How to Scale Any Digital Sewing Pattern to 50%

This tutorial uses my Cuddle Monster pattern (which can be found at my Etsy shop https://www.Fosteringsewing.etsy.com ) However, these same principles can be applied to any digital pattern. 

For this tutorial, I am using Adobe programs on my Windows computer. The printing specifics may look a little different on a Mac, but the math and other tips remain consistent. 

Printing a Pattern at 50% 

You will only need to make changes in the default screen that appears when you select print. Select "Custom Scale" and change the size to 50%. Note that the pattern pieces look much smaller on the page preview. The pattern will print on the same number of pages as the original pattern, but will only take up a quarter of the page. 

Seam Allowances at 50% 

This is the trickier part of patterns at 50%. The 1/4" seam allowance is now 1/8" seam allowance, meaning that you will need to manually add in the additional seam allowance needed. There are many ways to do this. I like using a clear quilting ruler or a hem gage. 

If the pattern shows the seam allowance, you can add 1/4" from the sew line (shown on my pattern as a dotted line). If the seam allowance is not shown on the pattern, you will need to add 1/8" to the edges of the pattern. 

Only add seam allowances to parts of the pattern that will be part of a sewn seam 

Don't add seam allowances to: 

Applique pieces (like eyes, noses, etc) 

Lines that indicate that a piece is cut on the fold 

Parts of the pattern that will need to be joined together after printing

Do add seam allowances to: 

Parts of the pattern that are labeled "Leave open to turn and stuff"

Any edges of the pattern that will be sewn in a seam (indicated by a dashed line in my patterns) 

Note that some pattern pieces may not have enough space on the original page to add seam allowances. This is the case for the heart on my Cuddle Monster pattern. I recommend either tracing the pattern piece onto a new piece of paper, or gluing the cut out pattern piece to a new piece of paper. Then add the seam allowance around the pattern piece on the new piece of paper. 

For the Cuddle Monster Pattern

Don't add seam allowances to: 

Main Eye

Pupil

Eyelid

Add seam allowances to all sides of: 

Arm

 Heart

Horn

Pieces with special considerations: 

Add seam allowances to all of the wing except the line marked "Cut on Fold" 

Add seam allowances to all of the monster main body top and bottom except for the parts marked "Join here before sewing" 

Other Considerations at 50% 

A 50% scale pattern will only use 1/4 of the materials and stuffing needed for a full scale plushie. 

Smaller plushies take just as long, if not longer to make than full size ones. This is because the pieces are smaller and harder to turn, and you need to be more precise in fitting the pieces together. 

I like to use hemostats to stuff smaller plushies and point turners to help get crisp turned edges. 

If you would like to try making a plushie at 200%, check out this blog post!