petite pachyderm

2.11.2013

I've received a lot of questions lately about whether it is possible to reduce my elephant sewing pattern in size. A clever stitcher had posted a photo of a mini elephant on my Facebook page some time ago, which, of course now I cannot find (if that was you, please let me know so I can link to you!). Then more recently, Connie, from the lovely Modern Textiles, let me know that printing the pattern at 75% worked perfectly. So I just had to try it out for myself.

 sweet little elephant softie from Retro Mama

I set my photocopier to print the pattern pieces at 75%, and while sewing, I used a seam allowance of just under 1/4". The result is this adorable elephant, measuring about 6" tall. I also made the tail a little longer, so it would be easier to tie the knot. I've been asked if it is possible to set Adobe Reader to print smaller, and to my knowledge it is not, sorry!

 sweet little elephant softie
 
If anyone has tried reducing any of my other patterns, I'd love to hear your results! Pocket sized bunnies or owls, anyone?

Happy Stitching!