Creating Clothing Patterns: A Beginner’s Guide

Are you tired of searching high and low for the perfect clothing pattern? Do you ever have an idea for a piece of clothing but struggle to find a pattern to match? Learning how to make your own clothing patterns can be a game changer for your fashion design journey. With just a few simple steps, you can create custom patterns that fit your unique style and body shape.

Before we dive into the process of making clothing patterns, it’s important to have the right tools. You’ll need a measuring tape, ruler, pattern paper, pencil, and scissors. It’s also helpful to have a sewing machine and basic sewing skills, but these aren’t necessary if you’re comfortable with hand sewing. With these essentials in hand, you’ll be ready to start creating your own clothing patterns and taking your fashion design to the next level!

Creating a clothing pattern can seem daunting, especially if you’re new to the craft. But fear not – with the right tools and some patience, anyone can learn how to make their own clothing patterns. In this article, we’ll take you through the steps involved in creating a simple clothing pattern, so you can start making your own clothes today!

1. Gather Your Supplies:

To start, you’ll need a few basic supplies. These include pattern paper, a tape measure, ruler, pencils, eraser, scissors, and a sewing tool. You can also invest in a compass for drawing curves and circles if needed.

2. Take Accurate Measurements:

The success of your pattern depends on accurate measurements. Take your measurements by using a measuring tape, make sure to measure twice in the same spot and mark the measurements.

3. Choose Your Clothing Item:

Choosing what to create is an essential step. Think about the type of clothing you want to create and decide on a design. You can find patterns for clothing online, or you can create your own pattern using a piece of clothing as a guide.

4. Draw Your Base Pattern:

The base pattern is the foundation for your clothing pattern. Using your measurements as a guide, draw a rough sketch of your design on the pattern paper. Keep in mind the type of fabric you plan to use.

5. Add Seams and Hemlines:

Add the seam allowances and hemlines to your pattern before cutting the pattern out. Most sewing patterns include seam allowances, but if you are making your own, make sure to add them for accurate fitting.

6. Cut Out Your Pattern:

Once everything is added, cut out your pattern with the fabric scissors. Be delicate with the pattern paper to prevent any tears.

7. Pin Your Pattern to the Fabric:

Pin your pattern to the fabric and cut out the pieces of fabric using the scissors. Be sure to cut the exact measurements and keep the fabric from shifting.

8. Align the Pieces:

Line up all of the pattern pieces to make your pattern complete. Use pins or a sewing accessory to keep the fabrics together.

9. Sew Your Pattern:

Take the corresponding fabric pieces and sew together, aligning the seams as necessary, using a sewing machine or by hand. Make sure to follow your specific pattern instructions if it is a commercial pattern.

10. Test Fit and Adjust:

Lastly, test the clothing item to see how it fits. Adjust the pattern as needed and try again. Once you are satisfied with the fit, you can add tags, branding, and start making your clothing item.

In conclusion, create a custom clothing pattern can seem like a complex process, but it is an achievable process with the right supplies and steps followed carefully. With the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be on your way to creating unique clothing patterns in no time. So get crafting!

Section 2: Types of Clothing Patterns

When it comes to making clothing patterns, there are a few things to consider. One of them is the type of pattern that you’ll be using. Here are some of the most common types of patterns in the fashion world:

1. Block Patterns

Block patterns are the foundation of most clothing patterns. They’re made from basic pattern pieces that are then adjusted to create different styles. Usually, block patterns are made from a single size, but they can be graded up or down to fit different body types. This is the starting point for most fashion designers and pattern makers.

2. Flat Patterns

Flat patterns are created by drawing every piece of the final garment flat on paper. They’re usually made from a basic block pattern, and then the design is sketched over the top. Using a flat pattern means you can experiment with different designs before cutting the fabric and committing to a design.

3. Draping Patterns

Draping patterns are created by draping fabric over a mannequin or dress form. This method allows the designer to create a unique design that can’t be created using a block or flat pattern. It’s a more intuitive way of pattern making that involves creating the design directly on the body.

4. Computer-Aided Design Patterns

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) patterns are created using software that allows you to draw and manipulate patterns on a computer. These patterns can then be printed out and used to create the final garment. CAD patterns are becoming increasingly popular in the fashion industry, as they simplify the process of pattern making.

5. Sloper Patterns

A sloper pattern is a basic pattern that’s been drafted to match a person’s body measurements. It’s a very simple pattern that can be used as a starting point for more complicated designs. It’s a must-have for any pattern maker or designer.

6. Grading Patterns

Grading patterns involves scaling a pattern up or down to fit different body sizes. This is necessary to ensure that the garment fits properly on different body types. Grading patterns is a skill that takes a lot of practice, but it’s essential for any pattern maker or designer.

7. Style Patterns

A style pattern is a specific pattern that’s used to create a particular style of garment. For example, a shirt pattern would be different from a pants pattern. Style patterns are the foundation of most sewing projects, and they’re essential for any pattern maker.

8. Vintage Patterns

Vintage patterns are patterns that were created in the past and are no longer in production. They’re usually highly sought after by collectors and fashion enthusiasts. Vintage patterns can be a great source of inspiration for pattern makers and designers.

9. Knitting Patterns

Knitting patterns are used to create knitted garments. They’re usually created using a chart that shows the pattern repeat. Knitting patterns can be very intricate and require a lot of skill to create.

10. Crochet Patterns

Crochet patterns are similar to knitting patterns, but they’re created using a different technique. They’re used to create crocheted garments and can be just as intricate as knitting patterns. Crochet patterns require a lot of skill to create, but they’re very rewarding once completed.

Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Clothing Pattern

Choosing the right fabric for your clothing pattern is an essential step in making a garment. Different fabrics have different textures, draping, and stretch that can affect the final look and fit of your garment. Here are some tips on how to select the perfect fabric for your clothing pattern:

Fabric Types

Fabric Weight

The weight of the fabric refers to the density of the material and how heavy it feels when you hold it. The weight of the fabric can affect the drape, comfort, and durability of your garment. Choose a lighter weight fabric for summer clothing, and a heavier weight fabric for winter clothing.

Fabric Stretch

Fabric stretch refers to the amount of give the material has when pulled, which can affect the fit and comfort of your garment. When working with a pattern, check the fabric stretch guide to ensure that you’re using the right type of fabric. For form-fitting clothing like leggings or bodysuits, choose a fabric with a high degree of stretch.

Fabric Print

The print of the fabric can significantly impact the style and look of the garment. Be mindful of how the print will look when cut and sewn into the clothing pattern. Stripes and plaids can be challenging to match, while florals and bold prints can add a pop of color and interest to your design.

Fabric Care

It’s important to consider the care instructions for the fabric when selecting material for your clothing pattern. Some fabrics are machine-washable, while others require dry cleaning or hand washing. Take into account how the fabric will hold up over time with repeated washings and wear.

When selecting fabric for your clothing pattern, keep in mind the type, weight, stretch, print, and care instructions. Choosing the right fabric will ensure that your garment looks and fits great, and will last for years to come.

Thank You for Reading

Now that you know how to make clothing patterns, it’s time to put your skills to the test. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. Remember, practice makes perfect. And if you ever need a refresher, don’t hesitate to come back and read this article again. We hope you enjoyed reading it and learned something new. Stay creative and keep on sewing!