Patternmaking with Computers

By: April Afton

What is CAD?Computer aided design, or CAD is used in the

design of tools and machinery and in the drafting and design of buildings, models, and most importantly fashion design

CAD can be used for creating 3D models and 2D sketches

Computer Aided Design Getting StartedComputer Aided Design or CAD is the most

commonly used computer software for clothing patternmaking.

To use CAD all that is needed a PC, a digital camera, and a printer/plotter.

Photographed paper patterns can digitalized on-screen, so no expensive digitizing table is needed.

What can CAD do?Clothing patterns are made from scratch and

are sized to exact measurements to what the producer wants.

Paper patterns can be scanned to the computer; so they can be altered any way the producer chooses.

Curves and straight lines can be created so that the finished pattern will not have any puckering.

Can CAD create any pattern?• CAD tools enable producers to create or modify any pattern. •With CAD, lingerie, swim wear, sportswear, casual, uniforms, bridal, evening wear, tailored suits, and even baby clothes patterns can be used.

Who works with CAD?Many people are now starting to use this

simple yet elaborate type of software.People who use CAD usually go by the title

of, Designers, Cad Monkeys, Automotive Design Engineers, and Digital Innovation Engineers

Patternmaking Software Merging with ManufacturingSince the 1990’s clothing companies have been tapping

into the CAD software systems.CAD software cuts down on costs of hiring others to make

patterns for a company manuallyClothing companies have also realized how much more

production can be done in faster, timely mannerCAD makes patternmaking more efficient and cost

productive

Referenceshttp://www.fashioncad.nethttp://news.cnet.com/CAD-software-is-the-ne

w-black/2100-1012_3-6221810.htmlhttp://www.webopedia.com/TERM/C/CAD.ht

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