Add Grainline Tool

What it Does

Adds a grainline to every size of a grading set at once. A grainline is a line with arrows that shows how to line the piece up with the threads of the fabric. You place it on the base pattern, and the tool places a matching grainline on each of the other sizes.

You can draw a new vertical, horizontal or bias grainline, or turn a line you already drew into one. A bias grainline runs at 45 degrees to the fabric threads.

To learn more about grainlines and other pattern markings, see Pattern Markings & Annotations in the Academy.

How to Use

1. Select a pattern set with the Activate Base Pattern tool (only needed once per set)
2. Activate the tool by clicking the Add Grainline icon
3. Select the type of grainline, then select Continue. It is added to every size:
   • Horizontal
   • Vertical
   • On Bias
   • Convert Existing Line
4. Place the grainline on the base pattern:
   • Vertical: click in the workspace to locate the top of the grainline
   • Horizontal: click in the workspace to locate the left end of the grainline
   • On Bias: click in the workspace to locate the center of the grainline
   • Convert Existing Line: select the line you want to convert. The matching line on each size is converted too
5. Select Continue. For a new grainline, the tool moves the placement on each other size using the nearby paired points, so the grainline follows the size
6. For a new grainline, enter the length. You can type a number or a formula. A formula is worked out separately on each size
7. Select Preview to see the grainlines
8. Select Show All Sizes to check the other sizes. Select Show Base Only to go back
9. Select Save to keep the grainlines or Cancel to abort

If you chose Convert Existing Line, there is no length to enter and no Preview. The lines are converted when you select Continue. Check them with Show All Sizes, then select Save.

warning

If the length cannot be worked out for a size, or is not greater than zero, the tool lists those sizes and they get no grainline.