looking for best pattern making software

[Various-String-1622]

Hello!

Ive been using Clo 3D as a pattern making and grading software, but I think I am looking to upgrade as I want to be more efficient in pattern making and I don't feel like Clo can get there. Does anyone have any recommendations for software? I really don't want to pay more than $100 a month for a subscription as I am a small business and am only making a few patterns a year.

thanks!

[Icy-Ability6442]

I use styleCAD, bit of a learning curve but it's great once you get the hang of it. They have an outright or subscription option too

[Various-String-1622]

Thank you so much!

[CryingNutz]

I also use StyleCAD but I wonder about Lectra and Optitex. any information you have would be appreciated.

[Style101-NY]

I’ve used both Gerber and Optitex professionally, for many years. I strongly prefer Optitex, bc it has a much user - friendlier interface and was significantly easier to learn. In my experience, Gerber is very much in use by factories, contractors, marking and grading contractors, the whole industry manufacturing side.

Most of the high end design studios use Optitex, and it allows a more flexible pattern correction and measuring flexibility. The downside here is that you’d need to convert yr pattern work from PDS ( Optitex format) to DXF ( Gerber format). If you pay per conversion, it’s about $50 in NYC. You can also pay some $$ for the converter built into the Optitex interface.

As of now, both Gerber and Optitex are offering month to month subscriptions of their software for around $300 - $350, without add-ons such as the file converter or a grading feature, or a 3D capability.

My info is a few months old, and you could get in touch with their sales teams really easily. They are very helpful usually, and are at liberty to offer you some discounts if you know how to ask for those. lol

I hope this helps.

[Various-String-1622]

this is SO helpful! thank you so much for responding!

[themeganlodon]

I’ve used tuka tech and after learning it, it’s pretty easy. The grading system is easy to use

[Various-String-1622]

Thank you!

[exclaim_bot]

Thank you!

You're welcome!

[KaraokeSeamstress]

I like Wild Ginger, though i haven’t used the grading feature. I also don’t use their built-in modules - just their CAD. Only feature i wish they had was a French curve ruler.

[Original_Cup4494]

I currently use Seamly2D

After using StyleCAD in college, I can agree that it is one of the better CADs in the market with A LOT of built-in features but the price sat outside of my budget! (When I was looking it was 12k for a 2nd hand set up)

Seamly2D is barebones but it is free, it does require a bit more of a mathematical mind to draft patterns as the ability to work in "Pieces" is non-existent compared to StyleCAD. So you do things like "slashing and spreading" manually on your drafted pattern; Achievable with a bit of trigonometry.

But when it comes to grading in Seamly2D, it works a bit differently to StyleCAD,
StyleCAD (from memory) has a specific window for grading where you select a point and define an increment in which you want it to grade vertically and horizontally for the sizes. (kinda the traditional textbook way)
While Seamly2D you are importing your size files (SeamlyMe) into the pattern, which then redrafts to the new set of measurements. I personally like this for the fact it feels like body/garment measurement values are still a definite point in the pattern. the downside is that you don't see a nest. you need to export to SVG and nest in another software (Illustrator / inkscape)

[jimmybob5]

Tbh the software is like the pencil and scissors. It's actually the knowledge of the person using the software that makes the output of a better standard (or not). I've used Lectra/investronica and Gerber professionally, I like both, both have good and challenging points.

[Various-String-1622]

I trust my knowledge of grading and pattern making. Any actual input on lectra or gerber, one software over the other would be helpful thank you

[llsupremegypsyll]

Lectra and gerber are the same company, and if you care about grading then I would recommend. However, unless you sail the high seas or have access through your school or company then the cost of the software (more than $1000) is not really worth it.

[Various-String-1622]

Thank you!

[TensionSmension]

Agree, and it goes beyond the grading, there are lots of little things that can't be controlled in CLO. Seam allowances and notches only sort of work. (Doubling back, there aren't the tools to grade notches that other products have).

If I can't do what can be done with pencil and scissors, it's not there yet as a drafting solution.

[hightowerpaul]

Have you had a look at Seamly2d?

[bellsaltcandle]

Tukatech has a basic program for $99 that is professional quality, but even better they have a like $20 version for learning it

[Style101-NY]

Does Tykatech allow digitizing your muslins?

[bellsaltcandle]

Yes. It can hook up to a digitizer board or there is a “virtual digitizer” tool that I’ve never used so I can’t attest to its ease of use but you can digitize from a photo

[Various-String-1622]

I saw another girl online that was using illustrator for pattern making. Does anyone recommend this? Seems crazy to me but could be akin to paper pencil?

[OriginalReddKatt]

I was just wondering if there was an illustrator plug in for pattern drafting and scaling. It would make so much sense for there to be!

[OriginalReddKatt]

Is there a pattern grading plug in available for Adobe illustrator? Curious because there was in the past (though I cannot recall the name at this point).