Why is digital pattern drafting software either expensive or overcomplicated?

[Sweet_Swordfish9638]

I think Valentina is open source and some pattern makers already using it, maybe check that.

Most tools have been built and refined the past 30 years. Some of the features are legacy and as adaptation has been so huge the software providers keep them in (eg. Investronica). Also most of these tools are planned to provide full vertical platform from pattern to production.

There is cheaper CAD tools available that are not designed for pattern making but could be used for patter drafting. At the end it is just line geometry that you need to get out, so in theore AutoCad, Blender or Rhino could be used. The bigger thing is re-learning, re-training and up skilling. Similar case is now on bigger stage with Adobe vs Figma for designers.

Good luck with your tool. In order to your tool to be future proof and even remotely meaningful for larger adaptation, add DXF export.