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  • Can I get copies of the same pattern in different sizes?
    Yes. If you have a layered pdf pattern and you want one full copy in one size and another full copy in a different size you would choose the total number of pages for all your copies and indicate that along with size in the Enter Special Instructions box that appears after you have uploaded your pattern. For example, your pattern has 3 pages, but you want 3 copies in different sizes. You would choose: Quantity of pages = 9 Upload the pattern. In the Enter Special Instructions you might type: 3 copies of pattern 1 size each in S, L, and 3X This way you only need to upload the pattern one time.
  • What if I don't need all the sizes?
    Most, but not all, pattern companies offer sizes in layers that allows us to print only the sizes you need. If that option is available on your pattern, you can let us know. When you upload your pattern, a box will appear below the file "Enter Special Instructions." You can type in the sizes you want.
  • How do I know which file is the correct type? Part 2
    A pattern file name can be confusing. Every pattern company has a different method for naming their files. Some of these file names are long and full of what looks like gibberish to the average person. So, how do you know the pattern format? Your file name will usually have some clues. For example: In this example, these are two files for the same pattern. The top file is the Archie Woven Shirt in a multi-size Single Sheet format and the bottom file is the Archie Woven Shirt in a multi-size A Zero (A0) size. We print both of these files so you can choose either one. We offer printing by the PAGE for A0 size and by the FOOT for Copy Shop aka Wide Format aka Single Sheet files. You will need to decide which will work best for your application. A0 sized patterns can be printed on all of our paper choices. Copy Shop files are only available on 20# bond paper or 18# translucent paper.
  • How do I figure out how many pages of A0 sheets I need?
    Open your file in your pdf reader. Depending on the pdf reader you are using you might see the page count in the top menu bar. Or if you have the newest 2023 Adobe Acrobat update, you will now see the page count on the vertical menu bar on the right side.
  • How do I know which file is the correct type? Part 1
    Many pattern companies offer their patterns in multiple formats. These are either available for download on the pattern company website or emailed to you directly. Below are some examples of download options from a few pattern companies:
  • Can I get duplicate copies of the same pattern?
    Yes. If you pattern contains 3 pages, you can enter the total as 6 if you want 2 copies. Or enter what ever multiple of copies you need. When you upload your pattern be sure to tell us you want 2 copies in the Enter Special Instructions box that appears below your uploaded pattern.
  • I live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, can I do a local pick-up?
    We're based in the Plano-Allen Area of the DFW Metroplex. If you prefer to save a bit on shipping, we can do a local pick-up/handoff at any of the Plano or Allen Public libraries. Locations: PLANO Davis Library - 7501-B Independence Pkwy, Plano, TX 75025 Haggard Library - 2501 Coit Rd, Plano, TX 75075 Harrington Library- 1501 18th St, Plano, TX 75074 Parr Library - 6200 Windhaven Pkwy, Plano, TX 75093 Schimelpfenig Library - 5024 Custer Rd, Plano, TX 75023 ALLEN 300 N Allen Dr, Allen, TX 75013 At the top menu bar click on Schedule Local Pick-Up. Here's where you enter the time and library where you want to meet. Then on the next screen after you enter your billing address you want to choose Pick-up as your form of delivery. If all else fails, you can email support@tapefreepatterns.com or call us 877.729.0078.
  • How do I figure out my pattern measurement?
    If your pattern is a Copy Shop aka Wide Format aka Single Sheet pattern, you can find the measurement of your file by opening up your file and hovering your mouse over the lower LEFT corner. You should see something that looks like: In the top you can see the whole pattern in the screen and the small measurement at the lower left corner. Here it is blown up: We have simplified the ordering of Copy Shop files. We print on 36-inch-wide paper so you only need to calculate the FOOTAGE. Simply divide the length by 12 and round up to the nearest foot. In this example 70.72 / 12 = 5.89. Round that number up to the nearest foot and your total quantity will be 6.
  • What Materials Do You Print On?
    At present we have three options-- With-- 20# bond paper think nice bright white office copy paper and its very opaque. 18# translucent is slightly lighter and less opaque in good light you can begin to see the lines and patters of your fabric underneath. Pellon 830 Easy Pattern is excellent if you need to do fabric pattern matching for all your pieces. It is also the best option if it is going to be a pattern for something you will make again and again.
  • I have both a Single Sheet pattern file and an A0 pattern file, what is the difference?
    Some pattern companies offer both Wide Format and A0 sized patterns. The wide format is usually, but not always, one long pattern sheet. All the pattern pieces are laid out on the long sheets that are up to 36" wide. A0 sheets usually have the pattern pieces distributed on 1 or multiple sheets that measure roughly 33" x 47". Here is the same pattern in the two available formats: Single Sheet Wide Format A0 Format
  • What file formats do you accept?
    We accept .pdf files for both A0 and Copy Shop aka Wide Format patterns. We don't print the instructions unless they are included in the wide format file as part of the pattern. If you have another type of format, give us a call and we can discuss what you have to see if what you are requesting is possible.
  • What if I don't need all the pages from the pattern? Part 2
    Some pattern companies combine both the Print-at-Home and Large Format patterns in one large file. One such company we know of is Liesl + Co. In this case, you can separate the pages into a smaller file containing only the pages you want printed. Here are two ways to do this. 1. Adobe Acrobat There are multiple versions of Adobe Acrobat. You can edit documents in all versions except Reader. Save a copy of the file under a different file name. This will ensure that you don’t alter your original file. Go to Tools. There has been a recent update, so you might find it on the right-hand side or choose All Tools on the Menu Bar. Click Organize Pages. You should now see all the pages of your document. To delete unneeded pages: 1. Click the page you want to delete. It should be highlighted. Hover over it with your mouse until you see a menu box pop up on the right, then click the trash can. Alternately, you can click the trash can on the menu bar above the pages. Repeat the process for any additional pages. Or 2. Hold down the Control key and click all the pages you want to delete. They should all be highlighted. Then click the trash can in the menu bar above the pages. 3. Click Close in the upper right corner. 4. Click the Save icon to be sure your changes have been saved. 2. Sejda.com We are not affiliated with sejda.com. Use at your own risk. I would not use this option if you don’t have an anti-virus program in place. Save a copy of the file under a different file name. In the website: Click Edit a PDF Document Click Upload PDF File. It will bring up your file manager. Locate the file you want to alter. You will now see your document pages. To delete unneeded pages: 1. Scroll down to locate the page(s) you want to delete. Click the trash can on the left-hand side just under the page number. Repeat the process for any additional pages. 2. Click Apply Changes at the bottom of the page. 3. You will see Your Document is Ready at the top of the page and a Download button. 4. Download your document to your file manager.
  • What if I don't need all the pages from the pattern? Part 1
    Some patterns might have multiple cup sizes or options on pages that you don't need. It may be identified on your pattern like this: You can separate the pages yourself and send us a file containing only the pages you want printed. Here are two ways to do this. 1. Adobe Acrobat There are multiple versions of Adobe Acrobat. You can edit documents in all versions except Reader. Save a copy of the file under a different file name. This will ensure that you don’t alter your original file. Go to Tools. There has been a recent update, so you might find it on the right-hand side or choose All Tools on the Menu Bar. Click Organize Pages. You should now see all the pages of your document. To delete unneeded pages: 1. Click the page you want to delete. It should be highlighted. Hover over it with your mouse until you see a menu box pop up on the right, then click the trash can. Alternately, you can click the trash can on the menu bar above the pages. Repeat the process for any additional pages. Or 2. Hold down the Control key and click all the pages you want to delete. They should all be highlighted. Then click the trash can in the menu bar above the pages. 3. Click Close in the upper right corner. 4. Click the Save icon to be sure your changes have been saved. 2. Sejda.com We are not affiliated with sejda.com. Use at your own risk. I would not use this option if you don’t have an anti-virus program in place. Save a copy of the file under a different file name. In the website: Click Edit a PDF Document Click Upload PDF File. It will bring up your file manager. Locate the file you want to alter. You will now see your document pages. To delete unneeded pages: 1. Scroll down to locate the page(s) you want to delete. Click the trash can on the left-hand side just under the page number. Repeat the process for any additional pages. 2. Click Apply Changes at the bottom of the page. 3. You will see Your Document is Ready at the top of the page and a Download button. 4. Download your document to your file manager.
  • When can expect my order to be ready?
    We do our best to ship your order the same day if your order is received by 3pm Central Time. Local pickup in Plano/Allen is going to be new for us but at this time we believe it will also be next day turn around. You will receive an email letting you know your order is ready. You can schedule a pickup time by clicking the Schedule Local Pick-Up at the top menu bar to choose the date, time and library location.
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