Patternmaking Tools

Patternmaking tools are those tools which are used for creating patterns, either manually by the use of hand-tools, or electronically, through the use of specific or general Computer Aided Design (CAD) tools. Both of these are listed under their respective sections.

Manual patternmaking tools[]

Image	Tool	What it's used for!
	Awl	Piercing holes into material, usually leather. The awl has a metal needle used for piercing the material, which is also threaded, so as to allow threading.
	French curve rule	Used for tracing out various curves. They are still used in creating patterns, particularly for curved angles that are frequently used and difficult to produce by other means. In mass production, these are not used in favour of CAD programs.
	Hip curve rule	Used specifically for tracing out long curves used in pattern development.
	Measuring tape	Used both in patternmaking, fitting and drafting, it's an essential part of creating clothing.
	Metal weights	Used to hold patterns in place for marking/tracing.
	Notcher	Used for chipping out pre-set notches at the edge to indicate a seam, or to differentiate the back of a pattern from the front.
	Pen	Used for marking various pieces of patterns and denoting different parts.
	Pencil	Used for the mainstay of pattern drawing.
	Pin holder / Pincushion	Used for holding pins.
	Push pin / Drawing pin	Used for pinning pieces of paper for patterns, and for transferring muslin patterns from paper.
	Staple remover	Used for removing staples.
	Scissors	Used for cutting fabrics and paper. There are several types of what would be considered "scissors" which are used for a variety of reasons.
	Tape (adhesive)	Used to mend errors or join sections of patterns together.
	Simflex measure	Used to space button holes, pleats and tucks.
	Stapler	Used to join several plys of paper together so that the pattern does not slip when being cut or pinned.
	Straight pin	Used to pin patterns made on paper to fabric.
	Tailor's chalk	Used for marking seams and style-lines onto fabric.
	Tracing Wheel	Pointed tracing wheels are used to transfer pattern shapes to paper. Blunted tracing wheels are used to transfer pattern shapes onto muslin by the use of carbon paper.
	Variform curve rule	Used to shape and blend arm-holes and necklines in patterns.