At most large manufacturers, patterns are made on a computer with computer-aided design (CAD) systems, the pattern maker manipulating small graphic patterns on the computer screen with a hand-held control device. Geometry drives can make an infinite number of changes to the shapes and sizes the pattern including creating new design lines or adding pleats, fullness, and seam allowances. To allow pattern makers to make patterns manually on a computer, another system has been developed allowing the pattern maker to work life-size on a sensitized table with traditional tools and styles that is attached to the table and the computer.
The style picks up the lines drawn on the table and shows them on the screen. Changes can also be made directly on the screen. In both cases, patterns are immediately available for other operations such as grading and marker making. The essential features of this technology are pattern design and pattern generation systems.
Pattern design system the pattern maker inputs to the system all the block patterns in current use and with the aid of the computer can construct garment patterns from them. Pattern generation system when the pattern components for the top cloth have been developed on the computer via pattern design system. The pattern generation programmer automatically generates the pattern for auxiliary components such as linings and foibles.