What to look for
I can't answer that for you. What you need and want depends on how you work and how comfortable you are using (or learning to use) this kind of tool.
The only way to really find out is to experiment. You can't ask for what you don't know exists and chances are any of the pattern making solutions available has some features you wouldn't have imagined.
When I first looked for pattern making software I wanted a solution that offers
- an elegant way to handle my client measurments/made to measure patterns
- full editing capabilities for patterns created from a base pattern and/or the ability to draft patterns from scratch
- the possibility to print patterns on a regular home printer
When I researched again about 4 years ago I also wanted professional grading functionality for standard size patterns.
Links to the pattern making solutions I find worth checking out:
Generic tools that can be used for pattern making
- AutoCad – https://www.autodesk.com/
- Adobe Illustrator- https://www.adobe.com/products/illustrator.html?promoid=PGRQQLFS&mv=other If you're tempted to go that route you might want to check out this course by Melly Sews.
They are an interesting option if you know and use them already. If not, if you have to spend money and time learning I think there are better alternatives. You can draft patterns with them but don't expect any sewing pattern specific functionality like adding, moving, closing darts, grading, adding seam allowances in one click etc.
Pattern Making Software for Sewing Professionals
- Wildginger has a range of products. I've used them for years and definitely recommend checking them out – http:www.wildginger.com
- PatternMaker looks interesting – https://www.patternmakerusa.com/
- A European reseller of Patternmaker (with a better website) – http://www.patternmade4you.com
- FashionCad – an Aussie company with an interesting product and a very old website – http://www.fashioncad.net/
- Patroneo KEY – a Spanish product that's definitely worth a look (they do have the website in English) – https://www.apasarafashiontechnology.com/
The Ferraris
(who don't consider us ideal clients but that won't stop us from drooling over the solutions they offer)
- Optitex – http://optitex.com/
- Gerber – http://www.gerbertechnology.com/
- Gemini – https://www.geminicad.com/fashion-apparel/
- Gerber – http://www.gerbertechnology.com/fashion-apparel/
- Lectra – https://www.lectra.com/en/fashion-apparel/product-development-modaris
The Open Source Solution
Valentina – http://valentina-project.org/
It's free and that's obviously good news but most open source solutions don't offer much in terms of support and learning help, if you have a problem you're on your own. Sometimes there is an active and helpful forum (I like what I've seen for Valentina) but if the developers decide at some point to ditch the project there won't be any support at all. I'm not trying to scare you off, just pointing out that free software comes at a cost, especially given that a project like Valentina isn't likely to gain as much traction as WordPress.
There isn't much in the user manual (typical for open source projects .. nobody likes writing that 🙂 .. I know, I used to be a software developer ..) but there are a number of short video tutorials in their youtube chanel that look helpful and a more detailed tutorial here.
I've not used it yet but it looks super interesting so I've downloaded it and will give it a spin. If I still think it's worth investing the time to really learn it I'm going to share the process and help anyone along who also wants to learn. If you're curious and want to follow along what I'll discover enter your name and email below and I'll keep you updated.
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If you know of a product that is worth being added to the list please leave a comment and share it. It might just be the perfect fit for someone.
