How to set up a sewing projector?

August 16, 2022

Are you tired of printing the pages, tracing the size, cutting the papers, pinning, and sticking all the papers together to discover the incorrect sizing? If you are hacked off, a sewing projector is there to change your world.  

What's a projector for sewing?

A projector in sewing is an emerging trend, introducing technology to sewing traditions. Projector for sewing simply means using a common household projector or office projector to project your desired pattern pieces directly onto your fabric, from where you can cut the fabric by using your rotary cutter.

Using a projector, you may skip the time-consuming and laborious procedures of printing your A4 sheets from PDF patterns and putting them together or tracing and cutting conventional paper patterns to the correct size.

Requirements before the setup

Once you've decided on a projector, you'll also need a few other things to utilise it. 

A high ceiling mount:

For many, this will be the standard projector wall or ceiling mount. However, there are some inventive options, including placing on a tall piece of wood, that can be hauled out for fabric cutting for individuals who are unable to drill into the wall. As an alternative, a boom stand and counterweight can be utilised to ensure that your projector is firmly supported.

For the tiniest projectors, you can utilise a desk mount similar to those used for mobile phones or tablets. They frequently only sit on or to the side of the cutting space for very low throw projectors. You could place it beneath them or on a shelf to lift them somewhat.

A correct and compatible device:

Your PC, laptop, or mobile device would be this. You presumably already possess at least one of these if you are reading this.

A peculiar way to project:

You will either need to connect with an HDMI cable or a casting device like a Chromecast if you don't have a WiFi projector. Consider the length of the HDMI cable if you want to use one, especially if your cutting table is distant from your computer.

A cutting surface:

The surface you are projecting onto should ideally be completely level and flat. Any other way might make calibration exceedingly challenging.

How to set the projector for sewing?

When you have everything, it's time for projector setup. It may took average about 20-30min to set up a sewing projector.

Step 1: Mount the projector with the ceiling

To determine the ideal projector for your area, you must estimate the distance between your cutting mat or table and where the projector will be positioned ( approximately 56" and this is probably the absolute minimum). Your projected area will be larger and more noticeable as a pattern piece the more room you have (approximately around 24" by 36"). You can go for Ultra throw projectors if you have sufficient ceiling light. A (UST) projector can be mounted on a shelf and is perfect for when the room is restricted, or a tripod may be used if you are renting or in a temporary sewing area. 

Step 2: Calibrate the projector

Don't worry after listening to this word because few tips are shared for calibration with you that will make it far easier. Before using a projector, calibrating the projector is an essential step. It usually involves fixing the image, so it is perfectly flat on the fabric to be cut and to ensure there is no distortion. 

First, prepare your Mini Projector:

• Download the essential programs. If you use a PC or MAC, then adobe acrobat DC is best; otherwise, if you use a mobile phone, then XODO is recommended to download.
• Connect your phone, tablet or computer via cable HDMI with the projector, or you can use wireless connectivity options such as WIFI or Bluetooth.
• You can also use a screen mirror or a Mira cast.
• Flat surface! Yes, a smooth flat surface where your fabric should be placed.
• It would help if you had measure tape, a Calibration grid mat, and some calibration tools that should be downloaded on your computer or phone. Those two calibration tools are metric and imperial.

Step 1: Setup Adobe or Xodo :

Adobe and Xodo are software that can be easily installed on your laptop , phone or PC . Plus , you can download them free of any cost and can get access to multiple pdf files .

Turn on the "Full-screen mode" by making simple adjustments in Adobe.

Step 2: Mount the Projector

Just place the projector with the ceiling to get the perfect cast of your favourite design on the cutting fabric.

Step 3: Squared Image

Just drive through the calibration document and zoom in enough to view the lines and corners. First, ensure that your projector throws a perfect rectangular shape over your fabric, making a 90 degrees angle at the corner. This shape can be adjusted on the fabric by tilting and physically changing the projector's position. For minor adjustments, you can also change the keystone or focus of the projector.

Step 4: Zoom in Adobe:

You can now adjust the zoom on your computer with adobe. Align the cutting mat grid with the planned calibration paper. The middle perpendicular lines in the centre boxes should be placed first. The inner 1-inch (or 2-cm) squares should match the squares on your mat once you have adjusted the magnification. On the middle squares of the calibration paper, centre your image. Then, adjust your mat to align with the image's centre. Line aligns the vertical and horizontal lines with your mat.

Step 5: Record Zoom % and Record Calibration:

When you reach 99 percent accuracy, you can now record the zoom percentage with the help of adobe.

Congratulations! Finally, you did it! Your Projector is calibrated and the fabric is ready to cut!

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