Let me first confess that I am no expert on this topic. I am just a couple of months into having set up my projector. But I knew absolutely nothing about projectors and projector pattern files and have successfully set up my projector and cut out numerous patterns with it at this point. Now I want to share my story while the beginning stages are fresh in my memory.
At the start of this year, I got serious about re-learning how to sew my own clothing after many, many, many years away. As I started following sewing-related social accounts and joining online groups, I began to hear about independent pattern makers and pattern projector files. At first I thought why bother. I had a pretty good collection of Big Four patterns already. But the stories behind many of the independent pattern companies are both intriguing and admirable. The indie pattern companies that I follow are pretty much one-woman enterprises. Eventually I wanted to bother because supporting small female-owned businesses is important to me. I also began to feel a sense of community within these small circles.
I think my very first step into projector files began with a simple Google search. I wanted to know what the movement was all about. Thankfully, there are a number of blog posts out there from women willing to share their experiences. Start there. Read all the posts. No matter how intimidated you feel about delving into the technology, these women will assure you that the process is worth it.
I am pretty sure one of these blog posts led me to the Projectors for Sewing Facebook group. Waste no time joining this group. I joined months and months ago, and even though I had no idea what anyone was talking about, I stayed on and learned small bit by small bit. This group provides a ton of resources including information about types of projectors, cables, troubleshooting and so on. It was through recommendations in this group that I finally took the first big terrifying step in July and bought a used Epson BrightLink 485wi short throw projector on eBay for $130.
My thoughts on July 17th: Now what?
When I received my "new" projector on July 17th, I took it out of the box and made sure it worked and then tucked it neatly under one of my sewing tables. Until September. It was Labor Day weekend when I decided it was time to hook this baby up and learn what I needed to learn to start using projector patterns. My initial plan was to hook my Chromebook up to the projector. Plan B was to connect my iPad. I was sure that I had a cable around somewhere that would work. I knew nothing about the functions of USB-A, USB-B, USB-C, HDMI, and the like. When the USB-A and B cables I located in the various piles of tech cable hell hidden within drawers and closets in my home didn’t work, I headed to Best Buy to purchase a USB-C and/or HDMI cable. Luckily, I found a very helpful sales associate at Best Buy. When I told him what I was doing, he recommended I resort to Plan B with an HDMI cable.
$64 later, my iPad and projector were connected. I downloaded the Pattern Projector app and read and viewed all of the resources available there about calibrating and projecting patterns. These are truly amazing resources that were invaluable in getting me set up so quickly. What I expected to be an all-weekend mission took just a few hours. By afternoon, I was cutting out my first pattern.
Calibrating Pattern Projector to my mat
I chose a short throw projector because I didn’t want to have to mount a projector to the ceiling, wall, or a stand. As can be seen in the photo above, a short throw projector can be placed right on the table near the cutting area. Setting the projector up on this rectangular plastic tub has worked out perfectly for me. When not in use, I can fit the tub and projector underneath one of my sewing tables. Every time I cut out a new pattern, I need to set everything back up and re-calibrate, but this process doesn’t really take too long, and I try to cut out a couple of projects at a time while all is in place.
Projecting a pattern
One thing to remember when projecting patterns is to not forget to transfer markings before removing your cut piece. This was one of my learning challenges. Otherwise, pattern projection has gone quite smoothly for me, and I find that I prefer this method over paper patterns. At first, it took me an extraordinarily long time to cut out a pattern because I was nervous about making a mistake and not particularly adept at moving my pattern pieces around on the screen. I now have learned more about the Pattern Projector app and projector files in general and can cut a pattern out much more quickly.
When I first bumped into the idea of projector patterns earlier this year, I was completely intimidated by it. I think my actual reaction was “No, thank you, that sounds so complicated.” I am glad that at some point I became intrigued and began tip-toeing toward it. This has definitely been a worthwhile endeavor.
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