Resize vs Scale — Choosing the Right Tool
You can resize of scale patterns using PatternMaker. Sometimes inspiration—or necessity—comes from paper: a vintage pattern, a textbook illustration, or a hand-drafted block you trust. While a computer mouse cannot reliably trace distances on its own, Patternmaker 7.5 offers a practical workaround.
Resize or scale using the Background Image Method
If you don’t have a digitizing tablet, you can:
Scan or photograph the pattern
Set the image as a background image in Patternmaker
Draw your pattern pieces directly on top of it
This allows you to visually trace shapes while using CAD tools for accuracy.
Two Critical Rules
1. Background images have no inherent scale
Their size depends entirely on your zoom level. After tracing, you must scale your drawing to real measurements.
2. Do not zoom or pan while tracing
Changing the view mid-trace causes different sections to be drawn at different scales—leading to distortion.
Scaling to Real Size
If you know a reference measurement (for example, a center-front line that should be 24 cm):
- Use Resize or Scale
- Select the “X/Y = measure” option
- Click the two endpoints
- Enter the real measurement
Patternmaker calculates the correct scale automatically.
This technique bridges traditional resources and modern digital precision.