Category: PDF Sewing Pattern

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The Bloom Skirt

I have some exciting news to share with you today.

Meet The Bloom Skirt our latest pattern!

This is another pattern I’ve been wearing various incarnations of, well forever really, it’s the perfect pattern for so many fabrics as it showcases a gorgeous print.

25% off Bloom 

Enjoy 25% off Bloom with our special introductory offer for The Bloom Skirt Sewing Pattern

no code needed / valid on our website & Etsy store until 11.59pm(GMT) Wednesday 4th September

The Bloom Skirt is a beautiful modern classic, with a full 1950s silhouette and gathering at the waist to create volume and drama. All the while being practical and comfortable so you can enjoy your day whether you are wandering in the Riviera, toasting gin at a glamorous event or quickly popping to Sainsburys for more bread. And, yes, she has pockets.

  • Version A features a contrasting hem band with a gently scalloped edge for an unexpected detail.
  • Version B is a classic full skirt with straight hem. 

The Bloom Skirt is a satisfying make with lots of versatility and sleek, unfussy details & perfect if you lean towards minimalist styling or are working with a large print that you don’t want to interrupt with unnecessary seams.

Skill level

Bloom is an excellent skill-building sewing pattern with minimal fitting so you can concentrate on learning sewing techniques. I’ll guide you through how to sew in-seam pockets, insert an invisible zip, understitching, stitch in the ditch technique and gathering with our excellent instructions and our extra free photo tutorials for even more support.

And just take a look at that scallop hem!

Yes, you will need a little patience but I’ve purposely designed her with wave shaped scallops as they are much more enjoyable to sew than the traditional ‘clam shell’ shaped scallops because there are no sharp points to worry about!

Suggested fabrics

Any light to medium weight woven fabric will work. Keep in mind the scallop hem detail will benefit from, and be easier to sew, in a stable fabric, such as a cotton poplin.

Look for fabrics that gather nicely such as cotton poplin, cotton lawn, linen, chambray and lighter weight denims, satin & taffeta. Keep an eye out for a future tutorial and I’ll show you how to change the gathers to pleats.

The handle of your fabric will dictate how your Bloom Skirt looks. A stiffer fabric such as brocades and satins will create a statement skirt that will hold its shape. Drapey and floaty fabrics such as viscose and crepes will give a softer looking silhouette.

My fabrics

Green skirt – Version B Lengthened by 2″ and made in an Ikea tablecloth (cotton but quite firm)

Blue /white – Version A / no mods and made in Organic Cotton Poplin from James Tailoring that I hand painted

Black and white – Version A / no mods and made in an Ikea curtain Panel (lightweight cotton but looks like linen) and linen scallop band.

Denim – from the deep stash but I’d guess around 8oz weight but with a nice soft handle.

THE DETAILS

PDF PATTERN – UK SIZES 8-22 (paper patterns will follow later in year) – View the size charts here

  • Version A – Scallop shaped hem band.
  • Version B – classic full skirt with straight hem. 
  • Signature Maven in-seam pockets
  • Centre back invisible (concealed) zip
  • Deep waistband sits at the natural waistline to define the fit & flare silhouette, but easy to adjust to your perfect width.
  • Fastens with snap fasteners for an unobtrusive finish.
  • Designed for woven fabrics.
  • Really easy to lengthen or shorten the pattern – The Bloom Skirt would look incredible as a full length maxi skirt in a brocade for a fancy night out!
  • ✂️ This is an excellent skill-building sewing pattern with minimal fitting so you can concentrate on learning sewing techniques.
  • See the Bloom Skirt Tutorials
  • Share your makes by tagging them @mavenpatterns #BloomMaven

PDF PATTERN

  • Prints on A4 and Us letter paper
  • Print at home pattern with layers to print just the size(s) you need
  • Illustrated Maker Instructions with clickable links to tutorials
  • Includes a measurement chart for the large skirt pattern pieces giving you the option to save paper and not print all of the pattern
  • A0 Copy shop file (with layers)
  • A0 printing – we recommend Orbit Imaging – Simon prints all my paper patterns.
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NEW – Limited Edition Sewing Pattern Collections

Last minute Christmas Gift Sewing?  

I knew it wasn’t just me!

In that case, have you seen our new sewing pattern collections?

I’ve had great fun creating bundles of my favourite pattern combos which will run for a limited time and I’ll swap them around as I get new inspirations!

The Sewing Pattern Collections will give you a saving of 10% on The Paper Pattern Collections & 15% saving on the PDF Pattern Collections.

The Christmas Collection - your favourite Indie Sewing patterns to make the best PJs and loungewear for gifts or yourself

I was very excited to create The Christmas PDF Collection featuring The Portland Shorts and The Simone Set because they make the best PJs and loungewear and so are the perfect pattern if you are stuck and want to make that last minute gift. And you could even make an Eye Mask with our free PDF Sewing Pattern for a cute set. In fact, that’s next on my list – ssshhh, don’t tell the kids.

A note to my UK sewing friends: I know it’s currently -4° at midday here (I do not joke!) and funnily enough, we may not be thinking of shorts right now but they don’t take too much fabric and it’s warmer elsewhere in the world and it will be here one day too!

And remember, I don’t like to make patterns that are one-trick wonders, longevity is my favourite way to be sustainable, so these patterns aren’t just for Christmas, these beauties will stand the test of time.

The Dress Collection - the ultimate collection of 5 of your favourite Indie Sewing patterns

With this in mind, I’ve also created The Ultimate Dress Pattern Collection – available in Paper Patterns or as a PDF Collection.

These are 5 very versatile dress sewing patterns which will pretty much cover every occasion from office wear, your favourite everyday casual dress to the stylish “we’re going out out” dress and of course they can transition with you through all the seasons. I like to layer my dresses over skinny thermal polo necks now it’s cold!

And then I kind of got carried away and created a few other sewing pattern collections that I think will be fun too!

Explore The Pattern Collections
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The Ludo Capelet

the Ludo Cape sewing pattern

I’m very excited to share my latest sewing pattern with you, as I’ve been wearing various incarnations of her for nearly a year now! So say hello to The Ludo Capelet!

25% off Ludo 

We have a special introductory offer for The Ludo Capelet – 25% off this weekend!

no code needed / valid on our website & Etsy store until 11.59pm Monday 18th March

The Ludo Capelet is a modern cape for the modern maker. With a strong sculpted, silhouette and minimalist styling, consider Ludo as your blank canvas. Striking in a plain cloth, at ease with a bold print, and is the perfect base to explore surface decoration and create a unique and iconic garment to reflect your personality.

The lovely Vintage Bamboo barkcloth is from OliveRoad.London / other fabrics from the deep stash

I wanted to create an easy to wear jacket. Dressing up without actually dressing up. You know the kind of thing that the cool people wear – throw it on and don’t really think about it. Minimal and transitional, Ludo is a lovely piece to add to your wardrobe for layering, wearing with trousers or, and this has been one of my constant go-to outfits, is to wear her with a matching full skirt.

I have all sorts planned in my head for this pattern; embroidery, screen printing, a VERY heavily beaded neckline, tulle and a ton of ruffles … watch this (very slow Maker) space!

THE DETAILS

PDF PATTERN – UK SIZES 8-22 (paper patterns will follow later in year) – View the size charts here

  • Version A – round neckline
  • Version B – deep V-neck
  • Designed for woven fabrics
  • Self waistband adds definition & shape.
  • Edge to edge style, with no fastenings or optional hook and eye closures. 
  • Fully lined: a great introduction to sewing outerwear.
  • Share your makes by tagging them @mavenpatterns #LudoMaven

PDF PATTERN

  • Print at home pattern with layers to print just the size(s) you need
  • Illustrated Maker Instruction Booklet with clickable links
  • A0 Copy shop file (with layers)
  • A0 printing – we recommend Orbit Imaging – Simon prints all my paper patterns, and he’s my brother so mentioning him guarantees a birthday card!

SHOP The Ludo Sewing Pattern
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How to Print and Assemble a PDF Sewing Pattern

Learn How to print and tile a PDF sewing Pattern at home With this free Printing tutorial

Learn How To Print and Tile a PDF Sewing Pattern at Home.

The joy of PDF sewing patterns is that they are instant. PDF sewing patterns are also known as digital sewing patterns. They are designed to be printed at home on either A4 or US letter sized paper. They are made up of several pages (tiles) that are joined together to make a complete pattern. Once they are downloaded you can print as many patterns as needed. No problems making different sizes, or losing a pattern piece, no more fragile tissue paper! You can just re-print!

Just pick your PDF sewing pattern and download it. Now, you can start to use up that stash of fabric that is slowly threatening to take over the house. Admit it you’ve got one! I’ve got one, we’ve all got one…and if you don’t have a stash of fabric…you want one!

Putting your PDF sewing pattern together is a very simple process. Grab a cup of tea and follow this Printing a PDF pattern tutorial…

IMPORTANT UPDATE

  • We now include an A0 file with each PDF pattern. So you can print at a copy shop on a wide format printer.
  • Can you only see 2 pages to print at home? You have probably opened the Copy Shop File by mistake. Open and Print from the file that is included in with the Maker Instructions.
  • All patterns from The Somerset (pattern 08) onwards, the pattern and the instruction files are separate.
  • Save ink and paper. You will find a list of page numbers in the instructions so you can just print the pages you choose.

YOU WILL NEED

  • A printer
  • A4/US letter paper
  • Paper Scissors
  • Tape (transparent magic tape is the best – doesn’t yellow with age, it’s invisible, you can get pins through it)

How to Print Your PDF pattern

STEP 1

Download your pattern and save it to your computer.

Maven Patterns are also available through Etsy, and Etsy have kindly posted a guide to help with downloading digital items.

To open your digital file you need an Adobe Reader, which you can download for free.

Please note: You can set your default PDF reader to one of your choosing on your computer. Apple computers often default to opening PDFs with ‘Preview’. Your pattern needs to be printed from Adobe Reader to make sure it prints at the correct scale.

Open your document and read it first!

You will find a set of instructions which include a cutting guide, fabric requirements, illustrated Maker Instructions and a glossary of terms as well as your pattern. It is not necessary to print everything. Save ink and paper by just printing the pattern and viewing your instructions on screen. You will find a list of page numbers on the CONTENTS page.

How to print and tile a PDF sewing pattern, printer settings image

Make a note of the page number for THE PRINT TEST SQUARE, this is ALWAYS the first page to print. 

A PRINT TEST SQUARE is included on all digital sewing patterns. It is important so you can check that your printer is printing your pattern accurately. My patterns have a square 10cm x 10cm / 2″x2″ square. Check the size for different pattern designers – it will be clearly marked.

STEP 2

How to print and tile a pattern: Adobe Acrobat screen shot to show printer settings

IMPORTANT: Ensure your print settings are correct, the pattern must print at actual size or it won’t fit you! These print settings all vary a little , on my computer (a PC) I use these options, yours may be different:

  • Select your printer in the top left corner.
  • PAGE SIZING AND HANDLING: CUSTOM SCALE: 100% (also might say ACTUAL SIZE/ SET SCALING TO 100%/ TURN OFF SCALING),
  • PAGES TO PRINT: PAGES and tap in the page number of the print test square (19 in this case),
  • ORIENTATION: AUTO/PORTRAIT LANDSCAPE to keep your pattern tile centralized.

STEP 3

Print the TEST SQUARE page.

How to print and tile a PDF sewing pattern, a print test square image

Check the square measures 10cm x 10cm, if it does great – you’ll print an accurate pattern. If it doesn’t go back and fiddle with the print settings again.

Troubleshooting

  • Check you are opening with the latest version of Adobe Reader.
  • If you’re using a Mac and your pattern is opening in ‘Preview’, the default reader. Reopen in the latest version of Adobe Reader. FREE FROM HERE.
  • Give your pattern time to download completely. Save it somewhere safe that you can find on your computer.
  • Be sure to print from the SAVED version.
  • Printing a pattern that is open from your internet browser will cause the pattern to not print out correctly.

Check the printer settings

  • ‘Actual Size/Scale 100% should be TICKED
  • Make sure:  ‘Choose paper source by PDF page size’ is UN-TICKED.
  • Still not printing OK? Click ‘ADVANCED PRINTER SETTINGS’ then click “PRINT AS IMAGE”
  • It is important to use the latest version of Adobe Reader.
  • Make sure your printer is set to print on Auto portrait/landscape.
  • If you are using Apple mobiles that might be the problem. They won’t download and open a pdf file without a pdf app installed.
  • If you still have a printing issue; it’s time to check your printer drivers are up to date

Tiling Your Pattern

STEP 4

Once you are happy with your test square, you can print your pattern. Refer back to the contents page so you print the right pages. Soon you will have a stack of pattern tiles in front of you.

How to print and tile a PDF sewing pattern. how to trim the tile page of a PDF sewing pattern

The grey square is the outside edge of your pattern tile. Trim away the excess overlap on two sides. For absolute accuracy cut on the outside of the grey line, so you can still see it. Carry on until all the tiles are trimmed.

STEP 5

How to print and tile a PDF sewing pattern. A tile layout diagram

Each tile has a large grey number in the centre. These run from left to right so you can put your tiles in order. A TILE LAYOUT DIAGRAM is included in the instructions as each pattern will vary a little.

STEP 6

How to print and tile a PDF sewing pattern. taping a PDF pattern together

Tape or stick tile 1 to tile 2. Line up the triangles and the pattern as you go. DON’T OVERLAP THEM just butt the grey frame edges next to each other. I always use transparent magic tape for patterns. Sadly, it’s a little TOO transparent to show up in a photo…hence the lovely washi tape! Some people prefer a glue stick. There is no right or wrong, it’s just a preference. Keep working your way across row 1, and then do the same for row 2.

STEP 7

How to print and tile a PDF sewing pattern. joining a pdf print sat home pattern together

Join rows 1 and 2 together. Continue until your  pattern is taped together, using the tile layout diagram as a guide.

STEP 8

How to print and tile a PDF sewing pattern. cutting out a pattern

A whole tiled pattern can get a little unmanageable in one piece. Roughly cut out completed sections of the pattern as you go. Once you decide on your size, carefully cut out each pattern piece ready to make your garment.

And that, my sewing friend, is it!

Soon, you’ll be printing your PDF sewing pattern with confidence and tiling your sewing pattern together like a professional!

Happy sewing! Mrs M x

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