CAD Pattern Making Course

Lesson 1 • Introduction to CAD in Fashion

Covers the role of CAD in modern pattern making and its advantages over manual drafting. Establishes context for all subsequent digital techniques.

Lesson 2 • Pattern Making Terminology in CAD

Defines grain lines, notches, seam allowances, and other standard pattern terms within the CAD context. Shared vocabulary prevents errors in later drafting tasks.

Lesson 3 • Workspace Setup and Navigation

Guides students through configuring the CAD environment for pattern work. Proper setup ensures accuracy and efficiency throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Body Measurement Fundamentals

Covers key body landmarks and how to record measurements for CAD input. Accurate measurement is the foundation of well-fitting patterns.

Lesson 2 • Ease Allowances in Digital Patterns

Explains wearing ease and design ease and how to apply them numerically in CAD. Correct ease values determine garment fit and silhouette.

Lesson 3 • Industry Size Charts and Standards

Introduces standardised size tables used in apparel production and how to import them into CAD. Alignment with size standards ensures commercial viability.

Lesson 1 • Sleeve Block Construction

Guides drafting a one-piece set-in sleeve block matched to the bodice armhole. Sleeve cap height and ease are critical fit variables introduced here.

Lesson 2 • Bodice Block Construction

Steps through drafting the front and back bodice block from measurement data. The bodice block is the starting point for most upper-body garment patterns.

Lesson 3 • Skirt Block Drafting

Covers straight and A-line skirt block construction using waist and hip measurements. Skirt blocks introduce hip curve drafting and waistband integration.

Lesson 4 • Trouser Block Drafting

Constructs front and back trouser blocks including crotch curve and inseam. Trouser blocks introduce lower-body fit logic not covered in bodice or skirt work.

Lesson 1 • Dart Rotation Techniques

Demonstrates rotating darts to new positions using CAD pivot and rotate functions. Rotation moves shaping without altering the garment's overall fit.

Lesson 2 • Princess and Style Line Shaping

Transforms dart intake into princess seams and decorative style lines using CAD cut tools. Style lines replace darts while maintaining structural fit.

Lesson 3 • Understanding Dart Theory in CAD

Explains dart function, intake, and pivot points as applied within CAD geometry. Dart theory is the conceptual basis for all shaping operations in this chapter.

Lesson 1 • Grading Principles and Grade Rules

Introduces grading theory, grade points, and how size increments are distributed across a pattern. Understanding grade rules is prerequisite to all grading operations.

Lesson 2 • Grading Quality Checks

Applies seam matching and measurement verification tools to confirm graded accuracy. Quality checks at this stage prevent costly errors in production cutting.

Lesson 3 • Grading Curved and Complex Pieces

Addresses grading challenges on armholes, crotch curves, and collar pieces. Curved areas require additional grade point control to maintain shape integrity.

Lesson 4 • Graded Nest Visualisation

Uses CAD nest display tools to review all sizes simultaneously and identify grading errors. Visual nesting confirms smooth, consistent size progression.

Lesson 1 • Applying Seam Allowances in CAD

Covers adding uniform and variable seam allowances to pattern pieces using CAD offset tools. Correct allowances are essential for accurate cutting and sewing.

Lesson 2 • Pattern Piece Annotations

Covers adding piece names, cut quantities, fabric type, and size labels to CAD patterns. Complete annotations eliminate ambiguity during cutting room operations.

Lesson 3 • Production-Ready Pattern Output

Prepares final annotated patterns for plotter printing and digital file export. Output standards ensure patterns are usable by cutting rooms and contractors.

Lesson 4 • Grain Lines and Fold Lines

Demonstrates placing grain lines and fold indicators on each pattern piece in CAD. Grain line accuracy directly affects fabric behaviour and garment drape.

Lesson 1 • Fabric Utilisation and Yield Calculation

Covers calculating fabric utilisation percentage and interpreting yield reports in CAD. Yield data drives cost decisions in production planning.

Lesson 2 • Marker Output and Documentation

Prepares markers for plotter output and documents marker specifications for the cutting room. Accurate documentation ensures repeatable cutting across production runs.

Lesson 3 • Marker Making Fundamentals

Introduces marker making concepts including fabric width, grain constraints, and piece placement rules. These fundamentals govern all nesting decisions in CAD.

Lesson 4 • Automated Nesting Tools

Demonstrates CAD auto-nesting functions that optimise piece placement for maximum fabric efficiency. Automated nesting reduces marker creation time significantly.

Lesson 1 • Technical Specification Sheet Integration

Links CAD pattern data to technical specification sheets for production communication. Integrated spec sheets reduce errors between design and manufacturing teams.

Lesson 2 • Complex Garment Pattern Assembly

Assembles multi-piece patterns for structured garments such as tailored jackets and trousers. Complex assembly requires precise seam matching and component coordination.

Lesson 3 • Pattern Revision and Version Control

Establishes workflows for managing pattern revisions, version tracking, and change documentation. Version control prevents production errors caused by outdated pattern files.

Lesson 4 • Fit Adjustment Techniques in CAD

Covers common fit corrections including sway back, broad shoulder, and full bust adjustments in CAD. Digital fit adjustments are faster and more precise than manual alterations.