What is the Best Software for Patternmaking?
Keep Reading this post to learn:
- The different options for digital pattern making
- How to choose the best software for you
- Why we recommend Adobe Illustrator
Today I’ll be diving into software options for digital patternmaking. If you are new here and interested in learning more about how to get started making sewing patterns I would highly recommend you check out this blog post here!
So whether you are drafting your patterns on paper and then digitizing, or drafting digitally you will need a digital software to work in. Gerber/Accumark, Clo, Seamly 2D, PAD system, and Adobe Illustrator are the most commonly used options.
Let’s start with the free options…
Seamly 2D:
Seamly 2D is a free open-source software that has a lot of potential. However, it also has a lot of limitations. Unlike Adobe Illustrator it is all based in calculations. You can’t easily draw a line or pull a shape. It does have grading capabilities, and allows you to input your size chart for easy grading. Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of education or information on how to learn this software. However, there is a forum on the Seamly website, where users can post questions and get help from others.
When I was in Fashion school I played around with this software and developed basic blocks in it. I followed these helpful videos from Minimalist Machinist. Overall, I found it to be a cool software, but not very intuitive. After giving it a go, I pivoted over to using Adobe Illustrator instead.
Moving on to Paid Options…
Gerber Accumark:
This software is primarily used by large corporations. And as a result it has a pretty hefty ticket price at $219/month (2025). Sadly, this prices many people out. I have not used Accumark myself, but I have heard it has built in grading capabilities, and recently came out with 3D avatar options as well. If you work for a fashion brand, or go to college that has access to Accumark, you may be able to try it out using the organizations account.
Accumark is for Windows computers only and is not compatible with Macs.
PAD System:
PAD stands for Pattern-aided design and is a software developed specifically for the apparel industry for use with drafting, grading and digitizing patterns.
The PAD website highlights it as “user-friendly”. And while, I have personally not used the system, it does seem that there are many resources out there. Just from a quick YouTube search I was able to find plenty of tutorial videos.
It is priced at $15/month for the basic option with the maximum of 20 pattern pieces, and $45/month (2025) for the standard option and unlimited pattern pieces. They also have a free-trial for their most recent software upgrade PAD 8.0
PAD is compatible with Mac and Windows computers.
Clo3D:
This is by far the most trendy software right now. Clo3D was one of the first to come out that had 3D modeling as part of the software. 3D modeling means that as part of the drafting process you create an “avatar” based on your body measurements. The pattern can then be modeled on the avatar to identify fit issues before going to the sampling stage. I have a number of friends who use this software and recommend it for its “easy to use” interface. It is priced at $50/month (2025) for the individual pricing tier.
You can also digitize paper patterns in Clo3D using their “photo upload” option, and tracing around the outline of your pattern.
Clo 3D is compatible with Window or Mac computers.
Adobe Illustrator:
This is what we use in our CPMG program, and it is my personal preference. It is one of the cheapest software options at $22.99/month for just Illustrator, or $59.99/all Adobe Creative Cloud apps(2025). Illustrator is by far the most versatile of all the software mentioned here.
With Illustrator, you have the capability to draft and grade patterns, develop pattern instructions, illustrations, and marketing material for your brand. If you plan to have a sewing pattern business, you will, hands down, need to use Illustrator for at least one part of the process, whether or not you use another software for drafting and grading your patterns.
Illustrator is also very easy to digitize patterns in, as you can easily trace off using the pen tool. Check out this video here from fellow CPMG instructor Jess on how to digitize your patterns.
Illustrator is compatible with Window or Mac computers.
Final Takeaways
Choosing the right software will depend on your price point, what type of computer you have, how much time you have to devote to learning the software, and what your goals are. Whether you are just starting out, or are a longtime patternmaker looking to digitize your patterns and streamline the drafting process I would recommend Illustrator as the most user-friendly and cost-effective software.
And if you are looking for more hands-on support, and the guidance of experienced teachers to help you on your way to becoming a patternmaker, check out our Confident Patternmaking & Grading Program.
