I just got my paper patterns in for my newest pattern, Color Pop! They will be listed in my Etsy shop later this weekend! As I was folding these patterns, I was reflecting on my personal preferences between paper or PDF.
I offer paper patterns because I sell via distributors and I personally favor having paper patterns. But I'm starting to realize the convenience of PDFs.
As I looked into my thoughts more, I realized that different factors caused me to make different purchasing choices. True to my style, I made a pro/con list.
Paper Patterns:
Pro:
- I find them easier to sew with, PDFs on my Ipad turn off because I'm usually multitasking on my PC
- Easier to write notes on and keep my place
- You can destash the pattern if you finished it and no longer need it anymore. (This does not mean that you photocopy the pattern and sell it, but rather selling YOUR copy of the pattern.)
Con:
- Storage. Some patterns are booklets, some are full sheets. My patterns are NOT booklets because I like to store patterns with sheet protectors in 3-ring binders. It's a habit I picked up when I was crocheting. Plus if I were to print PDF patterns, they wouldn't be in booklets and I want everything sorted in a binder.
- Templates. Patterns with templates and no digital file for the templates make me feel like it's a one-time use pattern. I always need to photocopy the template because I don't want to mess it up.
- Losing the paper pattern in my craft room. I'm not sure about everyone else, but I lose things in my room all the time.
- Long patterns take a LOT of paper.
PDF Patterns:
Pro:
- Easy to store on your computer or iPad. (Make sure you are backing up the patterns in case something happens.)
- You can print templates as many times as you want
- No need for storage space for patterns because it's all digital.
- Patterns can be as long as the designer wants.
Con:
- I lose my place a ton reading the pattern.
- For longer patterns, I tend to scroll back and forth between pages. This is especially the case in e-books.
- You cannot resell digital goods.
I realize that the pros/cons are inverse for Paper/PDF patterns. But I find that bag patterns or patterns with lots of templates, I want the PDF version of the pattern. There are also times that I print the instructions as well for easy access.
For my patterns, I always use the paper version versus the PDF for construction. For the Lucky Stars BOM quilt along, I was attempting to use the PDF version and I very quickly switched to having a paper version for myself!
The last layer is the pandemic. Without really leaving my home, I find the instant gratification of purchasing a PDF much faster than waiting for a Paper pattern to arrive in the mail.
What are your Paper/PDF tendencies?
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