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Technical Apparel Design: Patternmaking, Draping, and Grading

This research guide offers resources for the technical aspects of fashion design. These include patternmaking, drafting, and draping as well as sizing and pattern grading.

Grading and Sizing

Grading is the process of taking the initial sample pattern (e.g. a size 8) and making the full range of sized patterns (sizes 2-24) for production. It is a separate industry from patternmaking and sample creation. Once a garment goes into production, grading the pattern is the first step. Then the patterns for all the sizes in production must be laid out in a marker, or pattern layout which includes pattern pieces for all sized in production, for maximum fabric conservation.

EMc/MS 12/21

FIT graduate Paul Cavazza, Create a Marker Co., From Made in Midtown.

Woodhead Collection e-Books

Selected Titles

Sizing and Standards

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