I used to think digital pattern making was just a fad for big companies

For years I stuck with paper and scissors in my home studio, convinced the old way was better. Then a friend in Portland let me try her copy of CLO3D for a weekend project. I mocked up a draped sleeve design in about 20 minutes, something that would have taken me half a day with muslin. Being able to see the fabric fall and adjust the seam lines with a click completely changed my mind. The real test was when I printed the final pattern pieces and they fit together perfectly on the first try. I still love the feel of paper, but for speed and tweaking, I'm converted. Has anyone else made the switch and found a specific tool or trick that helped?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_james1mo ago

The real game changer for me was learning the keyboard shortcuts. Like pressing 'P' for the pen tool instead of clicking. Saves a ton of time when you're making a lot of small changes to a curve.

mark_thomas1mo ago

I was the same way for a long time. Seeing the fabric simulation in real time is what finally got me. The undo button alone saves so much material.

robert_anderson691mo ago

Actually, @mark_thomas, the undo button saves time, not material.