Getting started

From a blank canvas to a labeled, seam-allowanced pattern piece.

1. Draw the panel

   Use the Shape tool for a rectangle, ellipse, triangle, or polygon, or the Pen tool to draw a custom outline node by node — click to place each node, then click the first node again (or press Enter) to close it. Need a rougher, hand-drawn line instead? Press and hold the Pen tool for Freehand.

2. Add seam allowance

   Select the shape, open the Seams section, and set a distance — or click the round marker on one edge first to give just that edge its own allowance (a hem might get more, a fold line none). Applying it creates a new outline at that distance, leaving your original cut line untouched underneath.

3. Place notches

   Click Add Notch, then click a point along an edge to drop a sewing match-point there. Click an existing notch to edit or remove it.

4. Label the piece

   Switch to the Pattern label tool and click once on the piece. It gets the next unused piece code automatically (A1, A2, B1…), plus an optional notes line for cut count or material, and a grain-direction arrow — drag or type an angle to point it the way the piece should sit on your fabric or foam's grain.

5. Export

   Export SVG for printing (optionally straight through Poster Maker to tile it across pages), or Export DXF for a laser cutter or CNC. See Exporting for the difference.

Need a left and a right version of a piece? Duplicate it with Ctrl + D and flip the copy with Shift + H — seam allowances and notches flip with it.

Drafting more than one piece that share a seam? The True Up tool checks that two edges you intend to sew together are actually the same length before you cut anything — see Drawing tools.