Add Seam Allowance to Pattern Tool

What it Does

Creates production-ready cutting lines by generating seam allowance boundaries around your design outline. The tool preserves original design lines while creating a new layer with precise cutting dimensions, transforming design concepts into manufacturable patterns with professional construction specifications.

Seam allowance paths are built using individual, independent line elements. This modular approach makes handling tricky corners, tight curves, and variable widths simple: if a specific edge requires custom manipulation or adjustment, you can edit or redraw that individual segment without affecting the surrounding seam perimeter.

info

The tool creates a separate layer preserving your original design lines. You get both the precise design outline and the cutting pattern with seam allowances.

How to Use

1. Activate the tool by clicking the Add Seam Allowance to Pattern icon
2. Select lines and curves that create a complete closed shape
3. If the tool detects an incomplete shape:
4. Review the error message listing disconnected points and elements
5. Check workspace highlighting: purple points and blue lines/curves showing gaps
6. Click Cancel to restart and fix connections
7. If the seam allowance appears inside the pattern outline, click Other Side to correct direction
8. Click Save to create the seam allowance layer or Cancel to abort

warning

Pattern selection must form a complete closed shape with all edges properly connected. Gaps or overlaps will prevent seam allowance generation.