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What is PatternMaker Pro?

PatternMaker Pro (PMP) is drafting software for sewing patterns. You draw the pieces of a garment on screen from your own measurements, the same way you would with paper, a ruler and a pencil. The difference is that PMP does the math for you, remembers every step, and can redraw the whole pattern in a new size.

What is pattern drafting?​

A garment is made of flat pieces, such as a front bodice, a back skirt and a sleeve. Pattern drafting is the way you draw those flat pieces so they fit a body when they are sewn together. You start with measurements and use a few simple steps to place points, join them with lines and curves, and shape the result.

Why draft your own patterns?​

  • It fits you. A pattern drafted from your measurements, or your client's, fits in a way a store-bought size can't.
  • You control the design. You can change a neckline, a sleeve or a skirt shape without having to fight a pattern that was drawn for someone else.
  • You can fix fit problems. When you draft the pattern, it is easy to see which part to change.
  • It saves time. Changing a commercial pattern to fit well is often harder than drafting a new one.

What can you do with PMP?​

  • Draft. Start with your measurements and draw each pattern piece.
  • Refine. Add fullness, move darts, add seam allowances, notches and fasteners.
  • Grade. Make the same pattern in a range of sizes, based on two sizes you draft.
  • Lay out. Arrange your pattern pieces on a picture of your fabric to see how much you need.
  • Output. Print your patterns or save them as PDF, PNG or SVG files.
  • Memorize. Redraft a finished pattern using a different set of measurements, with very little work.

Learn drafting with the Academy​

This manual shows you how to use each tool in PMP. It does not teach pattern drafting.

If you want to learn drafting itself, such as how to take measurements, what ease is, or how to build a basic bodice, use the PatternMaker Pro Academy. The Academy is a drafting book for anyone, whether or not they use PMP. Where PMP can do a step for you, the Academy page links to the manual page for that tool.

The two work together:

  • The Academy explains what to draw and why.
  • The Manual explains which tool to use and how to use it.

When a manual page needs some drafting background, it links to the Academy page that covers it.