The “Pros” of DIgital Patternmaking

In Confident Patternmaking and Grading we teach you how to make patterns digitally - skipping the pen and paper stage, and going straight to the computer. While this may feel daunting if computers are not your strong suit - I am here to tell you why getting on board with digital patternmaking is the key to success in 2025.

Patternmaking has traditionally been taught on paper, and if you attended Fashion School, or have a fashion brand of your own, you are likely familiar with pattern drafting via paper. However - when it comes to designing size inclusive sewing patterns or clothing - you will need to grade (design all sizes) said pattern, and today this is all done on the computer. So whether you plan to grade the pattern yourself, or outsource this work, you will need to digitize your pattern. 

If you are looking to learn how to do this - I highly recommend this video from fellow CPMG instructor, Jess.

So starting on paper, and then digitizing is possible- but it is another step to the process. So what if we cut out that step together and instead started out by drafting our patterns on a computer?

This is what we teach in Confident Patternmaking, allowing you to streamline the workflow. But we are not here to preach about “efficiency for efficiency's sake”. There are about a gajillion reasons why digital patternmaking is the GOAT, besides it just being faster.

Here are my top 5 reasons why you should learn digital pattern making:

1.Easier on your body/more comfort

Patterning on paper requires you to reach over and lean down to draw on a table. This specific motion can be incredibly hard on your back. Not to mention if you are working on a large pattern (floor-length dress with gathers, a knee-length winter coat etc.). This hunched position and standing up for hours on end can be very physically demanding.

When you draft on your computer, you can sit at a table, and work more ergonomically. You can wrap a blanket around you while you work during the winter months. If you are in a wheelchair - or unable to stand digital patternmaking is much more accessible as well.

2. Portable

Drafting on paper requires you to have a large drafting table, long rulers, and pencils on hand. When I was in school, this meant - going to the fashion labs to do my work at their large drafting tables. Drafting at home was tedious, and the only large enough space I had was the floor. (See point 1!) But imagine being able to draft patterns while on a car trip, at a coffee shop, at your parent’s house, while camping, in a tree house? Additionally, Adobe Illustrator doesn't require wifi, so you can draft patterns wherever you want!

3. Precision

One of my nemesis when it comes to drafting by hand is precision! It can be so hard to get a perfect 90-degree angle, or a smooth curve. This skill takes a lot of time and mistakes to get right, and precision is important when it comes to drafting. 

In Illustrator, there are built-in tools to help you keep your lines straight, and your curves smooth. No more need to perfectly line up a ruler to get that angle correct - just hold down Shift on your keyboard and you are good to go!

4. Easy to iterate and be creative 

When you are drafting on paper - in order to try a new idea - you must first trace off your patterns. This task can take upwards of 15-30min, depending on the number of pattern pieces and size. But in Illustrator - you can just COPY and PASTE. It literally takes about 5 seconds. 

Your creativity can be more easily accessed when we don't have to waste time on rote tasks like tracing off a pattern. This means you have the freedom to get creative and try different options. You can try out different sleeve variations, or test different skirt shapes. 

5. Easy to store & organize

No more messy rolls of pattern papers, stacks of pattern iterations. As long as you have a streamlined method for digital storage, you can easily toss away old patterns, and know you have them safely stored on your computer in the off chance you need to return to an old version.

Drafting patterns digitally is our bread & butter, and what we teach in our Confident Patternmaking & Grading Program. If you are ready to take the leap and learn how to make patterns from the comfort of your own home check in out here.