Add Seam Allowance to Pattern Tool

What it Does

Draws the cutting line around a pattern piece on every size of a grading set at once. Use this when the base pattern is finished and you are ready to add the cutting line to all sizes.

You select the closed shape on the base pattern. A closed shape is a set of lines and curves that join end to end and return to where they began. The tool then adds a seam allowance line outside the matching shape on each size.

On each size, the new seam allowance takes that size's grading style. Your original lines become a thin dashed sewing line. Each size ends up with both a sewing line and a cutting line.

The new seam allowance is made of separate lines, one for each edge. If a corner or curve needs adjusting, you can edit or redraw that one piece without changing the rest.

To learn more about seam allowances, see Seam Allowances in the Academy.

How to Use

1. Select a pattern set with the Activate Base Pattern tool. You only need to do this once per set.
2. Activate the tool by clicking the Add Seam Allowance to Pattern icon.
3. Select the lines and curves of the base pattern that form a closed shape, then select Continue. The seam allowance is added to every size.
4. If the tool says the shape is not closed:
   • The toolbox lists the disconnected points and lines or curves.
   • Select Reset, then choose lines and curves that connect end to end.
5. If the seam allowance is inside the pattern, select Other Side to move it to the outside on every size.
6. Select Show All Sizes to check the seam allowance on the other sizes. Select Show Base Only to go back.
7. Select Save to keep the seam allowance on every size or Cancel to close the tool without changes.

warning

Every point in the shape must connect exactly two selected lines or curves. If there are gaps or extra lines, the tool cannot add the seam allowance.