them together. I saw someone the other day who prints, folds and mails. She had 3 different types of paper which I liked. I lost the page and I can't remember the name. Price wise about same as PDF Plotting.
Some of my best friends are weirdos 😜. If you can recall who you saw that does the printing, folding and mailing please come back and let me know - I'll add them to the list in the description box if their pricing is comparable!! Thanks!!
*raises hand* i'm a weirdo who likes to tape together. or at least, i'm willing to do it because i'm a cheapskate. my workplace actually has a large format printer and i have a co-worker who keeps bugging me to go in with her to buy a roll of paper that we can share and otherwise print patterns for free and i'm still skeptical. 😂
I was actually thinking of both you and Izzy when I made that comment 🤣. I'm jealous that you have access to your own printer! I wonder how much a roll of paper is?!?!
I am with you, Michelle. I hate printing and taping or pasting. It’s just never worked out for me. I have been using PDF Plotting for several years and never considered looking elsewhere because they’ve been so wonderful. Thank you very much for this content. I found it really helpful and look forward to trying another company or two. Take care - Claudia.
I agree Claudia - PDF Plotting is great! I just like that these other companies offer thinner paper and ship folded rather than rolled. Thanks for watching!
Yes, I’m one of those weirdos who likes to tape pdf patterns together. I feel like I’m making a puzzle and find it very zen. 🤣 Great research though and I saw that you found a link with Canadian printers which is awesome because the shipping costs from the US are just crazy! Xx 💞
Haha - you were one of the ones I was thinking of when I said that 🤣 I didn't do the research for the CA printers - another blogger did - I just linked to her work - if you ever have a pattern that is too big to tape together maybe there is a place on that list that could help!
What the the Canadian company. Please would love to see their prices
I too like taping patterns but I've always loved puzzles though.
Thanks!
Wow, Michelle, so much research!! Thank you. I am a weirdo when I am in a hurry to try a new pattern, but generally have my patterns printed in large format. I always trace from the master pattern - once I’ve paid to have it printed, I don’t wish to cut it up. I am fortunate that my sewist daughter lives nearby, so we always share a .PDF Plotting order to split the cost of shipping. Again, thanks for all that research.
You're so welcome! That's great that. you have someone to share the costs with!!
Hey Cuz! Thanks for doing all that research. I love Indie patterns and am a member of the " Don't mind putting them together club". LOL To me it's a little like putting puzzles together and I find that relaxing. I just finished a Donny top for my Sister-in-law. She wanted hers a little longer than the pattern so I added 2 inches to the length. I really like the way it turned out.
I had to add length to that pattern as well. Funny enough - that is one pattern that I was excited to sew so I actually taped that one together 🤣. I didn't enjoy it though LOL!!
That was so interesting Michelle, I do love that some companies choose lighter paper, that would certainly tempt me to getting it printed. If I ever print a pattern I try and get hold of copier tracing paper which is more like a normal bought pattern. I hate normal paper as I always end up with paper cuts when sticking and cutting 🤣. I still say though, the cost of Indi patterns AND then having to outsource the printing makes making your own clothes very expensive!! Thanks as ever for such an informative video ❤ xx
Trust me Carole, if the Big 4 (5?) had better sizing and better styling - I would much prefer to spend $1.99 on a pattern all in! I knew you were like me and didn't like to tape together 😜
Wow! Thanks so much for sharing. I'm part weirdo/part send off to print. If I want something right away and its around 30-40 pages, I print at home and tape. But if its a large number of pages, I send it off. Good to know about all these other print shops. I also have loads of files that have NOT been printed and are sitting in my computer. 😮 Need to get those printed. Happy sewing (and printing)😊❤
I can understand that. I like to have my printed in case I decide on a whim that I want to make it. I have a handful that are on my computer and not printed - but the majority of mine are printed already. I think I can count on one hand how many I've pieced together myself 🤣
Wow. Thank you for your research. I usually print at home because I am frugal, but I am glad to have your information if I decide to have a pattern printed.
I'm glad you found it helpful 😊
I'm so glad there's an alternative to PDF Plotting. I remember Lindsey (Inside the Hem) talking about a new service that would print on lighter weight paper, but I don't remember it being less expensive - or at least comparable. The lightest weight you mentioned sounds like my tracing vellum. Heavier than tissue, but not as heavy as printer paper. And you know me, I'm not an indie person - but it's really nice to have options because PDF Plotting takes it sweet time getting to me. xox
Really? I was going to say that is one of the advantages of PDF Plotting - their shipping is always so fast! (for me)
The company that Lindsey had mentioned was Sublime Grafx, which does have tissue paper, tracing paper, or regular white paper options. And they charge by the pattern, not by the page. The price definitely wasn't the best, but I tried their service using some patterns that had at least 3 pages per pattern to get the best cost per page. I liked the tissue paper, but my problem with them was that there was an error with one page (I believe it was that the printing cut off halfway on the page, or maybe it was a missing page, I don't remember). I didn't notice the error until several months later, and when I contacted the company, the response I got was that I would have to pay to have the page reprinted (there was a 30 day limit on reporting issues), although she did offer a small discount. I was really annoyed that they had made the error but expected me to pay to have it fixed, simply due to an arbitrary 30 day time limit. I ended up printing that page on my own printer because I didn't want to pay $10 (including shipping) or more to have one page printed. I probably won't ever use them again, I would much rather try these other companies that Michelle has listed - which I really appreciate! Thanks Michelle, I will definitely check these out!
I bought my first pdf printed from PDFPlotting in December. I haven’t worked with the pattern yet, so I can’t comment on using it yet! But, I almost never cut my patterns, so I liked the heavier paper to trace from. I contacted them and they were super helpful re: layers. I created my own layers pdf in adobe, then sent that to them for printing. I opted for colors. With the shipping it was pricey in that I had already purchased the pattern. If I get a great-fitting pair of pants (finally, and please!), it will be worth every penny :) Shipping time was quick for me.
Thank you Michelle. I don’t care for taping patterns together. Thanks for the reassurance research.
You're so welcome!
Thanks for doing all the research, Michelle! I usually tape because pdf printing adds a bit to the cost of the pattern. And I’m cheap! But I’ve found that sometimes the patterns get pretty distorted by the time I get all the pages taped, so I’m thinking about having them printed. I just found a business called The Plotted Pattern. I have not used them yet, but they charge 2.15 per sheet for #20 paper so I may give them a try. Small business in Georgia.
Thank you so much for letting me know about The Plotted Pattern! I just looked up their pricing and they are better for any of the paper types you want. I'm bummed they didn't come up in my search but I'll add them to the list in the description box. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
I have a friend that used them and was happy with them.
Real useful info Michelle. I am in the UK and usually get copy shop print because patterns can get distorted when printing on a home printer and then taping. Also I hate folding up and storing the taped pages. I use a UK company that prints on tissue paper- it is far better than Big 4 tissue though. Lynne 😊
I've heard that Fabulosew (?) prints on wonderful paper in the UK. I'm hoping this new company that I try is similar!
I recently used Stitch Sew Shop for the first PDF I've ever had printed. They printed 4 pages, I didn't request layers so don't know if they do that, it was flat fold, 20# paper [cant recall if they had newsprint, but i dont mind 20#], and it was either 14$ or 17$ total with ?tax plus shipping. I believe it was 2.5$ a page. I actually forgot to mention to them printing the fifth page so I'll have to tape that pattern piece together but that's fine.
This video is a great resource! I use about 75-80% Big Four and have always purchased printed indie patterns, but many of them are ending that , likely due to the cost. So I'll be checking out your resources. I had a good experience with SSS, their payment system was "down" when I tried to pay, and they emailed me within 24 hr letting me know when it was back up. Got the pattern pieces within a week, and I'm in San Francisco and they are I believe in North Carolina, so I was pleased with their service. I will try the lighter paper next time although it's not a priority for me.
Thanks so much for letting me know about them! I'll check them out and add them to the list in the description box! EDIT: I just looked on their website and they charge $5.50 for the first two pages then $2.75 for each page after that. I wonder if pricing is different for locals?? Interesting!
@@MichelleSewsAgain Good to know. I just can't recall the exact price I paid but with shipping it was
@@MegInASheathDress I went to a local FedEx store to print a pattern (first that I had not printed at home), so they do that. I don't know how the rates compare as it was a while ago and I hadn't looked into other options, but you would want to factor in the postage/shipping savings into the cost if you're able to pick it up locally. ☺
Thank you for sharing this information. I taped together if I need to save money 😂
Lots of people prefer to do the taping themselves!!
Hi Michelle, I just received my first pdf pattern. It was the bleeker sweatshirt pattern from Sewing and the City. You mentioned that pattern a week or so ago. Anyhow, I was amazed at how clear the instructions were and how easy it was to cut and tape together. I may be one of those weirdos who enjoys putting her own patterns together. This one was great. Thanks for the info, though. I may change my mind on patterns with many pieces. Great video!
I just got my Bleeker print out! I'm going to work on it this weekend. I'm so glad to hear the instructions were easy! Lots of people don't mind taping the patterns together - I've never enjoyed it. But that's what's wonderful about the world - we're all different!! 💕
Thank you for your research! Great reference tool to have. Thanks again!
You're so welcome!
This video is an incredible resource. Thanks so much for doing the research and sharing. 👍🏼😀
You are so welcome!
Thanks for doing all this research for us.
You're so welcome!
Great info, Michelle. Thanks for sharing!
You are so welcome!
Yep I like to tape... I get to concentrate on each part of the pattern... helps me deside how I will alter the pattern for my figure... I usually print all sizes because my figure spans 4-5 sizes... I have used PDF Plotting n I like their services but only for special occasions... thank you for doing all that research n I will be watching this again when I can sit down n makes notes 😊 till then I'll be looking for my tape 😉
Hehe - enjoy your tape! 😜
Thankyou for the investigation. I’ve used PDF Plotting but I am looking into projector set up.
Oh I'd love to hear about that! Let me know once you get it set up!
Interesting. I have used PDF Plotting for years. And, like you, I have baskets and baskets of rolled patterns. But now, because of the cost and lack of storage, I am exploring using a projector.
I've thought about that - I need to investigate it. Just wondering how the set up works!
I have found the prices at my local blueprint shop to be reasonable because I don’t have to pay shipping - usually same day service - and you’re buying local!😊
That's a great suggestion!!
hey! new subscriber here from Tampa FL. I will check Patternsprinting and the plotted pattern.
by the way- your trello boards are so cute- love the organization! thank you for sharing!
Hey neighbor! I'm just about an hour south of you :). Thanks so much for watching and subscribing!
I dont like taping patterns. I only printed very few pdf patterns by pDF plotting. Very informative video Michelle!
Thanks Carmen! Glad you found it helpful!!
Very helpful, thanks for sharing.
My pleasure! 😊
Thanks for the info Michelle!❤❤
I mostly tape but only for economics. Would love the lighter paper. Folding up a taped pattern is a pain.
Amazon sells reams of lighter weight paper.
Hi Debbie! Another person commented that they buy lighter weight paper from Dollar General - maybe that would be an option for you?
@@MichelleSewsAgain I will check it out! Thank you!
I would definitely pay a little extra for folded and lighter weight paper! Thanks for doing the research !
I am not that kind of weirdo 🤪
You are so welcome!
😂
Thank you. I hate the taping and I will definitely try this
Good luck!
This video is great. I’ll definitely try one of these new printers the next time I have patterns to send over.
I'm glad you found it helpful! 💕
Thank You very helpful. I really don't like putting a pattern together myself!
I hope you find a printer that you like!
Thanks for the research. I have sent them to Office Depot but I think they were cheaper than pdf plotting.
I have sent mine to Staples office supplies for printing. Cost about the same as PDF Plotting when you add shipping cost.
Thanks for letting me know - I'll check them out!
Great job on the research Michelle. I may have a few of my patterns sent out but typically I am one of those people who don’t mind printing and piecing them together. Would be nice to not have all the seams & tape….🧐.
If you don't mind the taping then it's worth saving the money! I wish I had more patience LOL!
I buy Indie patterns bc I love to support small, women owned businesses. I do buy a few Big 4 (5) occasionally but not often.
I buy indie because they are size inclusive and their styles are. usually much more interesting than the Big 4 (in my opinion). It's a nice side effect that I'm supporting small businesses 😊
Very useful info. Wish you had included shipping cost with each company.
Shipping is dependent on the order amount and location to where it is being shipped - it will vary by user. I'm sorry I wasn't able to provide insight for that!
Thanks Michelle for this roundup! I am a hybrid weirdo. (Is that a thing?) I rather like printing PDFs myself, and like putting them together. If the file is under 20 pages, I still do that sometimes. But storing them! 😆😜 I don't cut any printed PDFs anymore, I like the smooth rolls of the copy shop prints and they are very easy to trace from. Several of them have been used a few times. The taped ones get rather raggedy, and they are difficult to roll easily. I have to say most of my PDF patterns live in my computer until I'm considering making them.
PDF plotting gets shipped the same day, and gets to the Rocky mountains in 2-3 days. I try to do 3 or 4 patterns in a batch to spread the cost per pattern. I am interested in trying one of the others, maybe trying a mid-weight paper. Folded was something I hadn't ever thought of......... The rolls have become a decor feature in my room! 😁😁 Thanks for your research!
Of course hybrid weirdo is a thing 🤣. The full piece of AO paper doesn't fit on my cutting table, so I find it easier to rough cut the pattern pieces around the largest size before tracing. Plus - I would have to start hanging patterns from the ceiling if I kept them all rolled up LOL! I agree that the taped ones get raggedy though!!
@@MichelleSewsAgain Ah! My dining table is my only table for cutting and tracing. My cutting mats usually cover it during the week, and everything gets put away on - rinse and repeat. 😁 You DO have a lot of printed rolls! I use the corner behind my reading chair and floor lamp, though they aren't in a container of any kind - just leaning so far. I love your baskets 😉
I'm not sure anyone *likes* taping, but for me the shipping costs kill my wanting to get large format prints. I was hoping you would also include shipping in your comparison because that seems highly variable to me
Unfortunately, shipping is dependent on size of order and location "from and to" so it was not really possible for me to quote shipping fees for most of the printing services. I've heard that many people use local blueprint printers and they are able to avoid shipping fees - you might to look into whether or not that is available in your area!
I am sooo lucky that PDF Plotting is located in my town. I send the file to them and in a day or two the office manager (Susan) calls me and I can pick it up. I don’t pay for shipping. Perhaps searching for a printer who works with architects in your town is the way to go.
You ARE lucky! I do love how fast they ship - I usually get my package in a couple of days. Great suggestion for looking for local printers though!!
I’ve talked to several in the Dallas area and could not find anyone that would be cost effective. You would think it would be a slam dunk for them.
I have done that in the past!
I’ve never used a PDF pattern. I’m just used to making the “big four “ work!
That's good that is an option for you!
@@MichelleSewsAgain lol and sometimes not that great of an option, unfortunately!!
I can’t figure out how to download off my computer to a printing company 😢
Each of the different printing companies has a button to click - once you click it, you just need to find the pdf file on your computer then click on it. Usually the rest is automatic!
I prefer to send it out to get printed, especially if there’s a lot of pages to the pattern 😊. It’s just less time consuming
Same for me - I'd rather spend the time sewing than taping 😊
What does that mean, to print layers?
When a PDF is set up to print layers, it means that you can print select sizes instead of everything. I hope that helps!
I hate taping them together. I use my window as a light box, but ug, what a slog and trigger for neck pain. Our printer died. I called Staples and the UPS & Fed Ex stores...none even knew what A0 paper was.
That's smart to use your window as a light box! I can see where it would cause neck and shoulder pain though. I asked at Staples and they didn't know what I was talking about. I haven't asked at UPS or FedEx. Could be worth investigating since they have locations everywhere! Thanks Vicky!!
Raising my hand as a weirdo, here, lol, but I want to try getting them printed. Thanks for doing the research
Haha! I meant weirdo in the nicest possible way 🤣
I’m just considering the service you spoke about since taping is NOT my jam either 😂😂😂
😊😀😀😀
Great video thank you I'm a ones of those weird people who sticky tape lol😅
LOL - have fun taping!! And I meant weirdo in the nicest possible way LOL!!
😂😂 I'm a weirdo and I use 15# paper from Dollar General. No trimming necessary because it is thin enough to match lines. A couple of those companies sound interesting though. Thanks for doing the research for us.
Interesting that you buy special paper to print. your own - that's smart!! Thanks for sharing 😊
Thanks for this information! I definitely don't buy PDF patterns because I won't tape together, and frankly don't even want to try to figure out how to manage the PDF and send it to a printer. Yup, I'm a sewing dinosaur. But who knows, with this info, maybe???
For some of us, it's the only option unfortunately. Trust me, if I could get away with buying $1.99 patterns I would 🤣
It's not enough to compare the per page price when shipping charges vary so much.
Personally, I prefer The Plotted Pattern. Multiple paper types. Option to get bound instructions.
Yes, shipping definitely plays a part. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to factor that in since it is determined by the qty ordered and the location it's shipping to. It will be different for everyone. I just learned about the Plotted Pattern today - definitely excited to try them out! Thanks for sharing 😊
Love, love, love your Elton John Shirt.
PDF----yuk. Hate the taping.
Shipping to Canada----expensive......unless others have found a company that prints for less in our northern climes?
My hubby and I went to his concert in April last year in Miami - it was amazing! I found a blog post with a list of CA options for pdf pattern printing - I hope one of them works out for you!
wicks.ca/pdf-pattern-printers-in-canada/
I’m a weirdo!!!! Because I want it now!!!
Haha! I love weirdos!!
So, what makes a page?
When you open the PDF file it will tell you how many pages are in the file. But an AO page is 36" x 48".
I'm a weirdo, I like to tape them together. I saw someone the other day who prints, folds and mails. She had 3 different types of paper which I liked. I lost the page and I can't remember the name. Price wise about same as PDF Plotting.
Some of my best friends are weirdos 😜. If you can recall who you saw that does the printing, folding and mailing please come back and let me know - I'll add them to the list in the description box if their pricing is comparable!! Thanks!!
I am so mad at myself for not saving that sight, I can't find it anywhere. If I come across it I will get it to you. Thanks@@MichelleSewsAgain
*raises hand* i'm a weirdo who likes to tape together. or at least, i'm willing to do it because i'm a cheapskate. my workplace actually has a large format printer and i have a co-worker who keeps bugging me to go in with her to buy a roll of paper that we can share and otherwise print patterns for free and i'm still skeptical. 😂
I was actually thinking of both you and Izzy when I made that comment 🤣. I'm jealous that you have access to your own printer! I wonder how much a roll of paper is?!?!
@@MichelleSewsAgain no idea but i should probably look into it!