mini, midi or mega: how to pick the right print scale

Here’s a scenario. You fall hard for a print. Big bold florals, the kind that make you grin. You order it, it arrives, you cut into it for a little zip pouch and… the flowers are huge. One single bloom takes up the whole side and the magic is gone. 😅

Been there? Most of us have. The fix is print scale, and once you understand it you’ll never have that sad little moment again.

what print scale even means

Print scale is how big the design sits on the fabric. Same artwork, three different sizes. At The Colour Collab we keep it simple with three named scales, and we use these names everywhere so you always know what you’re getting.

Mini is a 10cm repeat. Small and sweet.

Midi is a 25cm repeat. The comfy middle ground.

Mega is a 50cm repeat. Big, bold and brilliant.

That repeat number is the size of one full cycle of the design before it starts again. Smaller repeat, smaller motifs packed closer together. Bigger repeat, bigger motifs with more breathing room.

Each of our prints are uploaded to the website showing their print scales against a 30cm ruler. This also helps for you to visualise the scale in real life, with an object that most have in their home.

If you’re really stuck, get a 30cm ruler and hold it up to your body, trying to visual was each scale would look like in a garment.

when to reach for Mini

Mini is your friend for little things and detailed things. Think kids clothes, baby rompers, zip pouches, bibs, doll clothes, patchwork and quilting where you want lots of tiny detail in a small space.

Small projects love small prints. A tiny motif on a tiny make keeps everything looking balanced and adorable. If you’re sewing for little people, Mini is often the sweet spot. 🍓

when Midi is the safe bet

If you’re not sure, Midi is the one to grab. It’s the all rounder. Dresses, tops, skirts, bags, quilts, home bits. The 25cm repeat plays nicely with most patterns and most makes, which is why it’s the comfy default for a lot of our makers.

Sewing a garment for yourself and feeling unsure? Start with Midi. It rarely steers you wrong.

when to go big with Mega

Mega is for drama, and we love a bit of drama. Big florals, bold statement pieces, flowy dresses, maxi skirts, curtains, large bags, anything where you want the design to be the whole moment.

Just a little heads up. On a small make, a Mega print can mean you only catch a slice of the design, so you might lose the full picture. Mega shines when there’s enough fabric for the pattern to really show off. Give it room and it sings. 🌈

the easiest way to never get it wrong

Honestly? Match the scale to the size of your make and the size of the person or thing wearing it. Little make, lean Mini. Average garment, Midi. Big sweeping piece, Mega.

And if you’re still umming and ahhing, order a Fabric Sample Pack or grab a small amount first. Seeing the scale in real life next to your pattern tells you everything. There’s nothing like getting your hands on it to know it’s the one.

Your Fabric. Your Way means you get to choose the scale too. Same gorgeous print, sized to suit your project. That’s the bit a normal fabric shop just can’t give you.

Come have a browse, pick your scale with confidence, and join The Colour Collab Club for first looks at new rounds. 💕