- Open the A0 / copy-shop PDF in TrueScale Print.
- If it has several pages, tick Print every page into one PDF.
- Under PDF layers, click None and tick only your size.
- Choose A4 or Letter, download, and print sheet one at Actual size.
- Measure the test square, then print the rest and tape it together.
Why print the copy-shop file at home?
Copy-shop files are drawn at true size on one huge page, so they’re the most accurate version of the pattern. Printing them at home saves a trip and lets you print just your size – and just the pieces you need.
1. Open the pattern
Open the A0 PDF in TrueScale Print. Patterns drawn at full size open at their true size – you don’t need to calibrate. If the pattern spreads over several A0 pages, tick Print every page into one PDF; sheets are labelled P1-A1, P2-A1 and so on, with an assembly guide for each page.
2. Choose your size with layers
Many designers put each size on its own PDF layer. If the pattern has layers you’ll see them under PDF layers. Click None, then tick your size plus any layers for notes, grainlines or text. Only those lines will print.
No layers listed? The designer didn’t include them – you’ll print all sizes and follow your size’s line style (solid, dashed, dotted…).
3. Paper, overlap and blank pages
Choose A4 or Letter. A 10 mm overlap is enough for tape. Skip blank sheets is on by default – pattern pieces rarely fill the whole A0, so empty sheets are dropped. Click a sheet in the preview to bring it back if you want it.
4. Print sheet one and check the test square
Switch units to cm or inches and the test square follows. If the square is right, every sheet is right. If it isn’t, see why printed patterns come out the wrong size.
Print settings that keep the scale
Most “wrong size” prints come from the print dialog, not the file. Whatever program you print from:
- Choose Actual size or 100%. In Chrome or Edge, set Scale to Default or 100 – not “Fit to printable area”.
- On a Mac, untick Scale to fit paper size under Paper Handling.
- Turn off borderless printing; it enlarges the page slightly so the ink reaches the edge.
- Make sure the paper size in the print dialog matches the paper you chose in TrueScale Print (A4 vs. US Letter).
5. Tape it together
Use the assembly guide on page one. Trim one edge of each join on the dashed line, overlap the next sheet, line up the red diagonals and tape. Building rows first and then joining rows keeps long seams straight.
Tips
- Tape on the back as well as the front if you’ll be tracing or pinning the pattern repeatedly.
- Need a mirror-image piece (for example when cutting single layers)? Use Mirror before you print.
- Print only the pieces you need by cropping to them with Crop.
Got an A0 pattern waiting?
Open TrueScale PrintFAQ
Can I print an A0 pattern on A4 paper?
Yes. TrueScale Print tiles the A0 page across A4 (or US Letter) sheets at true scale, with overlap, trim lines and an assembly guide, and skips the blank sheets.
How do I print only my size?
If the pattern has size layers, they appear under PDF layers. Click None, then tick your size and any notes or grainline layers.
Is it OK to print a pattern I bought?
Printing a pattern you bought for your own use is normally what the designer intends. Check the pattern licence and do not share the files or prints.