The 5 Don’ts of Pattern Projecting

When thinking about the things I want people to know before they get started using a projector for sewing, and needing a catchy YouTube title, I came up with the 5 Don’ts for Pattern Projecting. I go into more detail in the video but below it, I’ll hit the highlights.

1 Don’t jump in without a tiny bit of research first

You don’t have to spend hours upon hours of research (though I certainly enjoy that!) but you do need to make sure you’ve figured out what kind of projector works best for your space before buying one.

2 Don’t expect it to be a super quick process to set it up the first time

I don’t mean to minimize the issues people sometimes have, but calibration is not usually as bad as people are dreading. But trying to set it up in a hurry while on a deadline is setting yourself up for failure. Give yourself time to do it one step at a time without feeling rushed for time. Once it’s set up, you’ll be saving time every time you go to cut something (especially something new!). If you intend to break down the set up every time you use it, I promise you’ll get faster at it and you can optimize your set up to be easy to set up each time. Give your self grace because it is a new, confusing thing to do the first time you do it!

3 Don’t do it alone!

I have video walkthroughs of setting up each type of projector (UST, ST, mini/Amazon). The Facebook group Projectors for Sewing is amazing! And Missy Pore, who founded the group, has a service to help people set up via Zoom. If you’ve got a friend with a projector already set up, they may also be able to help.

4 Don’t get defeated

Calibration dread is real but don’t let it get to you! Get started, take it one step at a time, ask for help when you need it, and persevere until you are going from buying a pattern to cutting it in minutes!

5 Don’t forget to prep

This is actually the most important thing. Take these 4 steps before you get started and you’ll set yourself up for success.

Flat, level surface

Level isn’t actually super important, your projector has to be level to the cutting surface but it doesn’t have to be level according to the bubble on a level. However, it is very important that your cutting surface is flat. I go into a lot more detail in the video! But the shorter the throw, the more important it is that your surface is flat. Using a marble can help you determine if there are any high or low spots in your surface. And I give a couple suggestions for flattening your mat.

Sturdy mount or solution

You want to make sure that when you set your projector, it will stay where it is set.

All the necessary cords

Before you start trying to calibrate, you’ll want to make sure you don’t get stymied before you can really begin due to a missing cord! Check both the projector and your computer to make sure the cord, or perhaps something like a Chromecast, is ready to go when you set up.

Know your offset and where to mount

I go into this more in other posts, but decide where you are mounting your projector and test it out before you permanently attach anything. Also, know that projectors only project landscape and CANNOT project portrait.

I know you can set up your projector if you start off on the right foot and take it step by step! Don’t forget all the resources to help you and don’t get defeated!

Until next time friends,

Branalyn