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What Is Pattern Design & Drafting?
Pattern design & drafting is mostly connected with apparel. This is a kind of drafting which is used to produce articles of clothing. Taking a series of body measurements, a pattern maker will take an individual specifics and create a template referred to as an oak tag. During the following steps, this template will be broken down into pieces, which are then cut and tested for fitting, and then converted to another usable pattern. Specific methods will vary from each pattern maker, all depending on the approach.
A traditional pattern drafter first begins with a rough sketch or photograph of an article of clothing. From there, they will measure an individual, in order to facilitate the breaking down of the article of clothing into sections. Then an initial template is created, which is called a block or slope, by drawing straight lines to a person specific body measurements and shaping the template into curved lines and more measurements. Fabric will be cut from the block to create a mock-up. These are known as muslins in the U.S. or toiles throughout Europe, they will be created and then perfected into a pattern template.
Once a template is finished, only then will the grading process start. Grading means transferring the template onto thin pattern paper, then adding lines in order to denote the smaller and bigger sizes. For mass productions, like the ones made by large pattern companies, modifications are included also on the paper patterns. These modifications will permit customized features, like crew and turtle necks, long and short sleeves, shorts and pants etc.
Colleges which provide industry training, usually offer pattern design & drafting in advanced courses. So potential drafters will be taught the basic concepts on drafting patterns. As one’s study continue, computerized pattern applications will be used in order to help students learn how patterns are created.
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