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Calibration. That is a scary word for many who are just joining the sewing with projectors world. It shouldn’t be! I will walk you through step-by-step to help you get calibrated and back to sewing in no time!
I often hear people say, “I’m too nervous to get started!”. Just jump in and give it a try. If you follow the steps, you will get calibrated in no time.
What is Calibration?
Calibration simply means that the image projected onto your cutting mat is “actual size”. In other words, the 1 inch (or 4cm) square on your pattern is actually that size in your projected image.
Calibration does not “change” your projector in anyway. It ensures that the image is level to the cutting surface. When you are finished calibrating your calibration will be saved (Project & Cut or Pattern Projector) or you will save a zoom percent in the PDF reader program you are using.
Calibration is an essential step and patterns will not cut out correctly without it. Don’t skip any steps! Skipping steps will add to your frustration.
The “Old” Versus the “New” Way
When sewing with a projector first started in 2019, you had to physically adjust the projector for calibration. The development of calibration “tools” or PDFs helped know when the image was squared to the table. From now on, this will be referred to as “manual” calibration.
However, in 2024 members of the projector sewing community came up with much simpler ways to calibrate a projector for sewing. Independently, two programs for calibrating and projecting patterns were created: Project & Cut and Pattern Projector.
Now, you can calibrate your projector by dragging and dropping corners of the image to create a “squared” image on your cutting table. These are now the preferred methods for calibrating a projector for sewing.
Want step-by-step guidance on choosing a projector, mount, setting it up, calibrating and more? Then, check out the complete projector confidence course!
- What is Calibration?
- The "Old" Versus the "New" Way
- Prepare for Calibration
- Connect Your Device to Your Projector
- Step 1: Remove Projector from Box and Plug In
- Step 2: Reset Projector to Default Settings
- Step 3: Connect Your Projector to Your Computer
- Step 4: Display Computer Screen on Projector
- Step 5: Prepare to Calibrate by “Mounting” Your Projector
- Step 6: Adjust Image Size and Orientation
- Step 7: Focus Image
- Step 8: Square Image
- Step 9: Calibrate in Pattern Projector
- Troubleshooting
- Step 10: Project
- Maintenance of Your Projector
- Conclusion
Prepare for Calibration
Essential Programs
You will need a program that can read PDF files and access layers for pattern projection. No, you cannot use a USB drive and plug it into your projector expecting it to display your patterns. That’d be great if someone invented a sewing projector that did this!
Whether you use a computer, tablet, or phone, you can use the free web application Pattern Projector to calibrate and project patterns. As an alternative, if you have a computer, you can download the program Project & Cut to your computer.
You can install Pattern Projector as a web app directly to your home screen by clicking the "install app" on the homepage.
Flat Surface
Having a flat surface will make your calibration process so much smoother! Whether you are cutting on a table or floor, you need it to be even all the way across your cutting mat. I do not recommend cutting on a folding table with a seam down the middle. Uneven surfaces, such as tile, can create complications. Add a piece of drywall, wood, sheet metal, or MDF under your cutting mat to make it even if necessary. Uneven surfaces will create image distortion and throw your cutting lines off.
Troubleshooting Tip: Add a piece of drywall, wood, sheet metal, or MDF under your cutting mat to make the surface even! Remember to always use the same setup when you are projecting patterns.
Tape Measure
Grab a tape measure to have on hand! A metal carpenter's tape measure will make it easy to check the measurements of lines and boxes as you calibrate.
Calibration Grid Mat
It's a great idea to have a cutting mat with a grid on it. This will help you to line up and check the grid in the calibration programs. Most of us already have a cutting mat with a grid on it. You need a large grid to calibrate against for best results.
I recommend a cutting mat at least A1 size or 36 inches x 24 inches. Large mats that are A0 sized are great for ultra short throw and short throw projectors that will create larger image sizes. This is the one I have and it works great! If you don’t have one yet, I highly recommend getting one before continuing on.
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Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Connect Your Device to Your Projector
You will need to be able to connect your projector to your computer, phone, or tablet. The most common ways to connect are USB, HDMI, Wireless HDMI, or a wireless casting device such as Google Chromecast.
USB Connection: Not all models of second-hand ultra-short throw projectors have HDMI ports. USB connections on UST have also shown less aspect ratio issues than HDMI sometimes has. The side that plugs into the projector is called USB-B and is square. USB-A is the standard size USB port. Look for a USB A to B cable if your projector didn't come with one. This is a common cord used on printers and cutting machines. If your projector did not come with one, you may have one lying around the house.
Some Mac users may not have a regular sized USB port. You will need to use an adapter or get a USB-B to USB-C cable to connect to the mini USB port on your computer.
Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
HDMI: For ultra-short throw projectors that have an HDMI port, you can use the HDMI cable to connect to your computer.
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Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Wireless Dongle/Chromecast: A wireless dongle or Chromcast device plugs into an HDMI port and makes any projector wireless. Wireless connections can be finicky when pattern projecting, but if you like to be a wireless as possible, this is a good option for you!
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Know How to Mount Your Projector
In order to calibrate your projector, you will want it to be setup where it will be when you are sewing. It is best if this can be a permanent place, but you can also use a portable setup if needed to. Check out the Gallery for some ideas!
Ultra short throws are generally placed up to 18 inches off the table. UST (Ultra Short Throw) projectors do have some offset. This means they will not project straight down by their base. The projection will generally be out about 6 -12 inches. Be sure to turn on the projector and see where the offset will lie on your cutting surface. This is the best time to make arrangements to your sewing room as needed! UST projectors can be put on the cutting table, on a shelf or ledge, mounted on the wall, or mounted on a portable TV stand.
Step 1: Remove Projector from Box and Plug In
First, remove the projector from any packaging. Then, remove the cable cover to access the ports for connection. Plug the power cable into the projector and plug into outlet. A light will appear next to the Power button. Set up the projector pointing at a wall or at your cutting surface. You can point it at a wall while setting up the computer and connections to the projector. Eventually, you will need to point it at your cutting surface.
Step 2: Reset Projector to Default Settings
Second, reset your projector to factory settings.
How to Reset Epson Projectors
After buying a projector second-hand, one of the first things you should do it reset all the settings so you can have a fresh start! Don’t try holding onto someone else’s ideal settings of the perfect projector!
To reset, go to the Menu> Reset>Reset All. This will reset all of the projector values to their default setting.
Step 3: Connect Your Projector to Your Computer
Third, connect your projector to your computer and install drivers as needed. The two main ways that we connect ultra-short throw projectors to your computer for pattern projecting is using the USB and HDMI ports. If you would like a wireless connection, you will need a device such as a Google Chromecast to make your projector wireless capable.
How to Connect Using USB Ports and Install USB Display Driver
To connect using USB: Install the USB driver onto your computer. You will need the driver that is related to your specific operating system. Then, connect by plugging in the USB-B to the projector and the USB-A side to the computer. Mac computers will often need a USB A to USB C (mini) adapter. Check if your computer has the regular-sides USB A ports or if they look smaller (USB C).
- USB Display Driver for Windows: https://epson.com/Support/wa00790a
- USB Display Driver for Mac: https://epson.com/Support/wa00790c
If the above display driver for doesn’t work for you, then use this link to search your specific projector. Type in the projector model name. The “Downloads” tab will appear. Find where is says “Operating System”. It should automatically detect your system. Just double check that it is correct. Then under Utilities, find the USB Display Driver. Click the blue “Download” button.
How to Connect Using HDMI Ports
To connect using HDMI, plug the HDMI cable into the projector then into the computer. It you are on a Mac, you may only have mini-HDMI ports. You will need to connect using an adapter.
How to Connect Using Chromecast
Chromecast can turn any device into a wireless display. This means that you can connect your computer or laptop to a Chromecast device and wirelessly project to your projector.
This is a great option for projectors that are not Wi-Fi enabled. This will turn any HDMI port (other adapters can be purchased) into a wireless display receiver. To see how to set up a Chromecast, watch the video below.
Step 4: Display Computer Screen on Projector
Fourth, display your computer screen through your projector by choosing the correct source on the projector and turning on “mirror display” as needed.
How to Display Your Computer Screen Through Your Projector
Using the Source Search button on the projector or remote, you can cycle through the source options until your image appears. On the remote you can also choose computer, video, or USB. If you connected your computer using a USB port, then choose USB. If you connected using HDMI, then select “Video”.
Trouble Shooting: If your Computer Screen does not display on the Projector, then try a solution below.
For PCs, try holding the Fn key and press the key labelled with the monitor icon. It has a picture of a computer pointing to another screen. You can press this again to display on both screens.
For Macs, you need to setup for a mirrored display. Select the Apple logo for the menu. Choose System Preferences>Displays>Arrangement>Mirror Displays.
Step 5: Prepare to Calibrate by “Mounting” Your Projector
Next, you will be placing your ultra-short throw projector next to your cutting space. I put “mounting” in quotations because everyone’s setup is different. Some stack the projector on a chair and books next to the table. Others put the projector on a shelf by the cutting area. Another way to “mount” is to use monitor mounts, TV stands, and rolling carts. Take a look at the Gallery page or How to Mount Your Projector for Sewing for more ideas! The plans for a DIY adjustable shelf for your UST projector will make calibrating your projector a little bit easier. Scroll down in the article linked above to find the download link to the free plans.
Step 6: Adjust Image Size and Orientation
While you are “mounting” your ultra-short throw projector, raise and lower the projector until you are happy with the size of the image. Do this with the projector on. You will not be able to adjust the height later without messing up your calibration. Anytime your projector is moved up or down after calibration will require you to “re-calibrate”.
It is okay if the image is larger than your cutting area or spills over the edge of the table.
You cannot rotate the image from your projector. The projector should be placed on the long side of the table to take advantage of the entire width of the projection.
Epson ultra short-throw projectors do have an adjust image position feature. This will “shift” the image to a corner or center as needed. I recommend only using this feature if the image is really not working for your cutting area.
Adjusting Image Position
Adjusting the image position can help shift the image to place it on your cutting surface. Physical adjustment of the projector is the best way to do this, but minor adjustments can be made here if necessary.
With the projector on, you can adjust the size of the image using the Wide and Tele buttons. After adjusting the image size, the image shift screen will automatically appear. You can use the arrow buttons on the projector or remote to change the image position.
Image shift can also be used on the Epson ultra-short throw projectors to shift the image closer to or farther away from the projector.
Make the Image Right-Side Up
During the initial setup of your projector, you will want to setup the image so that it is right-side up. To change the projection mode (how the screen is facing) on the remote, press and hold the AV/Mute button for 5 seconds. This will only flip the image top to bottom. Repeat holding the AV/Mute button to return to its original orientation.
On the projector press Menu>Extended>ENTER. Choose the “Projection” and press ENTER. Chose a projection orientation and press ENTER. Do this until the image appears correctly for you. Then, press Esc to exit the menu.
Step 7: Focus Image
If you haven't already, make sure to adjust the focus on the projector. Epson ultra-short throws often house the focus lever under the vent cover. Look for a sign that says "focus" with an arrow.
Use the focus lever on the projector to focus the image.
Step 8: Square Image
Use keystone adjustments to make the project image "square". With the new calibration programs, this step is not entirely necessary. In fact, you could still calibrate and skip this step altogether!
But, I always think its a good idea to start with a squared image if possible.
If you are very close to having square corners, another trick to use is the “quick corner adjustment” feature on Epson UST projectors.
Quick Corner Adjustment
A quick corner adjustment can be made if you have made physical adjustments to your projector and you are very close to calibration. Quick corner adjustment can cause image degradation, so only use it for minor adjustments.
To access Quick Corners on your projector go to the menu Settings>Keystone>Quick Corners. You will see a quick corners menu appear.
You will adjust one corner at a time. Select one corner to start with using the arrow keys and press Enter. Press the arrow buttons to adjust the corner image shape until the corner is completely square.
Repeat with all corners. When you are finished, press Esc.
If you are close to having square corners then go onto the next step. You can continue to do physical tilts and adjustments to fine tune the image when the zoom is close!
Step 9: Calibrate in Pattern Projector
Calibration can be done quickly in Pattern Projector. You can install the web app directly to your home screen for easy access. Follow the direction on the home page to drag and drop the four corners and enter the height and width in the top menu bar. This video will go over how to calibrate and begin projecting patterns in Pattern Projector.
Troubleshooting
If you are having issues with calibration using Pattern Projector, try using a different internet browser.
- Connection freezing: Try changing from "duplicate" or "Mirror" screen on your computer to "extend"
Step 10: Project
Once you have completely the calibration and the squares are measuring correctly, then you are ready to open a pattern!
Click on "Project" to start projecting your patterns. When you click on project, you will need to open the pattern on your device. Your patterns will need to be saved on your device or in a cloud service (iCloud/Google Drive/Dropbox) that is accessible from your device.
Want step-by-step videos on how to choose a projector?
- Videos for each step
- Choose a projector
- Calibrate
- Pattern cutting tips
- Simple pattern alterations
- Lifetime access and updates!
Maintenance of Your Projector
Nobody likes more chores, but this is one you don’t want to skip! Remember to clean your projector often for optimal performance. Here are some great tips for cleaning the ultra-short throw projectors for sewing.
How to clean and maintain your projector
To keep your projector running efficiently, I highly recommend a little maintenance from time-to-time. Clean the air filter and air vents periodically to keep them dust-free and prevent overheating due to blocked ventilation. A small vacuum or paint brush often works well.
With a clean microfiber cloth or lens-cleaning paper, gently wipe the projection window and obstacle sensor.
Dust the entire unit with a dry, lint-free cloth. Never use a spray cleaner. If needed, you can use a moistened cloth with water and mild soap.
If your lamp hours are running high and you need a replacement, you can also purchase new bulbs. New air filters can be purchased as well as needed.
If the projector’s lamp light is flashing orange, then it’s time to replace it. Other indicators are a message appears saying to replace the lamp or the image is darker and starts to deteriorate.
*A flashing red light on the projector usually means that the projector is too hot. Check that the air filters are not blocked. Here are some of the other issues indicated.
Conclusion
You have learned to calibrate an ultra-short throw projector and are now ready to cut your first pattern! I suggest starting with a pattern that has a dedicated projector file. Here are 17 free sewing patterns with projector files to get you started!
Now you are on your way to opening up a whole new world of sewing! Congratulations!
