Computerizing your pattern drafting

Sep 032011
 

There are several vector graphics programs out that will work to draft patterns on screen. Adobe Illustrator and Corel Draw are two of the common ones available commercially. Inkscape is an open source free alternative that can also do the job it just depends on your skills and budget.

Personally I use Corel Draw and have since version 4. Corel Draw has come a long way since then and I’m currently using version 12 which I love and fits my budget. The newer versions I’m sure have more bells and whistles but I only need a few tools.

Plain lines

Plain curves

Bezier curves

Shapes variety

Contours

Line thickness

Measurement tools

Node edits

Zoom

Layers

Colors

PDF file formatting

Text both art and paragraph

I’ll go into some of these tools in more depth soon. Illustrator and Inkscape have these common tools as well and there are likely other vector programs that I don’t know about. If you have a favorite drop me a line in the comments below.

Sue Darby
~www.suestinycostumes.com

NEW! Find me on FaceBook Sue's Tiny Costumes

Quick & easy tip

Nov 152010
 

Sewing on buttons, hooks & snaps can be tricky and if not done right can look horrible after a while. Threads has a great tutorial resource that gives great tips for beautiful hooks, snaps and buttons! I just had to share it as it applies to all kinds of sewing not just dolls!

Sue Darby
~www.suestinycostumes.com

NEW! Find me on FaceBook Sue's Tiny Costumes

French Curves for Dolls

Sep 032010
 

Ever wondered where to get small pattern drafting tools suitable for doll clothes pattern making? You can find a French Curve Set fairly easily actually. After some quick looking

around I found a great set that works not only for dolls but if you sew for yourself can actually come in handy for drafting full size patterns as well!

Why would you want a curve set when found items work just as well? I have found that you can get better results with the smooth edges of an actual French Curve Set versus using a plate, plastic tape dispenser, the curve of your mouse, various coins, jars and other interesting oddities. With a set like this one or more of the curves is very likely to fit what you need and it’s easy to use them to quickly draw the line smoothly. Over time I’ve bought each curve individually and wish I could have found a set like this before now!

This is one of those indispensable items for the doll nut who loves to design and draft or just alter patterns for dolls!

Sue Darby
~www.suestinycostumes.com

NEW! Find me on FaceBook Sue's Tiny Costumes

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