Pattern Digitising Service
Digital Pattern Cutting Services.
To add to our manual pattern cutting service, we now provide a first class digital pattern cutting service, including grading, marker making, and pattern digitizing.
While digital patterns are not always necessary for our clients, there are occasions where they are required, or simply more cost effective. For those using offshore production, it is far easier to send files, rather than physical patterns.
Digitised patterns are incredibly useful and versatile. They can be easily transported any distance instantly. They can be copied, used as a template, or adjusted in any way required.
If you would rather have hard card patterns you could save some money by cutting them yourself from paper patterns. That way you dont have to pay for the extra work entailed to create the card patterns, or the extra postage.
What Is Pattern Digitising ?
Pattern digitising is the process of transferring a hard copy 2D paper pattern into a digital file, by scanning the pattern pieces. This can be done either using a digital camera with a system like Gerber`s Accuscan pattern digitising software, or by manually plotting the shapes.
The original physical pattern is copied exactly, with all the notches, grain lines, drill holes, and annotations.
The digital patterns can be stored on our system until you need it.
Pattern digitising involves scanning patterns onto a CAD/Cam system
Gerber Accumark Classes.
We offer digital pattern cutting classes using Gerber Accumark pattern design software.
Alterations.
Once the pattern is digitised and stored it can easily be altered or amended as required. The original digitised pattern can be kept as is, or replaced. If you want to make a new style based on the original, again the process is quite straight forward.
File Conversion.
We can convert you files to any compatible CAD format.
CAD Systems.
The three main companies designing professional pattern software for the fashion industry are Gerber, Lectra, and Optitex – All based on CAD technology.
There are some scaled down versions designed for the home sewer, but dont have the same functionality of the professional systems.
Accumark Pattern Design Software
pattern design tools
Adobe Illustrator – Vector drawing program
The paper pattern is placed on a digitising table, and various points along its outline are plotted. The initial
While most small fashion labels still use physical patterns rather than digital files, there are many advantages to using digital pattern files.
If you just need your patterns digitised, just send them to us, and we will be happy to provide this service. You may also be interested in our grading service, or tech pack service.
Digital Grading.
If you are just grading a few sizes, then there may be no advantage in grading digitally. As half of the work in computer grading is just plotting and digitising the patterns, the more sizes you are grading the more cost effective it is.
If you have a large range of sizes, or you need to have several copies, then digital grading is probably the best option.
Digital Grading Rules.
All pattern grading requires grading rules. The rules are no different for digital grading than for manual. Grade rules are just the agreed difference in measurements between various points of measure on a garment. Different types of brands require different grade rules depending on the market the brand is aimed at.
A young fashionable brand will be made to fit a different body type than an older classic brand. A body builder brand will be made for a different body type than a cyclists brand. Each will be graded in a different way, with a specific base size.
Pattern Digitising Software.
Our pattern digitisers use various different computer systems and pattern drafting software. Vera uses ASSOL software, which automatically creates a pattern from photos of each individual pattern piece. Some systems require calibration, while others are self calibrating.
Photo Digitising.
Today photo digitising is becoming a viable alternative way of digitising and processing of patterns. It can be cheaper, quicker, and more accurate than conventional methods. It also requires less space and far less training. The photo system captures the outline pattern, along with grain lines, notches, and drill holes.
Tech Pack Design.
If you are providing digital pattern and grade files for offshore production, you will probably need a tech pack before they will produce your designs. With UK factories, it is not absolutely essential, but for offshore manufacture it is essential. We provide a professional tech pack service.
Marker Making.
In the old days we used to sketch a rough marker on the back of an A4 envelope, or arrange the full sized pattern pieces on a table, then climb on the table to take a polaroid photo. Or if we were especially advanced, we would cut out miniatures of the full size patterns, using a special machine.
Today, we let the computer create a highly accurate marker for us, with very little input.
How To Get Started.
Just send us an email with your enquiry, providing us some basic information, along with any relevant images of your designs.
EMAIL [email protected]