Pattern Software Layout

PMB

Here I show how I used to create my patterns. In all cases, this process starts with entering my measurements or retrieving my saved measurements, selecting design and ease choices, then printing the pattern on paper, as shown here. I printed my pattern on legal size paper (8.5" X 14") for this particular example. The new method I learned within the last year continues with taping the paper onto a sliding glass door, and cutting the pattern pieces while standing at the door. I hope to post pictures soon.

Old Way:

I tape each piece to the plastic cutting mat, aligning the hash marks from one sheet to the next. You can see one piece of tape at the near edge of each sheet of paper. The pieces farther away are taped to the table on the other side. This pants pattern piece printed on 6 sheets of legal size paper.

I placed a piece of Pattern Ease (tm) over the pattern and traced it with a permanent marker. Note the use of different sized rulers. After transferring all the markings and labeling the traced pattern pieces, I removed the paper pieces to the waste basket.

I then used a rotary cutter to cut the traced pattern piece around the outside lines with the help of the rulers. I cut in the notches and cut out the darts on the traced pieces. I cut out a little hole at the ends of all marking lines (crease lines and knee lines) so I could mark the beginnings and ends of these lines on the fitting shell.

In making my fitting shell, I marked these lines with a wide marker on the right side of the fabric so the grain lines will be more obvious in the finished garment. When making an actual wearable garment, I do not mark the grain line on the fabric, and I mark darts with a tracing wheel and the colored paper for that purpose.