What if the best pattern drafting software is shockingly underrated?
Digital pattern drafting is the process of creating sewing patterns with the aid of modern and specialized computer software– 2D or 3D instead of traditional methods involving paper and pencil. This approach allows designers to draft, modify, and grade patterns with precision, as well as implement a more efficient process.
One of the many reasons for drafting patterns is for profit. The concept of selling patterns, however, is not new. People have sold paper patterns delivered in envelopes for well over a century. With digital advancements, people shifted to selling digital patterns instead. To be fair, what’s there not to like? Consumers save money on delivery charges, get their patterns delivered immediately to their inbox, and have a soft copy that can last a lifetime while getting multiple uses from the same pattern.
Well, I got into digital pattern drafting because I simply love making patterns and I couldn’t do that in my smallish room in school. As you may know, drafting manually can occupy space and get messy. Regardless, I needed to be able to draft anywhere and at any time I felt like it. Digital pattern-making became the perfect solution!
The Industry standards I found online are Adobe Illustrator, Gerber AccuMark, CLO3D, AutoCAD, and the like. However, I let my fears limit me for too long that I didn’t start. I got Adobe Illustrator Software in 2023 and didn’t go through with learning until very recently. Frankly, the interface intimidated me. Thankfully, I’ve moved past that stage, and I’m now close to completing my first course on pattern drafting in Adobe Illustrator. Want to hear my thoughts on it?
What Is the Best Pattern Drafting Software?
I wish someone had explained exactly what I needed to look out for in a pattern drafting software maybe I would have decided sooner. Not only was I intimidated, but I was also confused. On top of that, I was worried I would invest my time and energy learning what wouldn’t fit into my workflow.
Now, here’s what I would suggest you look for in any pattern drafting software:
- Ease of use
- Customization and precision
- Sufficient features and tools
- Cost-effectiveness
- Community and support
Seamly2D checked all my boxes and I am grateful for stumbling upon a random Reddit comment praising this software.
Why Seamly2D Deserves More Recognition
Seamly2D is an open-source 2D pattern drafting software designed for creating precise and customizable sewing patterns. It integrates with SeamlyME, a measurement database that enables patterns to be adapted to individual body measurements. Seamly2D works in three modes– Draft, Piece, and Layout.
Here are the unbeatable pros Seamly2D offers:
- Open Source and Free: Unlike many other paid options, Seamly2D is accessible to everyone.
- Parametric Approach: This advanced customization allows measurements to be adjusted dynamically to fit different sizes without redrawing the pattern. This is different from a vector-based approach.
- Accuracy and Precision: It offers measurement-based pattern scaling, ideal for professional scaling.
- Pattern-esque features: Built with features like seam allowances, notches, labels, and grainline inclusion which can be found in the piece mode.
- Active Community: A growing community of users and developers improving the software.
Comparing Seamly2D with Other Popular Software
| Feature | Seamly2D | Adobe Illustrator (with plugins) | CorelDRAW (with plugins) |
| Pattern Drafting Method | Parametric & formula-based drafting | Manual vector-based drawing | Manual vector-based drawing |
| Precision & Accuracy | Highly precise with automatic measurement adjustments | Moderate, requires manual adjustments | Moderate, requires manual adjustments |
| Multi-Size Grading | Yes, automatic & scalable | No built-in grading, needs manual scaling | No built-in grading, needs manual scaling |
| Seam Allowances | Auto-generated with full control | Requires manual addition or third-party plugins | Requires manual addition or third-party plugins |
| Notches & Markings | Easily added and adjustable | Manual, needs extra steps | Manual, needs extra steps |
| Measurement System | Links to SeamlyME for custom sizing | Static, must input each size manually | Static, must input each size manually |
| File Export Options | SVG, DXF, PDF, AAMA, etc. | AI, SVG, DXF, PDF (limited CAD support) | CDR, SVG, DXF, PDF (limited CAD support) |
| Cost | Free & Open Source | Expensive (subscription-based) | Expensive (one-time license) |
| Ease of Use | Designed specifically for pattern making | General design software, requires adaptation | General design software, requires adaptation |
| Community & Support | Active open-source community, free tutorials | Adobe support, but limited pattern-making resources | Corel support, but limited pattern-making resources |
Why Seamly2D Is Still Underrated
Seamly2D is a gem, and I hope that by writing about it, I can help raise awareness in this little way of the powerful potential and possibilities this software has to offer. From my personal experience, there are a few areas where the software could be more user-friendly:
- Backspace functionality: The ability to remove or go back a point using the backspace key would improve workflow.
- Zooming controls: Zooming in and out shouldn’t be limited to clicking within the software—it would be more convenient if it worked with a three-button mouse.
- Pattern overlaying: Seamly2D doesn’t currently support overlaying patterns, though users can easily refine their patterns in Inkscape, another free software.
Despite its potential, Seamly2D isn’t as widely recognized, and I believe these factors contribute to that:
- Limited marketing and brand recognition
- The misconception that free software lacks professional capabilities
- A somewhat steep learning curve for some beginners
- A shortage of tutorials and full courses on learning platforms like YouTube, Udemy, etc.
With better visibility and resources, Seamly2D could gain the recognition it deserves.
Conclusion: Is Seamly2D the Best Pattern Drafting Software for You?
You might be wondering whether learning Seamly2D is worth your time. But here’s the thing—it doesn’t take as long as you might think, and I truly believe it’s worth investing in a new skill.
Seamly2D is great for fashion designers, pattern makers, sewing enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a free, open-source alternative to commercial pattern drafting software.
I’m still exploring Seamly2D myself, and hopefully, I’ll be posting updates on how I graded my patterns based on colors using other software.
I encourage you to give it a try—maybe commit a week or two and see for yourself! You might just find that Seamly2D is the tool you’ve been looking for.