We're the Perfect Print team. You download a sewing, quilting, or craft pattern, print it, and "it looks a little small" or "the pieces don't line up when I sew them." That's the pattern not printing at actual size. Patterns live and die by size, so even a few percent of shrink can ruin a project. This article covers the settings that print a pattern at true size, and how to build patterns larger than one sheet by tiling and taping.
The real reason patterns print smaller
Print a pattern PDF or image as-is and many printers and apps output it with "fit to page". That shrinks the whole thing to fit inside the paper's margins — handy, but it changes the pattern's real size. Even a few percent of shrink is an unacceptable error on a bodice or a bag panel. "I printed it correctly but the size is off" usually traces back to this setting.
To print correctly, don't fit to page — print at actual size (100%). And it helps to have a way to verify that the printed pattern really is true size. We built Perfect Print so that printing and checking at real size both happen on your phone.
Verifying it printed at actual size
Patterns often include a test square for checking scale. A square marked "2 in x 2 in" (or "5 cm x 5 cm") is printed on the sheet, so after printing you measure it with a ruler — if it's exactly 2 inches, the pattern printed at actual size. If it came out at 1.85 inches, your print setting wasn't on actual size. Even patterns without a test square can be checked by measuring one known dimension. The trick is to measure the printed sheet, not trust the preview.
How to print a pattern at actual size in Perfect Print
Load the pattern image into Perfect Print and choose a paper size. If you know the pattern's real dimensions (say 8 x 6 inches overall), set the image's width and height to those inches. You can adjust to the millimeter, so you can dial it in until the test square measures exactly 2 inches. Then save and print at home or a print shop with the actual size (100%) setting.
For patterns bigger than one sheet — bodices, skirts — use tiled printing. Print across several letter sheets at true size, overlap the seams, and tape them together to assemble the full-size pattern. Before taping, confirm there's no shrink with the test square so the joins don't drift. For large-format assembly tips, see our tiled-printing guide.
Perfect Print
A free app that prints patterns at actual size (in inches). Millimeter adjustment, tiled printing for taping together. No sign-up, iPhone / Android.
Learn more about Perfect PrintFrequently asked questions
My pattern prints too small.
If the print setting is "fit to page," it auto-shrinks. Choose "actual size," "100%," or "no scaling." Measure the test square with a ruler after printing to confirm it's true size.
What is a test square?
It's a scale-check square printed on the pattern (e.g. 2 in x 2 in). Measure it after printing; if it matches the marked size, the pattern printed at actual size. It's how you confirm the pattern hasn't shrunk.
How do I print a pattern bigger than one sheet?
Print it at true size across several letter sheets, then overlap and tape the seams. Perfect Print supports tiled printing, so you can build large patterns like bodices and skirts.
Can I do this without a printer at home?
Yes. Prepare the actual-size data on your phone and print it on plain paper at a print shop. Always verify with the test square afterward.