What is Pattern in Garment Industry?
Pattern is a hard paper which is made by containing all the specifications of each and individual parts. Normally patterns are those parts which are equal and same as every parts of a garment made with flat, hard-board paper. Patterns are made for every different parts of a garment. In other words, patterns are the representative templates of the individual parts of a garment which is used to cut out fabric that matches the required specifications to sew a garment.
Pattern is essential for giving actual fitting of garment. Fit is the most important factor leading to the final acceptance or rejection of a garment. Good customized fit is dependent on the pattern drafting incorporating various shapes and proportions of the individual customer.
Types of Pattern in Garment Construction
Pattern making is an art. It is the art of manipulating and shaping a flat piece of fabric to conform to one or more curves of the human figure. It is a bridge function between design and production. The process of pattern making for garment design and production is complex and diverse. The principles and the rules of pattern making for garment development in particular have developed according to a range of trade methods such as tailoring, draping, block or sloper construction, or pattern drafting.
The pattern which is used in garment industry are as follows:
- Basic block or Block pattern
- Working Pattern or Garment Pattern
A. Basic block or Block pattern:
It is the individual component of garments without any style or design. It is produced according to exact dimension of standard body measurement for different age group and gender. In case of basic block pattern no allowance is considered.
It is made by two methods:
- Flat method
- Modeling method
B. Working Pattern or Garment Pattern:
Garments pattern or working pattern is made on the basic of block. Individual block pattern are drawn on hard paper or mount board. Alternate; sewing allowance, trimming allowance, Button hole, centre front line, center back line, button attaching, dart, pleat, Notch, shrinkage of the fabric, etc are added with the copied pattern. Working pattern are needed for each an every part of the garments.
Uses of Pattern in Garment Industry
For creating clothing items, pattern plays a vital role in the garment industry as they serve as the blueprint. The uses of patterns in the garment industry are essential for both the design and production processes.
Here I mentioned some of the key uses of pattern in apparel indsutry:
1. Design Development:
Patterns help fashion designers turn their sketches or design into real garments. A pattern provides the prototype creation like shape, structure, and proportions needed to construct a garment. Patterns are used to ensure the garment fits, different body types and sizes.
2. Efficiency in Production:
In bulk manufacturing, patterns are used to streamline production. To minimize fabric cutting waste manufacturers use garment pattern, which improves efficiency and reduces costs.
3. Customization:
Patterns can be adjusted or altered to meet specific customer needs, whether for special sizes or unique garment designs. Using patterns that are modified for the customer’s requirements.
4. Quality Control:
When patterns are used, each piece of the garment is made with the same measurements and specifications. It also ensuring that every part of the garment fits together correctly.
5. Fabric Cutting:
During the cutting process, proper pattern design ensures minimal fabric wastage. Multiple layers of fabric can be cut at once using patterns, which increases speed in production.
6. Cost Management:
By using garment patterns, manufacturers can reduce fabric waste, making the production process more cost-effective.
7. Pattern Grading:
Grading involves creating different pattern sizes based on the original pattern, ensuring a good fit for a variety of body shapes and sizes. This is essential for brands that produce a full range of sizes (e.g., from XS to plus sizes).
8. Technological Use:
In modern garment manufacturing, patterns are often created and altered by using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. It helps to easily adjust patterns for different sizes or styles. Computer-aided design (CAD) was initially developed as an interactive computer design system for the textile industry, then introduced into apparel for pattern making and grading, and has been further developed for fashion and clothing design. 3D Pattern Visualization software can simulate how patterns will look on a real body. Before production begins it helps to designers assess fit and movement.
9. Pattern Making for Different Garment Types:
Patterns are used for different types of garments such as shirts, pants, dresses, outerwear, and accessories. Each type of garment design requires its own specific pattern and considerations in terms of fit, fabric type, and design details.
10. Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness:
Patterns are used to ensure that fabrics are used efficiently, helping reduce environmental impact by minimizing waste. Some designers are exploring patterns that produce zero fabric waste and also enhancing the sustainability of garment production.
Conclusion
Patterns are the basic elements of the garment industry. It serves as templates for cutting fabric into specific shapes before assembling them into finished garments. Without working pattern garment manufacturing are impossible. It ensures that garments meet the desired specifications, fit well, and can be mass-produced cost-effectively. Pattern plays a crucial role in the garment industry by ensuring precision, consistency, and efficiency in garment manufacturing.
Editor of Fashion2Apparel. She is a fashion designer and ex-lecturer in Fashion Designing. She wants to spread fashion knowledge throughout the world.
