The language of patterns.
Clear definitions of CAD, nesting, markers, grainlines, DXF, seam allowances, parameters and material utilisation.
- CAD
- Computer Aided Design. Textile 2D CAD systems describe pattern pieces using geometry and additional manufacturing information.
- DXF
- A CAD exchange format. The extension alone does not guarantee that scale, layers and industry-specific data remain unchanged between applications.
- Grainline
- The intended orientation of a pattern piece relative to the material. It affects behaviour and appearance and can constrain rotation during nesting.
- Grading
- The defined process of adapting a pattern to additional sizes. It uses sizing rules and is not equivalent to uniform scaling.
- Seam allowance
- The area between the stitch line and cutting line. Its construction depends on the material, join and manufacturing process.
- Nesting
- Arranging pattern pieces on an available material area under defined rules, such as orientation, spacing and quantities.
- Parameters
- Variable dimensions and their relationships used to describe geometry. A parametric template can represent defined variants of a product.
- Notch
- A marker used to match or orient related pieces during assembly. Its shape and position need to suit the manufacturing process.
- Revision
- An identifiable state of a design. Clear revision naming makes approvals and subsequent changes traceable.
- Marker
- A specific selection and arrangement of the pieces required for a cutting job. It combines piece quantities, material width and orientation rules.
- Material utilisation
- The ratio of pattern-piece area to the material area considered. Comparisons must use the same reference area.