Frequently Asked Questions

How do I order sewing pattern printing?

If you’re new to ordering sewing pattern printing online, it can be bewildering! We’ve put a guide to help you below:

1) Count the number of pages in your sewing pattern PDF before placing your order. The document should open in Adobe and show the amount of pages in the file. If you have more than one PDF, ensure that each is labelled with a unique filename.

2) If you have more than one PDF, add the pages together for your final total. This also applies if you need multiple copies of the same PDF. For instance 2 x 2 page documents = 4 pages.

3) Check the size of the PDF (usually A0 or A4). This should be clearly stated on the sewing pattern PDF.

4) Choose the corresponding size on the Sewing Pattern Printing page.

5) Enter the total amount of pages – as in 2) – into the Quantity box.

6) Add to Basket

7) You should see a message reading ‘Item Successfully Added. Go To Basket’. You can either add another product or click ‘Go To Basket’ if your order is complete. At any stage, you can check your cart by clicking on the icon in the top right-hand corner next to My Account.

8) There is an opportunity to add any additional instructions relating to your order in the box at the base of the basket/cart screen. It’s worth adding a note here to specify exactly what you need (for instance 2 x copies PDF A, and 1 copy PDF B)

9) Proceed to checkout

10) Create an account. This will securely store your details for shipping and billing.

11) Choose your delivery type, either rolled or folded to A4. You can also add more notes on this screen.

12) Select your payment type and process your payment.

13) Upload your files. You can either browse for your file or drag and drop it into the upload window by holding down the cursor on your mouse.

 

 

Can you print A4 sewing patterns?

We are able to print A4 sewing patterns. However, it is much easier to have an A1 or A0 size sewing pattern to work from (rather than having to stick all the A4 patterns together!). Most sewing pattern suppliers offer the facility to create a PDF file of the patterns at A1 or A0 size so we recommend that you choose this. All you then need to do is upload the PDF directly to our website.

Please note that we charge by page rather than sewing pattern so please enter the number of printed sides into the price calculator to generate an accurate cost.

Are you able to print acetate for precision engineering projects?

We print acetate for a variety of engineering projects – including construction, watchmaking and model-making. Our high quality printers ensure an accurate result which would be difficult to achieve using home printing equipment. We use clear acetate for these projects.

How do I order bespoke-sized acetate prints?

We are very happy to produce bespoke-sized acetate prints. This FAQ takes you through the order process.

What will be the cost of ordering bespoke-sized acetate prints?

We work out the costs to the nearest square meter of acetate used and then work it back to the nearest paper size. For example: A0 is equivalent to 1 square metre and A1 is equivalent to 0.5 square metre.

How to order bespoke-sized prints

  1. When ordering a non-standard size acetate print, choose the option Non-Standard Size from the drop-down menu for each product.
  2. Type your size requirements into the Notes box on the shopping basket page.
  3. You can request an estimate in the Notes box at this stage and we will contact you before going ahead.
  4. A price will not be generated at this stage until we have checked your file.
  5. For the above reason, choose the Invoice me option at checkout and do not make a payment, not even for the postage. If you require an estimate, then please include this in the Notes box as per 3). We won’t proceed with your print request or charge you any money until you confirm that we can go ahead.
  6. We will send an invoice as soon as the printing is completed.

Please get in touch with us if you’d like to discuss your requirements before placing the order.

 

How big can I print?

Our biggest size is A0 (841 x 1189mm), but we can print to any length and also produce custom sizes. Please contact us if you need a non-standard format.

We ship by courier for print over 850mm wide. This costs £11 + VAT and is next day delivery.

Which is the most suitable acetate for my print project?

This is a question we get asked a lot! Acetate is a fantastic material to print on and can produce incredible results. We offer different types, all with their own features. Here’s a handy guide to help you choose the most suitable acetate for your project:

Standard acetate

Standard acetate is transparent and has a blue hue. It is mainly used for screenprinting. As mentioned below this is the only type of acetate that can take heavy black ink and this still may not reach 100% density, although it can come close.

Clear acetate

Clear acetate can be used for cyanotype printing and can be used from the front or the back.  It is also used for overlays, x-rays, exhibition displays, negatives, etc.  Please note: unless the colours are rich in the file, they will print as transparent. This material takes 24 hours to cure so factor in a longer turnaround.

Lightbox acetate

Lightbox acetate is clear acetate, which has a white front, so the mechanics cannot be seen. It does allow the light through, but only for use in boxes with no Perspex panel. If you have a lightbox with a white panel in front of the bulbs, you will need clear acetate. If the entire image is printed,you will need standard acetate. Lightbox acetate is not suitable for Screenprinting or Cyanotype Printing.Please contact us if you would like advice regarding which acetate to choose.

Self-adhesive acetate

Self-adhesive acetate is ideal for sticking to most surfaces and can be used for art projects, window stickers, lightboxes and more. The material and glue aren’t waterproof so this is for indoor use only.

Colour opacity and acetate printing

For all acetate printing, black is the only colour which will print opaquely on acetate and for this, you to need to choose the standard acetate. The other colours will have show-through due to the way that the ink binds with the substrate.

Please contact us if you would like to discuss your printing requirements in more detail.

Ordering Bespoke-Sized Acetate Prints

If you’d like a non-standard size, see our step-by-step ordering guide with notes about costing and invoicing here.

PLEASE NOTE: white automatically prints as clear and all of our acetates are 120 microns thick. The acetate cannot get wet as it will go very sticky.

 

How long will it take to receive my order?

We aim to despatch orders by 1st Class post if they are placed before 12 noon. If you supply later than this and need your order urgently then please call us on 01590 462020.

The only exception to the above is the clear acetate which requires at least 24 hours curing time before despatch.

How wide are you able to print posters?

We have several papers with varying widths:

  • 180gsm coated paper is available in widths which include: 609mm (24”), 914mm (36”) and 1067mm (42”
  • 120gsm coated paper is available in the following widths: 609mm (24”), 914mm (36”) and 1118mm (44”)</l
  • 90gsm paper is available in the following widths: 609mm (24”), 914mm (36”) and 1067mm (42”)

Note that we send prints over 850mm wide via next day courier. The cost for this is £11 + VAT.

What type of file do you prefer?

We prefer to receive PDFs or JPEG files, but are able to work with most other formats. Please contact us if you would like to discuss your requirements in more detail.

How do I upload my files?

Once you’ve completed account registration and made your payment, you’ll be prompted to upload your files. Several files can be uploaded at one time and the quantity added together in the print options if the same sizes. Please contact us if you have any queries during this process.

How do I make a payment?

You can pay online via Worldpay or request to pay via invoice at the checkout stage. If you’re an international client who is VAT exempt then please request an invoice.