What Is Patternmaking and How to Get Started

What you will learn

Understand what textile patternmaking is, how it differs from industrial patternmaking and which basic tools you work with.

Before you start

No previous experience needed. If you have a tape measure, a ruler and paper (or a patternmaking app), you can already start.

Concept

Patternmaking is the technique of building, from body measurements, the flat pieces of a garment (the pattern) that are then cut from fabric and sewn. "Patternmaking" and "pattern drafting" are used as synonyms depending on the country; the result is the same: a pattern ready to cut.

Lesson content

Made-to-measure vs. industrial patternmaking

Made-to-measure patternmaking develops a pattern for ONE person with their real measurements: it is the approach of a bespoke workshop or of someone who is starting to sew for themselves or for occasional clients.

Industrial patternmaking, on the other hand, develops a base pattern and then grades it across a whole size range (S, M, L...) to produce many identical garments in different sizes. You will see that complete path in the Industrial Patternmaking course at Modeltex Lab.

Basic tools

• Flexible tape measure
• Long ruler (or a patternmaking ruler with curves)
• Pattern paper (or poster board, or an app/software if you work digitally)
• Pencil, eraser and paper scissors

Step by step

1. Get a tape measure and a long ruler.
2. Choose what you will draw on: paper, poster board or a patternmaking app.
3. Look at a garment you already own and note which pieces it is made of (front, back, sleeve...).

Practical example

A basic t-shirt is made of, at a minimum, 3 pieces: front, back and sleeve. Each piece is a pattern in itself.

Common mistakes

Thinking patternmaking and sewing are the same thing: Patternmaking is the development of the pattern (the "planning"); sewing is stitching the already-cut fabric. They are two related but distinct trades.

Modeltex tip

Always keep an unmodified copy of the base pattern. You will transform it over and over (sleeves, necklines, volume) and you need to be able to go back to the original.

Exercise

Carefully take apart an old t-shirt you no longer use (or look at it inside out) and identify its pieces: how many do you see? Where are the seams?

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to know how to sew to learn patternmaking?

It isn't required, but it helps a lot: understanding how fabric is joined helps you understand why the pattern has the shape it has.

Can I do patternmaking without a computer?

Yes, patternmaking has been a manual craft for more than a century. Digital patternmaking (CAD) is one more tool, not a requirement.

Summary

Patternmaking builds a garment's pattern from real measurements. Made-to-measure patternmaking works for one specific person; industrial patternmaking grades that pattern across a complete size range.

Go back to the full course or ask the Modeltex Lab AI.