We have discussed the pattern card in the past, but for this project you may find you have more complexity tothe pattern and therefore your pattern card will need to be more detailed. You can download and print this pattern card to complete for your final project pattern: Pattern Card.pdf

Pattern cards are used in the industry to keep track of all the important information about a particular pattern. Another name for this type of document is a Cutters Must which is the specific set of instructions that go with a pattern to the facility that will cut and bundle the pattern for production.

Pattern Cards and Cutters Musts always include the following:

Pattern Information

This is all similar and related to the information that is listed on each of the individual pattern pieces.

Style # and Style Name

Different brands have different naming conventions. Some designers use numbers only, some designers give each style a unique name. It's up to you to determine what numbers or names you might want to use here.

Size Range

One pattern card can be used to label all sizes of a particular style. You can list the single size of your pattern, or you can list a size range (2-18, or XS to XL, etc..)

Date or Season

It's a good idea to date your patterns since overtime you may make adjustments or changes to the pattern... I recommend keeping track of these by creating new pattern cards as adjustments are made. You might even note the changes you have made directly on the pattern card under Notes.

Yardage

You should attempt to give an estimate how many yards of your Self fabric will be required to cut your pattern. You can do this when you cut your first toile. Carefully lay all the pieces out on your fabric with the correct grainline. Try to get all the pieces to fit together as close as possible and with as little wasted space as possible. Before you begin cutting, measure the length of fabric you have used. If you have made pattern pieces that are
"Cut 2" you must include them twice in your layout plan, and be sure to flip them over for the 2nd cut if your fabric has a right and wrong side. TIP: Take a photo of your layout before you begin cutting so you can remember for future versions!

List of Pattern Pieces

All pattern pieces should be listed on the pattern card. In addition to the name of the piece, color coding is used to distinguish between the different materials required for the garment. The following colors are customarily used both for listing the pattern pieces on the pattern card AND ALSO for writing pattern information on the corresponding pattern pieces. By color coding the pattern and pattern card, the pattern maker makes it easier for the cutter to cut the fabric quickly and accurately.

Black = Self Fabric

Green = Contrast Fabric #1

Purple = Contrast Fabric #2

Blue = Lining

Red = Interfacing

Flat Sketch

The pattern card usually includes a detailed drawing of the garment called a Flat Sketch. This drawing is detailed and accurate to all the construction and design details for that pattern. The Front and Back Flat sketches should be included on the pattern card.

Remember to use a Flats Croquis when drawing the garment on your pattern card. You can print your croquis at different size ratios to fit into the box on the pattern card.

Here is the template I was using today:

FlatsTemplateZoeHong.pdf

Here is another flats template that I have shared with students in the past:

Croquis.pdf

You can use either, or find your own. For a demonstration of drawing flats, you can watch the Zoom Class Recording from August 27th

Fabric Swatches

You should cut small squares of each fabric that will be used for the garment construction. This would include Self fabric, Contrast fabric, Lining fabric and Interfacing. The swatches should be square or rectangular (approx. 1.5"). Often they are cut with a pinking shear to prevent fraying and can be stapled neatly into the space provided on the pattern card.

Be sure to complete a Pattern Card and include it with your pattern in Final Project Activity #4: FINAL PRESENTATION