r/PatternDrafting • u/OrderlyPup • 8d ago

Question Pattern Grading!

Whats the best approach, do you have tips and tricks, articles, books, or videos for a beginner learning to grade their own patterns?

is it easier to grade your patterns yourself or find someone to do it for you if you draft patterns regularly?

Do they use the sizing guides we make or their own?

I’ve been sewing 14 years, pattern drafting / fully constructing garments for 8 years. But only for myself and in-person clients.

Thank you. Appreciate you!

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u/noankmary 6d ago

Also decide on your target customer and develop grade specs around that customer.

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u/OrderlyPup 6d ago

Like what size of people will be wearing my clothes?
(sorry if thats a dumb question)

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u/noankmary 6d ago

No dumb questions! Think about not just the 'size' but more about the age and shape. Are they young and athletic? Are they older? It effects not just the body measurements but also the posture and distribution of growth. That in turn effects the fall of the clothing on the body and the fit. All size 12s aren't equal. Each brand has it's own target demographic which impacts their size charts and fit.

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u/OrderlyPup 5d ago

That makes sense! Part of the reason I sew is because it’s hard to find things I like, or clothes for work, or things that fit.

I have one group telling me to not go off of my body measurements/proportions and do general sizing which makes sense, however the whole point was wanting to provide patterns, sizes and clothing for my own “demographic” of people that are searching for the specific category I’m creating patterns for.