Which Patternmaker Features Are Right for You?

A Guide by User Type

If you’ve ever opened Patternmaker and wondered “Where do I start?” — you’re not alone. The truth is, Patternmaker wasn’t designed for everyone to use everything. Instead, it was crafted for multiple workflows, each tailored to different industries and professionals in pattern design. Here’s a quick guide to help you figure out which features of Patternmaker are perfect for your needs.

1. Custom Tailors & Theater Costumers

If your world revolves around made-to-measure garments, Patternmaker gives you full freedom to create bespoke patterns. You can:

  • Use macros as a shortcut to draft foundational patterns.
  • Save and reuse custom pattern files.
  • Access robust drawing and editing tools to modify patterns precisely to each client.

Grading isn’t typically part of your workflow — your artistry is in the custom fit, and Patternmaker’s tools let you master that effortlessly.

2. Manufacturers & Mass Producers

If you’re in large-scale garment production, your path looks a little different:

  • Start with a first pattern created in a standard size.
  • Use the grading feature to efficiently generate size ranges — saving what could be a whole day’s manual work!
  • Prepare markers to optimize fabric use on cutting tables, minimizing waste and maximizing profit.

Every manufacturer has its unique grading rule, which becomes part of your brand identity. Customers come back because your size 12 always fits them just right — and Patternmaker helps you maintain that consistency.

3. Home Sewists

For home enthusiasts, you probably want patterns that:

  • Are easy to follow.
  • Require minimal adjustments.
  • Fit well out of the box.

Patternmaker’s macro-generated patterns are a game-changer here, delivering customizable patterns without the need to master advanced patternmaking skills.

4. Pattern Publishers & Indie Designers

Publishing patterns for others? You’ll appreciate:

The Macro Generator, which turns your designs into customizable patterns.

  • The ability to include instructions and text directly within your patterns.
  • Create patterns using your measurement system that will be automatically adapted to the individual fit.
  • Automate complex drafting tasks (like adding darts programmatically).

You can even commercialize your designs by selling pattern macros that users can size to fit themselves — blending creativity with entrepreneurship.