All Lányos Handmade Sewing Patterns are an instant download PDF or ZIP files, many have other file formats included at no extra cost.
Devices and Downloading PDF files:
To start off, sometimes customers have had problems downloading a PDF Sewing Pattern, mine or anyone else’s, because they are not using a laptop or computer. I browse the internet all the time on my cell phone and tablet, but it is not the best way to download, open and print your PDF’s. These devices don’t always have the proper up-to-date or correct programs for file management, downloading and printing to scale. Sometimes the browser or programs are not even optimized. Sometimes security settings are too high.
It is recommended that when you download a PDF, you use a computer or laptop and always use an up-to-date browser, like Chrome, Internet Explorer, Firefox or Safari (only Safari on MACs though, not PCs, I’ve heard). Also, always download first and then open and print your PDF Sewing Patterns with an up-to-date Adobe Reader, a free downloadable program.
After purchase, you will receive an email (like the photo below) with a link on the right hand side to download your Sewing Patterns to your computer. Please check your junk/spam folder if you cannot see your email. Also check your online email provider to see if your email has been blocked there. SAVE your downloaded Sewing Patterns on your desktop or into a file folder where you will always find them, perhaps one called Lányos Handmade Patterns! Remember if you open your own account on the Lányos Handmade “Account” Page, your download links will be there too! It is important to download a copy of your purchases because some Sewing Patterns have download limits set at “3”, as recommended by the Shop IT to prevent fraud. If you do run out of downloads, please contact us and we shall see what we can do!
Opening PDF files:
Lányos Handmade, like most sewing patterns, uses PDF files. This is a standard file type that is best opened with the free software from Adobe. Most computers have Adobe Reader installed already so the PDF file will open quickly and correctly with one click. If you don’t have Adobe Reader installed or perhaps not the most up-to-date version, get the program free from HERE. Don’t use MAC Preview to open PDF files.
Printing PDF files:
Please do your part for the environment and only print the pages you need. Most Lányos Handmade PDF Sewing Patterns come in A0 Copyshop, Projector, A4 and Letter format (with metric and imperial measurements), so you only need to download, save and print the pattern format you actually intend on using. Some Lányos Handmade PDF Sewing Pattern pieces are Letter format only but the pieces are placed in the printable area of your paper, whether you print on A4 or Letter format, so they will print properly on either paper size. Lányos Handmade patterns are always print-tested before the pattern is launched.
Before printing, always check that the default settings for each print job in your Print Dialogue Box is set at “NO SCALE”, “CUSTOM SCALE 100%” or “ACTUAL SIZE”. Sometimes it helps to check or uncheck the “Choose paper source by PDF page size” box.
Some printers have a default “non-printable” area that is set larger than others and results in the edges of large pattern pieces fading out.
Each pattern page has a 1” x 1” (2.54 cm x 2.54 cm) test square, some also have a 4 cm test square, so after you print each page, measure the test square to test your printing. If the test square you print is extremely different you will need to check your printer options again to ensure that each page you print is not being resized.
Downloading and Unzipping SVG files:
At the moment Lányos Handmade patterns have PDF, SVG, PNG and DXF file formats to choose from. SVG file formats can be used with Brother Canvas Workspace, Cricut Design Space and Silhouette Studio (Designer Edition or higher), although some other file formats like PNG and DXF can be used too! All Lányos Handmade file formats are tested by pattern testers with various types of cutting machines and programs before the pattern is launched.
SVG, PNG and DXF file formats must be delivered in .ZIP files. Start by downloading the .ZIP file and saving it to your laptop or computer, not a “cloud”. Unzip with the app or program offered with your Mac or PC, or you can use an app like WinZip.
For Mac users, find the file location (download folder) and unzip it by double clicking on it and the files inside will appear automatically. For Windows users, right click and use “extract”.
When unzipped, a new file (or files) will pop up. Some Lányos Handmade patterns only have one pattern piece inside the unzipped file, others have many. If there are many pattern pieces, each SVG, PNG or DXF inside the unzipped file might be named after the pattern piece it contains. The unzipped file (or files) now have to be loaded into your cutting machine program. Open your cutting machine software and either browse for the file you would like to cut or drag it over.
I have been advised by Shop IT that the rare time, a computer or laptop system has such high security protection that it won’t allow for a zip file to be downloaded or unzipped. Also, sometimes the download takes so long, for example when being downloaded to a “cloud”, that the connection is closed before the whole file has finished downloading. Customers have restarted their systems, moved to a better location to receive wifi without interruptions and sometimes used a different device (someone else’s laptop?) or a different Internet Browser with success. If you are having problems with your internet, please consult with your service provider to solve the problem. Again, customers have also had the best luck with laptops and computers, instead of tablets or cell phones, when downloading zip files that contain SVG, PNG and DXF files.
Cutting:
It is really important that you check your software has loaded the pattern piece in the correct size. Each pattern piece comes with a 1” (2.54 cm) square which you should remove after checking and before you cut your pattern piece. You can also compare your loaded pattern piece with the measurements given for the pattern piece in the PDF or the Pattern Instructions. If your software has loaded the piece incorrectly, you can make size adjustments in your cutting machine program. These file formats are easily adjustable, without losing their original shape.
You also have the option of adjusting the size of your pattern pieces to your liking in your cutting machine program, just like when you set your printer to print your pieces at 125%!
Be sure to use the settings, mats and blades suggested by your cutting machine manufacturer for the type of project you are cutting.
You are responsible for knowing how to download, upload and manipulate file formats. Given I am not an IT person or a Cutting Machine instructor; and since everyone has different computer systems and cutting machines/programs, I cannot help with all your questions; however, if you need some helpful resources, check YouTube! Whether you are a Brother, Cricut or Silhouette user, there are some really helpful videos out there!
Mgrahamsews has done a video “Using SVGs in Cricut Design Space“. She is using Windows to extract her zip files and load them into her Cricut Design Space. Click here for the link to that video!
Rosie’s Art Studio has done a video “How to Upload a PDF Sewing File to Cricut Design Space“. She is using an iPad to load the PDF for cutting with her Cricut Maker.
Here is Jennifer Maker to explain downloading (Video 1) and uploading (Video 2) SVG’s with various operating systems into various cutting programs!
There is also a wonderful resource on Facebook, the group “Cutting Machines for Sewists“.
Due to the nature of all digital downloads, returns and refunds are not available.
Copyright © 2013 – 2024 by Linda Maki Lányos Handmade. All Rights Reserved. Thank you for honouring the copyright. Feel free to sell any products you make from Lányos Handmade patterns, as long as you are a home sewist, in your Shop or Market Stall. Please do not post photos of pattern instructions or pieces on social media. It would be kind to give credit to LanyosHandmade.com on all your online listings, so others can find the pattern too. The scanning, uploading, duplicating, amending, or distribution of Lányos Handmade photographs, content, creations or files without permission is a theft of intellectual property. If you would like permission to use Lányos Handmade photographs, content, creations or files in any way, please contact me at lanyoshandmade@gmail.com.