Projector pattern companies
Almost any PDF pattern can be projected, with the use of the PDFStitcher tool, we can quickly digitally assemble small page files into a complete pattern, or adjust line thickness if needed. But layered sizes in the files are essential. While it is possible to project a file without layers, the task of differentiating the lines without the ability to turn off sizes we don’t need is quite hard.
But to take full advantage of the time savings and efficiency in cutting that a projector offers, it is best to focus on just using projector-specific files, at least when starting with this tool. Projector files are PDF files, but they have layout features that make it faster to cut with a projector. Most importantly they have all pieces aligned to have grain line in same direction, so that we don’t have to change orientation of the fabric for each pattern pieces.
First, here are links to excellent pattern companies with high quality projector files that are great to start with when projector sewing and making digital pattern adjustments:
Apostrophe Patterns
Apostrophe Patterns are ideal for using with a projector, because they unlimited-use custom-fit pattern generators. For the price of one pattern, you get to use the online pattern generator in your account on the Apostrophe website to enter body measurements for as many different people and sizes as you like, choose from dozens of style options, and enter your fabric’s stretch. Then instantly, a PDF pattern is created that is custom fit to measurements entered, and you can download to project, cut and sew within minutes. Start with a free simple pattern, the Ears Calculator, and then buy full patterns with multiple style options such as the MyFit Raglan, MyFit Joggers, and MyFit Underwear patterns. These patterns are the best deal in sewing, and truly #sewingmagic. As you can tell, I am a big fan of Apostrophe Patterns, and I have been a moderator in their Facebook group for many years.
Jalie
Jalie is perhaps the company that has the largest number of high quality projector patterns in the world, with the largest number of sizes in each file of any pattern designer. They currently have 202 layered projector files in their catalog, with great features such as unfolded pieces and large margins, in almost all styles. As soon as projector sewing became popular, they started going through their extensive back catalog and digitized dozens and dozens of older patterns to be layered files and create projector specific layouts. Along with their dedication to projector sewing, they are committed to excellent fit in a huge size range. Jalie patterns include in same pattern both kid and adults sizes. Their newest patterns go up to 61″ bust and hip measurements. Their pattern development approach, honed over the last three decades, is based on a system of multiple body forms in many sizes, allowing them to spend more time analysing and fixing fit issues in their studio during their pattern testing phase.
The nesting of sizes on Jalie patterns is done with the goal of making it easy to mix and match sizes of various widths and heights, so that patterns can be adjusted directly when cutting, without needing extensive alterations before cutting. If it is preferred to do pattern fitting adjustments in advance, Jalie projector pattern files are ideal for digital editing. Their shapes are all joined with the most efficient number of nodes, making it easy to reshape the pattern pieces as desired.
Sew PDF
Sew PDF was started to give more attention to small scale pattern designers who make great quality patterns, but don’t get enough attention in the indie pattern market. Sew PDF showcases the “hidden gems” of the PDF sewing pattern community. They now include dozens of designers, and over 130 patterns with projector files, available to search and filter on this page. The Sew PDF e-newsletter is a great one to subscribe to as well, to discover new designers they highlight each week.
Secondly, here is a list of almost 150 projector-friendly pattern companies compiled by Mary H., a member of the Projectors for Sewing Facebook group. The list includes information about the types of files they have and sizes they offer. Viewers can add comments in the spreadsheet to let Mary know of other companies to add, as new pattern designers around the world are joining the projector sewing movement all the time.