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Entering Values

How to Enter Values​

When a tool needs a number, you will see an input box followed by the unit, such as inches. In the example below, the value is entered in inches.

Input box showing unit in inches

You can type a number, do some math right in the box, measure between points, or measure lines and curves on your draft. You never need a calculator.

🧠Memorization

Formulas matter when you memorize a draft. A value that comes from a formula changes when you redraft with different measurements. A typed number stays the same.

Numbers and Simple Math​

The simplest way is to type a number, such as 5. For a negative number, type a minus sign first, such as -5.

You can also add, subtract, multiply and divide in the box, such as 4 + 2.

Input box showing simple addition equation

After you type a number or an equation, select Preview to see the change in the workspace. The box then shows the answer.

Input box showing calculated result

Measuring Between Points​

Sometimes a value should depend on something already in your draft, such as the distance from the neck to the shoulder. Select Add Formula to see more options.

warning

Never copy and paste a formula into the formula box. Always select the points, or choose the measurements from the list, so PatternMaker Pro knows what they are.

  1. Select Add Formula. A button named Measure Between Points appears.

    Input box with Measure Between Points button

  2. Select Measure Between Points. The points in your workspace can now be selected.

  3. Click the points in order. A selected point turns aqua. Click it again to unselect it. Select two or more points to measure along a path.

    Workspace showing aqua-colored selected points

  4. Select Point Selection Done. The formula box now shows the points you chose, with their names underneath.

    Formula box with point IDs and helper text

  5. Select Calculate. The measured value goes into the input box.

    Input box with calculated measurement value

Measuring Lines and Curves​

Use this when a value should match the length of a line or curve you already drew, such as a neckline curve or a side seam. You can select one item or several. PMP adds their lengths together.

  1. Select Add Formula. A button named Measure Lines / Curves appears below Measure Between Points.
  2. Select Measure Lines / Curves. The lines, curves and polylines in your workspace can now be selected.
  3. Click each line or curve you want to measure. A selected item turns purple. Click it again to unselect it.
  4. Select Selection Done. The formula box now shows the items you chose, with their names underneath. Select Cancel Measure instead to go back without choosing.
  5. Select Calculate. The total length goes into the input box.
tip

You can use both buttons in the same formula. For example, measure a curve and then add + 2 to leave room for ease.

info

Only items on visible layers can be selected. If you don't see the line or curve you want, show its layer first.

Using Your Measurement Set​

If you loaded a measurement set (Measurements > Load Set for Active Draft), Add Formula also shows a list named Select from Measurement Set. Choose a measurement from the list instead of looking up the number yourself.

Input box with Select from Measurement set dropdown

warning

If you pick the wrong measurement and select Calculate, PMP adds it to the list of measurements the pattern needs. Removing it from the formula afterwards does not remove it from that list. When the draft is recalled, the wrong measurement is still required. If you calculate with the wrong measurement, cancel the tool and start again.

Pro Tip

You can switch to a different measurement set at any time while drafting. PMP stores the measurement names, not the values.

Pattern Logic Sets​

A logic set lets a value change depending on a condition, such as using one number for one size range and another for a different range. Logic sets that you build in your draft appear in the formula options. This is an advanced feature, so skip it until you are comfortable with the basics. See Add Pattern Logic for details.

Input box with Select from Logic Set dropdown

Combining Everything​

You can combine measurements between points, measurement set values and math in one formula. For example:

[point_zXh7,point_t0bB] - (({Waist Front} / 2) + ({Waist Ease} / 4))

This is how the dart amount for a fitted bodice is worked out. It measures from the Center Waist to the Side Waist on your draft, then subtracts half of the Waist Front measurement plus a quarter of the Waist Ease.

You don't need formulas this complex to use PMP. Typing a number always works. Formulas become useful when you want a pattern that redrafts itself for any set of measurements.

Pro Tip

As formulas get longer, use parentheses to show which part to work out first.