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Pattern making software

lennie | Posted in The Archives on

I am considering purchasing pattern making software and would like  feedback from users/owners.  I am looking at Garment Designer, Pattern Master Boutique and Patternmaker.  I would like pros and cons and opinions of whether the investment is worthwhile.  If there are other programs available I would appreciate hearing about them, also.  Threads did a review a couple of years ago and I can’t get some of them to come up on the internet.  Have they gone out of business?

Replies

  1. Cynky | | #1

    Lennie,  you can download a demo of each of the three programmes you mention.  Perhaps you could see which matches up to your requirements, and then ask specific questions.  All the programmes are very different, Garment Designer for example generates knitting patterns or sewing patterns for the garments you design.  Some people like the user interface more on one than the other.

    All the programmes require different measuring procedures, and it would be unfair not to say there is a learning curve.  I use both Pattern Master Boutique and Garment Designer regularly and am very satisfied with both.

     

    Hope this helps a little..Cynthia

    1. lennie | | #2

      Cynthia,

      Thank you for your reply.  I understand about user interface preference and learning curve.  I am trying to perfect the fit in blouses, shirts and jackets for my body type in the neckline, shoulder, armhole area.  I have read David Page Coffin's shirtmaking book and several books on fitting.

      I have downloaded the demos of both but they don't allow for printing and checking for fit.  Can't say that I prefer one interface over the other at this point.

      After having used both programs, which one would be your choice as a first purchase?  What do you see as the pros and cons of both?  Can you do something with one program that you can't with the other (other than garment designer has men's & childrens and knitting pattern capabilities)?  I realize your answers will be subjective, but I am trying to get as much information as possible so that I can make an informed decisioin as to which one will be the best first purchase for me.

      Thanks - Lennie

      1. Cynky | | #3

        Garment Designer would be my first choice if I could only have one programme, but that choice is based on the fact that I sew clothes and also knit, by hand and machine so I can generate patterns for both mediums.  Garment designer does include standard sizes for babies through to outsize ladies and men too, PMB doesn't have measurements in the programme other than the ones you input yourself. So to give you an example you could start with say a size 14 and just adjust the length or width in GD..this is useful if you make things for people who are fairly standard shape and size.  It is easy to move points in GD, this you can try on the demo.

        PMB has lots of style choices included in the programme which you can edit easily.  There is also a Pattern Editor feature of the programme which means you can take a pattern you have designed in the pattern drafter and alter it to personalise it.

        Whether garments fit you in either programme depends on your skills in measuring and assessing fit enough to be able to make adjustments to the drafting.  Everyone likes a garment to fit differently, perhaps with different amounts of ease...these are personal choices which both programmes let you do.

        I hope others who use the programmes will chip and give opinion too.  I use both programmes regularly.

         

        Cynthia

         

  2. Jumala | | #4

    I have the Tailor Made by Wild Ginger for men. I Like it. Easy to use. I believe it is similar to PMB. Just make sure your printer is decent. Otherwise the pieces will print crooked  and would be fun to put together. Just my 2 cents worth. Have fun!

    Dennis

    1. Cherrypops | | #5

      Hello Barb,

      Would you be so kind and write a little more about Pattern Master Boutique3 .

      I don't use any pattern making software and am interested to know the pros and cons of such software.

      why you chose this program

      what the program does

      where did you find it

      Any input would be great

      Thanks

      CherryPops (australia)

      1. HeartFire2 | | #6

        Hi CherryPops
        (I love that name, my son Jeffrey was nicknamed JeffyPop)
        Anyway, I have PMB and their Celebrations package also. I have found that it always drafts the front waist length too short for some reason. I don't use it with the intention of getting a perfectly fitted pattern. I use it for a very close fit and then I pin fit what I need to in the muslin It doesn't really do many asymmetrical things, but your basic styles and shapes are all there, and if you have any pattern drafting skills (which I do) I use it as a basis to draft some of my own.

        1. Cherrypops | | #7

          Thank you Heartfire. I don't have drafting skills, something extra to consider a bit later on, but if it does basic styles and shapes and you can play a bit then it might suit me. I'll google it. CherryP :)

          1. User avater
            blondie2sew | | #8

            Hey I have the Wild Ginger Pattern Master "Child's Play"I decided to purchase this first as I thought it would be easier for me to learn the system and all the ins and outs on it without too much..As in Children you don't really have all the curves like us adults.Well needless to say I have played some.....measured both my girls....but I haven't done my slopers for the fit yet for both of them..I have (sorry to say) had my program for awhile!! I even thought this would be great for Abigael ( my 10 year old) to even play with!!I did see the owner/Creator at Expo and just wanted to ask her a few questions on my program...also get a bit more confidence in it from her..as with anything new I always get that newness fright..ha ha haI asked her when I couldn't use the Child's play any longer (at what age) I had heard when they started to develop breasts is when I had to graduate to the Boutique for them..Well she informed me that actually that is untrue!!I could even use the program for myself if I wanted too...The only thing that this program doesn't have is the "dart" feature..it is basically straight lines and such..So as long as I didn't want to have the darts in my blouses and such then I am good to go..That was an interesting tid bit!! So that is on my agenda to sit down and re measure my girlies and print out the pattern and sew up the slopers...in child's play you only do 2...pants and shirts..no skirt one is neededSo I hope this helps you, MS. CherryP as well as others Blondie

          2. Cherrypops | | #9

            Thank you !

            You have reminded me I do have the Wild Ginger Freebie Software on my other computer.

            I'll have a look at their website again for the one you mentioned.

            CherryP :: Yes you have helped me again Blondie!

             

          3. User avater
            blondie2sew | | #10

            No worries chickie, Not like you aren't the google queen around here ha ha ha!1 And we love that in you babyBlondie

          4. Cherrypops | | #11

            Its nice to be recognised for googling. haha. maybe i try a different disguise next time..lol

             

  3. Cherrypops | | #12

    Hi, just doing follow ups...Did you purchase your Pattern Making Software? If so, which one and how is everything going? Kind regards, CherryPops.

  4. gowngirl | | #13

    In case you are still interested in the topic, I bought Garment Designer at an expo several years ago. It seemed to have the most advantages of all the software available for the home sewer. However, and have been sorely disappointed- but then I had big expectations. As a pattern maker myself, I wanted standard styles that were correctly made that I could use as a starting point for more difficult designs but it seems to me the armhole and sleeves aren't quite right, and especially the raglan style is completely wrong. There should be a dart at the shoulder, and there is none. There are other things that need to be tweeked as well. The software has potential, but I just don't have the time or inclination to fuss with it. I think it would be rare to find a software that could translate measurements only into a perfectly fitting pattern anyway.

    I would say that well fitting basic sloper to work from would do as much good, and cost a whole lot less cash.

    Hope that was helpful.

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