The Cutting Table· notes from the drafting table
The Cutting Table
Guides for people who print, convert and cut patterns: DXF AAMA and pattern CAD, copy-shop and projector printing, and the marks every pattern piece carries.
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L1 · DXF & AAMAWhat Is a DXF AAMA File? The Apparel Pattern Format ExplainedDXF AAMA is the apparel-industry version of DXF. Learn what it adds to plain DXF (one block per piece, numbered layers, piece text) and who uses it.
A0 · PrintingHow to Print PDF Sewing Patterns: Home, Copy Shop or ProjectorHow to print PDF sewing patterns: tiled at home, one large sheet at a copy shop, or projected. The settings that keep scale, the test square and layers.
L7 · CAD & 3DHow to Import a DXF Pattern into CLO3D (AAMA/ASTM Settings)How to import a DXF pattern into CLO3D: File > Import > DXF (AAMA/ASTM), the Load Type, Scale and annotation options, seam allowance and checks after.
L1DXF & AAMA
L1 · DXF & AAMA · 6 minConverting a Multi-Size PDF Pattern to DXF: One Size or All?How multi size pattern DXF conversion works - nested size lines, colour and dash coding, extracting one size cleanly, and why graded nests rarely survive as-is.
L1 · DXF & AAMA · 6 minDXF AAMA vs ASTM: What's the Difference and Which Should You Export?DXF AAMA vs ASTM explained for pattern makers - where each came from, what actually differs inside the file, and which export option to choose for your CAD.
L1 · DXF & AAMA · 7 minDXF Pattern Won't Open (or Opens Empty)? 9 FixesDXF file not opening in your pattern CAD or CLO3D, or opening empty? Nine causes and fixes - units, layer 0, splines, blocks, encoding, DXF version.
L1 · DXF & AAMA · 7 minDXF Sewing Patterns: Where They Come From and How to Use ThemWhere DXF sewing patterns come from, what you can do with them (pattern CAD, 3D sampling, plotting, laser and fabric cutters) and what to check in the licence.
L1 · DXF & AAMA · 7 minDXF Units in Pattern Files: Why Your Pattern Imports 25.4× Too BigDXF units explained for pattern files: why a piece imports 25.4 or 10 times too big or small, how $INSUNITS works, and how to check scale with one known line.
L1 · DXF & AAMA · 6 minDXF vs PDF for Sewing Patterns: Which File Do You Actually Need?DXF vs PDF for sewing patterns: PDF is for printing and projecting, DXF for pattern CAD, 3D and cutters. When you need each, or both, and how to convert.
L7CAD & 3D
CAD & 3D
Getting patterns into CLO3D, Marvelous Designer, AccuMark, Optitex and friends.
All 17 articles →
L7 · CAD & 3D · 8 min3D Virtual Sampling for Small Brands: What You Need to Start3D virtual sampling for small brands: the pattern files, fabric data and avatar you need, where DXF fits, and what a 3D sample can and cannot replace.
L7 · CAD & 3D · 6 minBringing DXF AAMA Patterns into Lectra ModarisLectra DXF guide for Modaris: importing AAMA and ASTM pattern files, what transfers (outlines, notches, grain, internal lines), what does not, and scale fixes.
L7 · CAD & 3D · 6 minCan You Import a PDF Pattern into CLO3D? (Short Answer: Convert It First)CLO3D import PDF: why a printable sewing pattern PDF does not become usable pieces in CLO3D, what tracing can do, and the convert-to-DXF workflow.
L7 · CAD & 3D · 7 minCLO3D DXF Import Problems: Open Shapes, Wrong Scale, Missing PiecesCLO3D DXF import problems mapped to causes in the file: open shapes, wrong scale, missing or extra pieces, lost notches and grain, seam allowance reversed.
L7 · CAD & 3D · 6 minFree Pattern Making Software: 8 Options ComparedPattern making software, free options compared: Seamly2D, Valentina, FreeSewing, Inkscape, LibreCAD, ezdxf and the CLO3D and Marvelous Designer trials.
L7 · CAD & 3D · 7 minFrom Flat Pattern to 3D Sample in CLO3D: A Practical WorkflowDigital pattern making in CLO3D from a flat DXF: import, arrange around the avatar, sew, set fabric, simulate, check fit, then make 2D edits and export.
A0PRINTING
A0 · Printing · 6 min12 PDF Pattern Printing Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)Printing PDF sewing patterns goes wrong in 12 common ways: scaling, wrong paper size, skipped test squares, every size printed, taping errors. How to avoid each.
A0 · Printing · 6 minA0 vs A4 PDF Patterns: Which File Should You Print?A0 vs A4 sewing pattern files compared: page counts, assembly time, accuracy and cost factors, plus the US Letter and 36-inch roll equivalents.
A0 · Printing · 6 minChoosing a Projector for Sewing: Throw Distance, Brightness, MountingHow to choose the best projector for sewing patterns by criteria: throw ratio maths for your table, resolution per millimetre, brightness and mounting.
A0 · Printing · 7 minCopy Shop Printing for Sewing Patterns: What to Ask ForCopy shop printing for sewing patterns: how wide-format printers and roll widths work, what to check in the file, and an email template for 100 % scale.
A0 · Printing · 8 minHow to Assemble a PDF Sewing Pattern Without TearsHow to assemble PDF sewing patterns cleanly - trim or overlap, match marks, tape order, row-by-row gluing and the mistakes that throw off a whole pattern.
A0 · Printing · 7 minHow to Calibrate a Projector for Sewing PatternsHow to calibrate a projector for sewing: physical alignment, keystone, projecting a grid, setting 1:1 zoom, checking corners and diagonals, mat size.
L4PATTERN MARKS
Pattern marks
Seam allowance, notches, grain lines, darts and the symbols on a pattern.
All 16 articles →
L4 · Pattern marks · 8 minChecking a Pattern Before You Cut: A 10-Point Pattern Pieces CheckA 10-point pattern pieces check to run before cutting fabric: piece count, labels, grain, seam allowance, notches, seam lengths, scale and fold lines.
L4 · Pattern marks · 8 minDarts in Pattern Making: Marking, Sewing and Moving ThemDarts in pattern making: legs, point and take-up, how to mark and sew a dart, shape its seam allowance, move it around the apex, and how CAD stores it.
L4 · Pattern marks · 7 minEase in Pattern Making: Wearing Ease vs Design EaseEase in pattern making: wearing ease vs design ease, negative ease in knits, typical ranges, how to measure ease on a pattern and why it matters in 3D.
L4 · Pattern marks · 8 minGrain Line on a Sewing Pattern: How to Place It on FabricHow to place the grain line of a sewing pattern on fabric: measure to the selvedge at both ends, cut on bias or cross grain, and avoid twisted garments.
L4 · Pattern marks · 7 minGrainline vs Selvage vs Bias: A Clear ExplanationGrainline vs selvage vs bias explained: what each term means in woven and knit fabric, how each direction stretches, and why patterns use the grainline.
L4 · Pattern marks · 7 minHow to Add Seam Allowance to a Sewing Pattern (Paper, Illustrator, CLO3D)How to add seam allowance to a pattern on paper, with an offset path in Illustrator or Inkscape, and in CAD or CLO3D, plus fixing corners and dart ends.
L8DIGITIZING & GRADING
L8 · Digitizing & grading · 7 minDigitizing Vintage Sewing Patterns Without Damaging ThemHow to digitize vintage sewing patterns safely: handling old tissue, scanning in sections, keeping perforations and markings, and copyright questions.
L8 · Digitizing & grading · 9 minGrading by Hand vs in CAD: Speed, Accuracy and Cost of Pattern Grading SoftwareGrading by hand or with pattern grading software? Compare speed, accuracy and cost, the methods each uses, and when outsourcing makes sense.
L8 · Digitizing & grading · 8 minGrading Rules and Size Charts: From Measurements to IncrementsHow pattern grading rules come from a size chart: body increments, breaks, splitting girth between pieces and points, and building x/y rule tables, by example.
L8 · Digitizing & grading · 7 minHow to Digitize Paper Sewing Patterns: 5 Methods ComparedHow to digitize sewing patterns from paper: digitizer board, photo with calibration, scanner, tracing in a vector app, or a pro service. Accuracy, cost, effort.
L8 · Digitizing & grading · 6 minHow to Scan a Sewing Pattern (and Why Scans Aren't CAD-Ready)How to scan a sewing pattern: flatbed vs large-format scanners, resolution, stitching sections, checking distortion, and why a raster scan still needs tracing.
L8 · Digitizing & grading · 7 minHow to Trace a Sewing Pattern (and Keep All the Markings)How to trace a sewing pattern accurately: tools and paper, tracing one size, curves and fold lines, and transferring every notch, grain line and dart.
L14SOFTWARE & WORKFLOW
L14 · Software & workflow · 6 minAI and Pattern Making in 2026: What Works and What Doesn'tA realistic look at AI sewing pattern making software: where automation helps with conversion and sizing, and why drafting a fitted pattern is still hard.
L14 · Software & workflow · 7 minCAD in Fashion: What It's Used For, From Patterns to MarkersCAD in fashion explained: flats, textile CAD, 2D pattern CAD, 3D sampling, markers and PLM, who uses each, and where small teams should start.
L14 · Software & workflow · 6 minCLO3D for Beginners: The First Week With Real PatternsHow to use CLO3D for beginners, the practical way. A seven-day plan built on real imported patterns instead of drafting from scratch, with goals for each day.
L14 · Software & workflow · 6 minCLO3D vs Marvelous Designer: Which One for Garment Patterns?CLO3D vs Marvelous Designer for sewing patterns. Same cloth engine, different targets. How they compare on pattern accuracy, production output and licensing.
L14 · Software & workflow · 7 minDigital Pattern Making: A Practical Guide for 2026Digital pattern making in practice: drafting in CAD, digitizing paper, converting PDFs, the tools and formats, skills to learn and hybrid workflows.
L14 · Software & workflow · 6 minHow to Send Patterns to a Factory: Files, Formats and ChecksPattern files for a manufacturer, packaged properly. DXF AAMA, a reference PDF, the size set, file naming and the checks to run before you press send.
TXTFOR DESIGNERS
TXT · For designers · 7 minHow to Make PDF Sewing Patterns to SellHow to make PDF sewing patterns to sell, from a tested draft to tiled A4/Letter, A0 and projector files with size layers, test squares and an assembly map.
TXT · For designers · 7 minSelling Sewing Patterns Online: Formats, Platforms and LicencesHow to sell sewing patterns online: the file bundle to deliver, Etsy vs your own shop vs marketplaces, what goes in the licence, and handling piracy.
TXT · For designers · 7 minSewing Pattern Copyright: What You Can and Can't Do With a Pattern You BoughtSewing pattern copyright in plain terms: personal use, tracing, converting for your own use, sharing files and selling garments. General info, not legal advice.
TXT · For designers · 6 minThe PDF Pattern File Checklist for Indie DesignersWhat buyers expect from PDF sewing pattern companies, as a release checklist: A4, Letter, A0, projector, layers, cover page and test squares.