Patterns for garments

Patterns for garments

Patterns for clothing construction are shapes of garment parts, cut out of paper.

Uses of patterns in garment construction:
1. Patterns are used to direct or guide the cutting of fabric.
2. They prevent serious mistakes in dress-making.
3. The prevent waste of time in dress-making.
4. They make sewing easy.
5. They reduce trial and error in sewing.
6. They prevent waste of fabric.

There are basically different types of patterns - the drafted and the commercial patterns.
Commercial patterns: These are designed and made to fit standard figure types using specific body measurements.

Advantages of commercial patterns:
1. They make sewing easy and accurate to body measurements.

2. They are made in many different styles and designs.

3. They have instruction sheets which show how to lay out, cut the fabric and make up the garment.

4. Each pattern envelope contains information on the type and quantity of fabric needed. It also states the sewing notions (such as zip or button) needed.

5. It saves time and reduces mistakes in garment-making.

Disadvantages of commercial patterns:
1. They are expensive.
2. They are not easily or really available.
3. They often require alteration or adjustment to fit the user's size.
4. They are light and can tear easily.