Add Clip Marks Tool

What it Does

Marks where to cut into the seam allowance of a curved seam, on every size of a grading set at once, so the seam lies flat when it is sewn and turned. Use this on curves such as necklines and armholes, after you have added the seam allowance.

There are two kinds of mark:

• Clip (concave): a short straight cut into the seam allowance. Use it on a curve that curves inward, like a neckline.
• Wedge (convex): a small V cut out of the seam allowance. Use it on a curve that curves outward, like the outer edge of a collar.

The tool places the marks for you, about 30 mm (1 1/4") apart. The first and last marks are about 25 mm (1") in from the ends of the line. Each mark stops 3 mm (1/8") short of the seam line, so it never cuts into the stitching.

To learn more about clips and wedges, 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 Clip Marks icon
3. Select one or more lines or curves on the base pattern to mark, then select Continue
4. Select the type of mark, Clip (concave) or Wedge (convex), then select Continue. The marks are added to the matching lines on every size
5. Select Other Side if the marks are drawn inside the pattern. They belong between the sewing line and the cut edge of the seam allowance
6. Select Show All Sizes to check the other sizes. Select Show Base Only to go back
7. Select Save to keep the marks or Cancel to abort

Add the seam allowance first

Use the Add Seam Allowance tool on the lines and curves before you add clip marks. The depth of each mark comes from the seam allowance width of each line.

info

The marks are drawn in a layer named "Clip Markers" on each size. If some of the selected lines cannot be found on a size, a message lists those sizes. The lines that were found are still marked.