What is an A0 pattern and how can I print it?

If you sew regularly, you're familiar with the problem: printing out A4 patterns, laboriously gluing them together, and only then getting started. The alternative? Have patterns plotted in A0 format!

What is the A0 format?

The DIN A0 format is a large paper size of 841 × 1189 mm. Converted to A0, 16 A4 sheets combined make one sheet.

DIN A0 is often used for technical drawings and sewing patterns. Compared to A4, it offers a continuous surface, so you don't have to glue countless pages together.

Have patterns printed in A0

With plotting, the pattern is printed directly onto large sheets of paper using a professional large-format printer. Many providers offer this service online – you upload your file, select the desired format, and the finished pattern is mailed to you.

Advantages of plotting

You don't need your own printer at home; you can have your patterns professionally printed. You can have the pattern printed twice (e.g., for different sizes or as a reference for later) at no extra cost.

Once your patterns arrive, you can cut out your size(s) right away and get started. There's no need for assembling or gluing , so you have more time for sewing.

Printing through a plotter is precise, and the scaling is accurate . Both of these can be problematic on a home printer, especially when printing a large number of pages at once (the heat can cause the printed pages to warp, and the gluing becomes inaccurate).

Printing a pattern on a home printer is usually more expensive than using a plotting service. At home, you'll have to pay for the printer, wear and tear, printer ink, paper, and electricity.

Without adhesive edges, the A0 patterns can be folded flat and stored to save space .

Disadvantages of plotting

• Shipping can be more expensive than printing yourself - for example, if only one pattern is sent.
• You have to wait for delivery.

Tips for plotting

It's definitely worth having several patterns plotted at once . An A0 page costs between 60 and 90 cents with an online service. However, folding and shipping costs are added. Therefore, it's worth having several patterns plotted and splitting the shipping costs. If you don't sew much yourself, perhaps you could team up with friends and place a joint order.

Many online pattern-making services also offer pickup . This can be a more environmentally friendly (and cheaper) alternative to shipping patterns if you live nearby.

With our patterns, you can turn layers on and off in Adobe. A layer represents a size. So, you can make cutting easier by only printing the sizes you need.

Conclusion: Are A0 patterns and plotting worthwhile?

If you sew regularly, are short on time, or want to avoid the hassle of gluing patterns together, A0 plotting is a sensible alternative to printing at home. It makes preparation much easier, especially for complex patterns or large projects.

However, if you don't sew much or want to get started right away, printing at home is a good option. And of course, if you enjoy gluing, too!