Pattern grading is the process of turning base size or sample size into different sizes. This concept is an essential topic in fashion-related courses, as it allows designers to make popular dress patterns in various sizes. It is essential in the fashion and garment industry as they make clothes of various sizes, as everyone is of different sizes.
Pattern grading is necessary for a designer as it helps them make garments that can be donned by people with different body shapes and sizes. Traditionally this process was done manually, but now various software help. They would be able to perform better than humans and provide desired results. The increments are referred to as garment grading rules, differ from market area to market area, and each level has different rules.
This concept plays a crucial role while approaching sample manufacturers or factories because they need exact measurements for specific patterns for ordering garments. This technique determines how one dress fits all sizes. It does not create a shape but increases or decreases the size of the original shape. Having different sizes for each garment fills out the minimum garment order cost-effectively.
Generally, a pattern is developed in one size and is graded up and down to fit all the standard sizes. Cut and spread, Pattern shifting and computer grading are the three methods used for grading. The three methods have their positives and negatives, so one cannot be superior to others.
This technique is quite beneficial to fashion houses because they can launch popular products in various sizes so that more and more product can own them. It could be beneficial in boosting sales, mainly if the label produces hard-to-get sizes more frequently. Such customers would prefer to visit the store, next time they intend to shop. It is never easy to take up the job; professional training would indeed be needed as it would help in proper judgment.
