What Is A Pattern Drill – And How Is It Used?
If you’re new to pattern making – or even just a keen sewer that has come across the word – you’ll be wondering what a pattern drill is.
And the short answer is that a pattern drill is the tool used by pattern makers to make uniform sized holes in patterns at key points like the bust apex or pocket positions.
Parts Of A Pattern Drill
The pattern drill is made up of three sections:
- The handle
- The stem (this is what i call it, no idea if that’s correct terminology!)
- The drill
The handle has a rounded area which fits nicely into the palm of my hand. It’s made of plastic and is permanently fixed to the ‘stem’.
The stem is a plastic tube attached to the handle, and at the base has threading for the drill to be screwed onto. The tube is hollow up to the handle which allows the paper circles to be contained when they’ve been ‘drilled’ out of sewing patterns.
The drill is made of two parts? and screws into the stem. It has a sharp metal circular edge which cuts into paper, to remove small circles from patterns when pressure is applied.
How To Use A Pattern Drill
I’m not sure instructions are really needed as the tool itself is very simple and easy to use, but to be helpful to anyone reading this, here is how you use a pattern drill:
- Prepare the pattern piece in paper or card that needs drill holes
- Take up your pattern drill in your dominant hand
- Place the sharp metal circular part of the pattern drill over the area that needs to be cut
- Apply pressure to the area using the palm of your hand
- Remove the pattern drill and admire the uniform sized hole
I should add that I always use a self healing cutting mat under mine to prevent any damage to my worktop – the metal part is actually quite sharp and will leave marks on your work area if you do not protect it!
How Many Pattern Drills Does A Pattern Maker Need?
One. Seriously. Yes I have two, with each making a different sized hole, but honestly one is plenty. I replaced my ‘lost’ one, which is why I have two, the original turned up after purchasing the second.
Can I Use A Hole Punch Instead?
You can of course use a hole punch instead of a pattern drill, but a hole punch will create bigger holes and provide less flexibility.
I can use my pattern drill at any place on the pattern, as I apply the pressure from top down. A hole punch usually uses a pivoting action, which means you’ll be limited on where you can place your holes.
Below are the two types of hole punch I have, and neither are suitable for drilling holes beyond the perimeter of the pattern pieces.
Where To Buy A Pattern Drill
As they’re not an everyday sewing tool, you may struggle to find a pattern drill in a haberdashery. My first one came from Morplan, a store in London that I’ve often bought my tools from, but they are available online as well.
And if the worst comes to the worst and you cannot get your hands on a pattern drill, you can always use an awl. The hole will not be as precise but you will be able to see it, and mark the fabric through them with a marking tool or hand tack.
If you found this interesting – who wouldn’t, it’s a pattern making tool! 😉 – then do check out my other articles. I have a great one on tracing wheels and how to use them – another favorite pattern making tool of mine! – as well as others.
