So you're new to Create Kids Couture, or PDF patterns in general, and have a bunch of questions on how to get started? Great! We would love to help! We will start right at the beginning with the basics.
CHOOSE: You will begin by purchasing a PDF pattern here, or choosing one of our free patterns here.
DOWNLOAD: You will then download the pattern to your computer and/or other storage. To make sure you never lose your files, we recommend saving to Dropbox (it's free) and you can read more about that here.
OPEN: When you're ready, you will open the pattern on your computer or other device. It is okay to print the entire pattern but many of us only print the pieces. You can read more on that here if you didn't already above.
PRINT: The pattern pieces should be printed on standard paper (8.5x11) and if there are multiple pages you will tape them together along the labeled lines. There are some important tips for making sure your pieces print correctly, so please read our quick blog post on how to print your PDF patterns. If you follow the guidelines and find that your 1" square does not print correctly the first time, you may need to switch to Adobe Reader using our instructions here. It's not hard at all, just very important.
CUT: The pattern pieces, after being printed and taped, will work the same way as paper patterns that you buy at the store. Pin the pieces to your fabric and cut. If there are special instructions, they will be written in the pattern.
To conserve your ink and paper, any time there is a square or rectangular shape that is needed for your outfit, we use a cutting chart to tell you those dimensions so you can cut it without having to print the pieces. Simply use a rotary cutter and mat to quickly cut those rectangles. This saves a LOT of time too! If you'd like, you can find our step-by-step photo instructions for using a rotary cutter here.
SEW: Now you just follow the instructions in the pattern! We recommend reading the pattern all the way through before beginning. We know you're going to love our step-by-step photos and clear instructions!
That's all you need to know to get started!
Here is a recap of the links above, along with a few more references that may be helpful to you down the road:
If you ever have any questions on any of these steps, please ask in our CKC Patterns Group on Facebook! We are always happy to help. We would also love to see your finished creations, so please come share with us when you're done!
We love our newbies to CKC. In fact this month we are highlighting a first-time fan as our Fan of the Month for May! Congratulations to Karen Diann!
Can you believe that this is the very first time that Karen has used a CKC pattern?! Her Little Miss Muffett and Little Bo Peep are simply adorable! Karen tells us, "I tried a boutique outfit with a [name brand] paper pattern a few weeks ago. It was time consuming, confusing, and not that cute. After the Poppy's I am addicted to CKC." Well said, Karen! She used our Poppy's Peekaboo Dress pattern, as well as two of our free patterns (Carrie's and Barbara's), to make these outfits. So creative! And we know you can do amazing things too.
Let's Create! ~ Kristen
