Explained: Difference Between A4, Letter Size, and A0 Size
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced sewist, you’ve likely asked yourself: why are there so many different printing paper sizes when buying sewing patterns? The answer is simpler than it seems, and it’s actually very important. The main difference comes down to paper size. Let’s take a closer look so you can choose the right option for your project.
1. What is A4 size?
A4 is part of the A series of paper sizes and is commonly used worldwide, except in North America. It’s one of the most popular paper sizes for everyday printing and works very well for sewing patterns, especially for smaller projects.
Dimensions:
A4 measures 210 mm x 297 mm (8.27 x 11.69 inches).
Sewing pattern use:
A4 is ideal for smaller patterns or for printing larger patterns across multiple pages. Many downloadable sewing patterns designed for home printers come in A4 format, allowing you to print one page at a time and assemble the pattern afterward.
Pros of A4 for sewing patterns:
- Convenient for home printers
- Instant download, so you can start sewing within minutes
- Compact and easy to store
- Ideal for smaller sewing projects
Pro tip: A4-sized mailing envelopes are perfect for storing printed patterns.
For larger patterns, A4 can feel a bit limiting since multiple pages need to be assembled. However, it’s still a great option. If you’re new to this, I share a step-by-step video showing how to print and assemble A4 patterns easily.
2. What is Letter size?
Letter size is the standard paper format used mainly in the United States and Canada. While it’s very similar to A4, the dimensions differ slightly.
Dimensions:
Letter size measures 8.5 x 11 inches (215.9 mm x 279.4 mm).
Sewing pattern use:
Like A4, Letter size is commonly used for downloadable sewing patterns intended for home printing in North America. Most home printers support this format. Because it is slightly different from A4, it’s important to use the correct file to avoid scaling or alignment issues.
Pros of Letter size for sewing patterns:
- Easy to find in the U.S. and Canada
- Widely supported by home printers
- Suitable for small to medium sewing projects
Important note:
Always print the correct file. All of my patterns are clearly labelled both in the file name and on the first page, for example:
- pattern-name-A4-Size.pdf
- pattern-name-Letter-Size.pdf
- pattern-name-A0-Size.pdf
3. What is A0 size?
A0 is one of the largest paper sizes in the A series and is commonly used for technical drawings, such as architectural plans. In sewing, A0 is perfect for full-scale patterns printed on a single sheet.
Dimensions:
A0 measures 841 mm x 1189 mm (33.1 x 46.8 inches).
Sewing pattern use:
A0 patterns are printed at full scale, which means no taping is required. This saves time and ensures everything stays perfectly aligned. A0 is especially useful for larger garments and more complex designs.
Pros of A0 for sewing patterns:
- Full-size pattern printed on one sheet
- No assembly required
- Ideal for coats, dresses, and detailed garments
A0 printing requires a large-format printer, which most home printers cannot handle. Luckily, many online and local print shops offer affordable A0 printing services. Simply upload your file, place your order, and wait for it to arrive.
Tip: If a print shop feels overpriced, don’t hesitate to compare options. Higher prices don’t always mean better quality.
Key differences between A4, Letter size, and A0
| Feature | A4 size | Letter size | A0 size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 210 mm x 297 mm (8.27" x 11.69") | 215.9 mm x 279.4 mm (8.5" x 11") | 841 mm x 1189 mm (33.1" x 46.8") |
| Best for | Small to medium sewing patterns, personal use | Home printing in the U.S. and Canada | Large-scale patterns, professional projects |
| Usage | Downloadable patterns, home printing | Downloadable patterns for North American users | Full-size patterns, no taping required |
| Availability | Widely available worldwide | Common in the U.S. and Canada | Requires print shops or specialized printers |
Choosing the Right Size for Your Sewing Pattern Printing
When deciding between A4, Letter size, and A0, keep these factors in mind:
1. Size of the Project:
- For smaller garments or accessories, A4 or Letter size is probably all you need.
- For larger garments like coats or dresses, A0 is ideal, as it allows you to print the full pattern on one sheet, ensuring everything is to scale.
2. Printer Availability:
- A4 and Letter sizes are perfect for home printers, making them the easiest and most accessible options for most sewers.
- A0 requires a large-format printer, often available at professional print shops or fabric stores with printing services.
3. Pattern Assembly:
- A4 and Letter size patterns often require you to print multiple sheets and tape them together. It can be a bit time-consuming, but it's manageable for smaller patterns.
- A0 eliminates the assembly step entirely, providing you with a full-size pattern right from the start, saving you time and ensuring everything lines up correctly.
Final thoughts
Choosing the right paper size is essential to ensure your pattern prints at the correct scale. Even small differences can affect the final fit of your garment. The best option depends on where you live, the size of your project, and how you prefer to work.
Did you already know the differences between A4, Letter size, and A0? Which one do you use most often where you live?
Happy sewing,
Karolina
