Skip to main content
Align Layers Tool Icon

Align Layers Tool

What it Does​

Lines up two pattern pieces that are on different layers so that an edge of one meets an edge of the other. A layer is like a sheet of tracing paper that holds part of your drawing, and you can show, hide, move or turn a whole layer.

You choose a layer that stays and a layer that moves. You then pick two matching points, one on each layer. The tool moves the whole move layer so its target point lands on the stay target point. Then it turns the move layer so the two edges line up. You can also enter an overlap.

Use this when two pieces must join along an edge, such as a front and back at the shoulder.

Every point you click must be on the right layer. The two stay points must be on the layer that stays. The two move points must be on the layer that moves. If a point is on another layer, the tool names the layer it expects and keeps Continue disabled until you click a point on that layer.

warning

The move layer is moved for good when you select Save. Before then, Cancel puts it back. If you want to keep the old position, copy the layer first.

How to Use​

  1. Activate the tool by selecting the Align Layers icon
  2. Select the layer that stays in its current position
  3. Select the layer that moves to line up with the first layer
  4. Click the target point on the layer that stays, then select Continue
  5. Click the matching target point on the layer that moves, then select Continue
  6. Click the end point connected to the target point on the layer that stays, then select Continue. The layers line up along this edge, and any overlap happens here
  7. Click the end point connected to the target point on the layer that moves, then select Continue
  8. The move layer jumps into place in the workspace
  9. Enter the Overlap in the unit shown, or leave it at 0 for none, then select Continue
  10. If you entered an overlap and it is on the wrong side, select Other Side
  11. Select Save to keep the change, or Cancel to leave without moving the layer
info

The target points show where the layers meet. The end points show which edge of each piece lines up. You can type a number or a formula for the overlap. See Entering Values.

🧠Memorization

When you memorize a draft, the alignment is remembered along with the points you picked, the overlap and the side you chose.