Pattern Making: How To Start Making Your Own Patterns

Pattern making is a fun activity for anyone who likes to make their own clothes, but it can be daunting to start with if you’ve never learned about the pattern making process before.

This article is more of a pattern making for beginners guide, to help sewing lovers better understand the methods of pattern making, and to be inspired to start learning the skills for themselves!

Note: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase at no further cost to you.

Is Pattern Making Hard?

In all honesty, for some people, it will feel really hard. It’s quite a technical skill, but anyone can learn it.

You’ll need to be ok with numbers – either in your head, on paper or using a calculator – because making patterns includes a bit of math.

What Are The Methods Of Pattern Making?

There are five methods for making your own patterns:

Pattern drafting with measurements
Clone existing clothes from your closet by tracing them
Deconstructing ready made clothes
Developing a block or commercial sewing pattern
Draping on the stand

You can learn more about the ways to make your own sewing patterns here.

If you’re interested in learning draping, I have a series of live workshops taking place – you can book on right here!

What Is 2D Pattern Making?

This technique is also known as flat pattern making, so without the use of a dress form or draping.

When you take a basic block and develop it into a pattern, you’re actively 2D pattern making!

What Is A Working Pattern

A working pattern is one that is used to create clothes. There are four stages to creating a pattern:

Line drawing
Working pattern
Development pattern
Production pattern

Line drawing

This is a simple line drawing of a garment design. This is the often the starting point for a creative pattern cutter when developing a pattern.

You’ll use the line drawing to decide which block to start with.

Working Pattern

This is a pattern that stays intact, so that you can refer back to it. You’ll include style lines, pivoting, transfers, flaring, goddess etc!

Development Pattern

This is the finalised version of your working pattern, and you trace this off to create your final pattern.

Production Pattern

This is the pattern which includes seam allowance and is ready for production!

The production pattern that you create as part of the pattern making process should include:

Grainlines
Notches
Balance points
CF and CB info
Design name
Design code
Size
Number of pieces to be cut

What Is Creative Pattern Making?

Creative pattern making is the technique of developing both flat patterns and draped patterns in a more creative way.

Rather than following step by step instructions, a creative pattern cutter will experiment with flat pattern cutting and draping to create a unique and creative pattern.

How Do You Make A Pattern From Scratch?

To make a sewing pattern from scratch you have several options.

Pattern Drafting

You can learn learn how to draft patterns using measurements. This is a great way to understand the basics!

Pattern Development

You can also use a commercial clothing pattern and develop it to fit the vision you have.

Tracing Your Clothes

Finally, you can create a pattern from scratch by tracing existing clothes. This is a favourite method for both home sewers and fashion designers!

What Is The Best Software For Pattern Making?

I personally use Adobe Illustrator to make my sewing patterns, but there are many that you can use. Here are just a few:

Valentina
Affinity Designer
Adobe Illustrator

I’ll be covering full reviews for each in due course!

Pattern Making Essentials

Let’s start with some of the essentials! These articles and tutorials are perfect for anyone completely new to making your own patterns, and will help you put together a toolkit, understand the different ways to make patterns as well as the various pattern symbols and more!

If you’re not completely new to pattern making, scroll down for more advanced tutorials!