Pattern Making

Pattern making is the process of turning a design into the flat, measured pieces a garment is cut from, usually drafted in pattern maker software rather than on paper. The pattern is the bridge between a sketch and a physical sample, and every later fitting, grading and production step builds on it.

How pattern making works

A pattern maker starts from the design and the measurements and drafts each piece of the garment: front, back, sleeve, collar and so on. In pattern maker software the pieces are drawn digitally, with seam allowances, notches and grain lines set precisely, then adjusted after each fitting. Once the base size fits, the pattern is graded to the full size range and exported for cutting or sampling.

Why pattern making matters for fashion and lifestyle brands

A small error in a pattern repeats in every sample and every size, so mistakes found late are expensive. A clear, well-documented pattern shortens sampling rounds, and a shared understanding of which version is current keeps design, buying and suppliers working from the same pieces. Pattern files are also created by several people and tools, which makes version control a real challenge.

Pattern making and Delogue

Delogue is not pattern maker software. Patterns are drafted in a dedicated pattern or CAD tool, and Delogue holds the files that tool creates, linked to the style alongside its measurements, bill of materials and tech pack. With PLM integrations, design files can flow into the same product record, so suppliers always find the current pattern in one place. See Delogue's PLM integrations.

Key takeaways

• Pattern making turns a design into the flat, measured pieces a garment is cut from.
• Patterns are drafted in pattern maker software, and errors in them repeat in every sample and size.
• Delogue is not pattern maker software, but it holds the pattern files linked to each style.