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Add Layout Tool Icon

Add Layout Tool

What it Does​

Makes a new layout, which is a picture of your fabric. You place your pattern pieces on it to see how much fabric you need. See Calculating Fabric Needed.

You give the layout a name and the width of your fabric, and you choose which side of the fabric to show. The layout starts one yard long (or one meter, if you use metric units). It grows or shrinks later as you arrange pieces on it.

Use this when you want to plan the cutting for one fabric. Make a separate layout for each fabric, such as your main fabric and your lining.

How to Use​

  1. Activate the tool by clicking the Add Layout icon
  2. Enter a Name for the new layout, then select Continue
  3. Enter the Width of your fabric, in the unit shown
  4. Select the fabric background:
    • Right Side shows a pale beige fabric. This is selected to start
    • Wrong Side shows a light grey fabric
    • Interfacing shows a fabric with slanted grey strokes
  5. Select Preview to see the fabric in the workspace
  6. If you cannot see the fabric, pan the workspace to the upper left corner
  7. Change the width or the background and select Preview again if you want to try something else
  8. Select Save to keep the layout, or Cancel to discard it
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The left and right edges of the fabric are labeled "Selvage". The selvage is the finished edge of the fabric. To plan pieces cut on a fold, see the Edit Layout Tool.

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Everything in a layout is shown at one quarter of its real size. This lets more of it fit in the workspace.

Next, add your pieces with the Add Pattern to Layout Tool. Your pieces must first be made with the Create Pattern for Layout Tool.

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The layout needs a name, and the fabric width must be greater than 0. If not, a message asks you to enter one and nothing changes.