Back in January I decided that I was going to take some pattern making classes so that I could learn how to make my own patterns. I signed up for Pattern Making I at the Fashion Institute of South Florida and my pattern making journey began. On my 1st day of class I received a bag full of pattern making essentials and I wanted to share what I received.
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Alright, lets get right into the bag full of goodies I recieved during my 1st day of pattern making class at The Fashion Institute of South Florida. I can honestly say I’ve used every single one of these items during class and are essential for your success for pattern making. Below are links to some of my pattern making tools.
Pattern Making Tools
These tools are essential for pattern making because these tools help in marking pattern paper as well as oak tag paper. My favorite of these is the point tracing wheel and the notcher. This tracing wheel is seriously pointy and marks your tracing paper effortlessly.
Rulers
Rulers are another group of pattern making tools that are a must. You need an L shaped ruler to square lines on your pattern and I’m excited to add this to my tool kit because I’ve never used before! Also, the one I have linked comes with a self curing mat. Who doesn’t like a 2 for 1?
Pattern Drafting Paper
Also, essential is pattern drafting paper as well as oak tag paper. I love this dotted marking paper because the marks are spread out perfectly 1″ apart. Certainly makes drawing straight lines a lot easier. Oak tag paper is used to put your finished patterns on. It is very thick paper and lasts a lot longer.
Scissors
You obviously need scissors in pattern making but these PGM Professional Tailor Scissors are perfect for cutting oak tag paper. Oak tag can be hard to cut with regular scissors so using these heavy duty scissors work pretty well.
Marking Tools
Marking tools are obvi also essential, but you need the correct marking tools. Using mechanical pencils while drafting your patterns helps in making more precise lines. Also helps that you don’t have to sharpen your pencil when your lead breaks. I also purchased the mechanical pencil linked below that comes with colored lead. When making patterns you may need to re-draw your lines and having a different colored lead helps.
I hope you found my list of pattern making essential tools useful.
Until Next time,
Johanna
