All That You Should Know About Pattern Grading

Pattern grading in the apparel or fashion industry is the process of converting a sample size into smaller and bigger sizes by using a size specification sheet or grading increments. It does not generate a new shape; it only alters the size of the garment’s actual shape. There are a variety of systems involved in this procedure. 

If you are thinking to turn your base size into additional sizes, you can consult professional clothing sample makers who will be able to assist you in this process. Initially, patterns are manufactured only in one single size. The pattern parts are then increased or decreased to build a whole variety of sizes that suits diverse body shapes and sizes while maintaining fit, balance, style, and shape at the same time. Below is the list of the tools that are used by experts for pattern grading.

1. Awl

2. Parallel rules

3. Carpenters pencil

4. Proportional divider

5. French curve

6. Arm Hole curve

7. Tailors square

8. Measuring Tape

9. Grade Ruler

10. Notch Maker

11. Colour sketch pens or pencils

Methods of Pattern Grading

Three basic forms are used by specialists. The goal of each method is to provide dimensionally accurate patterns. Let’s take a brief look at each of the methods.

- Cut and spread method: It is considered to be the easiest manual method for professionals. It involves cutting the design and spreading the pieces to the correct size.

- Pattern shifting method: It is also a type of manual technique used by experts. The fundamentals of this method are left, right, up, and down. To increase the size of the pattern, the new dimensions are put onto another sheet of paper.

- Computer grading: It is the fastest method that is done on a digital platform by using CAD systems.

Pattern grading is a complex process so it is important to consult experts or professionals if you are planning out a clothing line.

Pattern Grading – A Tool to Make Cloth of Different Sizes

If a person is interested in making clothes and fashion designing, they can benefit themselves extremely from the pattern grading process. In this process people use the base size material to make large or small, shaping material. The garment industry has seen a huge hike in the recent decade. People are more interested in flaunting their body in the clothes that best suits them. furthermore, in ancient times there was no scope for the people to have a huge or extremely thin structure. 

The tailors used to make clothes for a fixed body type. The importance of pattern making in fashion industry is unremarkable. The designers can make clothes of different sizes because of this technique. The pattern is a single piece of paper or cardboard with certain measurements. The experts cut the clothes by keeping this tool with them and taking its appropriate measurement. Generally, every top, dress, bottom wear, etc., are made of a different pattern. One cannot use the base of bottom wear to make tops. 

The pattern making process includes three techniques. Firstly, flat pattern drawing – in this method the professionals take the tool and convert it into a 3D shape with muslin fabric. This fabric is later transferred to the papers. Second is the drafting technique – people use this method to create the initial designs. Lastly, fashion draping – the experts drape the muslin over the mannequin to create a visual form of the dress. A majority of the garment companies are using this product to make the garment for their various customers having different body type.  

The designers mark the tracing on the cloth according to the shape of the pattern. The measure, cut and assemble the fabric to make a whole length dress. If you are a person who loves cloth making and want others to wear your design, then you can invest in these materials. The experts use this object as a standard drawing for making the garment. One can also say this tool is the blueprint of the actual product.