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. |
Electronic patternmaking tools[]
Image | Tool | What it's used for! |
---|---|---|
Computer-aided design program | Designing patterns based on two or three-dimensional shapes. | |