Scaling Information

Here are some helpful tips on scaling patterns up or down in size.

Scaling up or down pattern pieces is very specific.  Choose your desired scale.
If enlarging, choose “Poster” setting and the appropriate scale percentage in your settings.  If decreasing scale, simply choose smaller scale percentage.


Then, I suggest printing the whole pattern instructions out.  You will need to modify the cut chart to allow for the new scale.  So for instance, if you are scaling to 110%, a measurement of 8” would now become 8” x 1.10 = 8.8” (Metric would be 20.5cm multiply by 1.10 = 22.55cm). I would round that to the closest 1/4”, so 8.75” (Metric, round to 22.5cm).  If scaling down to 85%, you would multiply your measurement by .85. So 8” x .85 = 6.8” so, 6.75” (Metric: 20.5cm multiply by .85 = 17.425cm so round to 17.5cm). Keep straps and connectors at their appropriate widths to allow for hardware to fit properly.


Lastly, go through all the text in the pattern and make changes to the scale for placement markings and such. So for instance, if the handles are placed 5” (12.7cm) apart, and you are scaling down to 85%, you would now place them 4.25” (10.8cm) apart using the same formula given above.


I always suggest writing and highlighting the new percentage on each of your pattern pieces so you don't get them mixed up in the future. Also, go back to your 100% copy and also note that those are at 100%.

Hope that helps!