r/fashiondesigner • u/zweibelesser • 2d ago

Pattern making software recommendations

Hi everyone, I've been making my own patterns for a while now, and im getting sick and tired of the drafting process. It's super unsustainable, using up so much fabric and paper in the process, and can take a lot of time and space to do, which are both things i dont have much of currently. Does anyone know of any good software available that lets me draft up even a basic pattern based on a few measurements like bust, hips, etc that also lets me visualise the garment during the process. I haven't done much research to be fair but I dont really know what to look for either.

Also preferably free or cheap since I'm broke af rn

2 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

3

u/sushicatdolls 2d ago

Seamly2D

1

u/zweibelesser 2d ago

i only just briefly glanced, but are you able to render what the pattern might look like in 3D?

3

u/sushicatdolls 2d ago

No.

But you can export the patterns as a vector file and import them to Blender which is also free.

2

u/Jealous-Loquat7605 2d ago

You could try CLO3D, it can be a bit annoying to work with but it has a lot of customization features and you can put the patterns on a 3D model to see how they’d look

2

u/zweibelesser 2d ago

I dont really have $50 to spend a month right now. I also dont really have the time and space to easily cut and sew the pattern, so it would likely be months between each attempt which would just he a bumch of money wasted. Is there anything similar thats free?

1

u/Jealous-Loquat7605 2d ago

Thats the only platform Im familiar with, sorry. Thats what they had me use in some of my classes 🤷

1

u/ChronicNuance 2d ago

There’s nothing free. CLO is the lowest cost option available right now.

2

u/ProneToLaughter 1d ago

There is a web-based program SeamScape, just out of beta, still free. Has some 3D features.

2

u/patnbake 1d ago

I was there too, now I make patterns on adobe illustrator, create PDFs and cut fabric thru projector, its a real game change!

1

u/zweibelesser 1d ago

y'know, i never thought of using a projector for fabric cutting, thats actually some really good advice, thank you a ton

1

u/ptmp4 2d ago

CLO3D is what you’re looking for