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Conversational Threads

computerized pattern making programs

nmog | Posted in Equipment and Supplies on

I’m interested in purchasing a computerized pattern making program.  I am a self-taught Fashion Studies teacher for middle school students, and I’ve just had a baby.  I hope that if I buy a program it will be easier to fit my changing (hopefully decreasing) shape, and will be easier to fit my body type in general.  I have a very long torso, and a large bust/shoulder/arm combination.  If anyone could suggest programs that might work I would appreciate it.  Thank you!

Nicole

Replies

  1. FitnessNut | | #1

    Are you interested in actually drafting patterns on your computer or using a programme that has pre-designed patterns that you plug your measurements into? I do the former, as well as manual patternmaking. The programme that comes the closest to what the fashion industry uses is called Fittingly Sew (this is what I have). It takes a bit of perseverance to get a perfectly fitted sloper, but once you have it, you can draft just about any pattern that you can make with a pencil and rulers. I have had good success with it, although I find that I often do a little tweaking manually after it is printed because I can "see" things better on paper than on a monitor. It is a huge labour saving device, particularly if you sew for others, as I do. If you would like to read an overview of a number of different programmes, you should have a look at the April-May issue of Threads. There is also some information if you look at the Threads website.

    1. nmog | | #2

      Thank you for the info.  I should have been more specific.  I would like to purchase a program that I can plug my measurements into, and then print the pattern on my computer.  I'm not confident enough with my pattern drafting skills to make my own designs at this stage.

      Sincerely,

      Nicole

      1. FitnessNut | | #3

        Then you should definitely check out the article in Threads magazine. I believe the programmes that you would be interested in would be Dress Shop 4 (www.livingsoft.com), PatternMaster (www.wildginger.com), PatternMaker (www.patternmaker.com), or Personal Patterns (www.personalpatterns.com). Some of these have varying levels of capability and you can purchase according to how much of your own drafting you'd like to do vs a mix and match option. Disclaimer: I haven't used any of these; I'm just passing on information from the article. Do your research thoroughly so you can match the programme to your needs. Good luck!

        Sandy

      2. carolfresia | | #4

        Nicole, the Threads article explains the differences among the various software packages so you can figure out which ones will suit your needs. Another way to get a kind of trial run is to purchase a Click and Sew pattern from Wild Ginger (I believe these are available through http://www.patternshowcase.com). THese are individual patterns that are kind of like mini-programs--you can get one for pants, one for dresses, one for shirts, etc. etc. You input your measurements, select from a variety of style options, and print out yuor pattern. Then tape all the pages together and sew. The Click and Sew patterns are quite affordable and, while they don't have all the functions or style options of the full-blown software, you can get a taste of how the programs work. Aside from the taping and cutting of the patterns themselves (quite tedious!), it's a lot of fun to try these programs out.

        Carol

        1. nmog | | #5

          Thank you so much for your help!  It's nice to get information from knowledgeable people who like to so as much sa I do.  The Threads article was very helpful, and now I'm deciding just which program should go on my birthday wish list!

          Nicole

          1. GinnaS | | #6

            Fullfab.com is a site that sells the Quick and Sew programs.  The site owner also can help you decide which program among the full selection would be best for you.  She has been very helpful to me.

            Ginna

          2. carolfresia | | #7

            Ginna, thanks for reminding me of that. fullfab.com is a great site for patterns.

            Carol

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