February 5, 2010 | 
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Part 3.1 Adding Seam Allowance from Ralph Pink on Vimeo.
This is seriously cool…. if you can pattern cut in illustrator….
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This tutorial shows you how to add a custom sized seam allowance to your digital patterns, in a few simple steps…. You’ll be amazed how beneficial this tools is… I almost cried with hapiness when i discovered this one..:)
Posted in Software Tutorials | 
Tags: adobe illustrator, catwalk, design, fashion, pattern cutting, Seam allowance
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15 Responses to “Tutorial 1 part 3.1: Adding Seam Allowance”
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ACKKKK you are a genius!! i’ve been drafting patterns in illustrator for a year or so and i’ve always done seam allowances manually, which is such a pain in the tush. thanks for the tutorials!! will be checking out the rest
[...] Well this is my first time blogging about starting my swimwear line! I just recently started converting my paper patterns to digital files using Adobe Illustrator. Since I already know how to use Illustrator to make vector drawings thanks to some illustration classes I have taken, teaching myself was not so bad. I found an awesome resource for stretch pattern-making, http://www.patternschool.com. If you have not checked out this site yet and you are interested in pattern-making, check it out now! All of my pattern making knowledge is thanks to Stuart! I seriously feel I like I owe him some tuition payments lol And I found this tricky tip for adding seam allowance in Illustrator here! [...]
Ralph
I AM FORMER GRAPHIC DESIGNER WHO VERY RECENTLY REALIZED SOMEWHAT LATE THAT I WOULD RATHER DO FASHION THAN ANYTHING ELSE. i came to your blog by chance, as im doing my basic blocks for laser cutting, and have found everything u´ve posted super usefull. i have gone trough and trough all ur site, so, I wanted to find a way of thanking u for all the patterns, vids and tutorials, and mainly the sharing spirit you convey. so, to the point.
for adding seem allowence in a simple step, try object>Path> ofsset path,
Ilustrator is one of the programs used in laser cutting, so after all, studing graphic design wasnt sutch a waste!!
HOPE THIS WORKS
absolutely gratefull
mr. Frank O > Monterrey,mexico
ps i never been to london, but its nice at least looking at it virtually !
how can i measurement a bra and consumption the fabric and elastic
Please note i would usually contact the user directly via e-mail to explain or fix the problem. However from today all comments will be answered on the site.
Many thanks
Rx
Thanks for this Pharmacist
Uh…. So how do we fix the mistakes made around the arm then?
….
Hi Lexie…
when I created the tutorial I used measurements for the armhole that weren’t correct or that were inaccurate. The tutorial is designed to show you the concept of pattern cutting in Illusitrator and all the various tools you can use. The measurements are irrelevant and are continually changing.
If you have entered the correct details into the Measurement Generator and follow it’s instructions implicitly, then you wont make any mistakes.
I simply didn’t have time to redo the tutorial.
I hope this answers your question.
Many thanks.
R
Hi nice site there. keep it going.I honestly love to read your site.Last of all have nice day
Hi Ralph,
Great site ! i was looking for this for a long time. However In this tutorial I got stuck. after adding seam allowance and Expand Appearance I’ve lost my original pattern line.
I’m using CS4. Could you tell me how to fix this? DID I miss something
ThANX!
SUCCES WITH YOUR LINE!!!
Mo
I know this is a free open source cad program, I personally haven’t tried it but it may measure curves.
http://wiki.inkscape.org/wiki/index.php/FAQ
However for $150 I purchased curves from wild ginger and love it. It has a tool that measures curves. This is a program that you put measurements in and it makes bras, lingerie, swimwear, sleepwear. It also come with many usable tools to draft a pattern such asdart transfer and has many video’s on how to use tutorials. I am however excited to use adobe because it has been a little glitchy. It keeps freezing and I had to do offset to get exact line measurements. It is however amazing for $150… Love your site Ralph, thank god for your tutorials, I’m self taught too.
Sorry didn’t fullly answer your question about multiple allowances..
I believe you can easily do that using the brush method… for example, i could put a number of seam allowances in to one brush it might look complicated when you apply it, but i’m sure with time you would get the hang of it.
Havent tried though, let me know what you find..
I am still trying to source a tool that measures a curved line. i think someone found this a while back but cant remeber thelink or where it was posted.
R
Yep, Last night I gave your technique a try and made the custom brush with many lines at once, thanks.
Very clever.
I feel like I found a treasure!
I used to make my patterns and the placement to calculate fabric consumption in illustrator many years ago. Then my computer broke and I got used to working with other editors.
Now that I have rediscovered Illustrator about a month ago I am the happiest person. Like you I could have also cried when I saw how easy it is to add seam allowances!!!!
Although I use another technique and I’m wondering why you’re not using it. I will try your brush solution to compare.
My technique involves recorded actions. I have an action for different allowances: 1cm, 0.7mm, 0.5mm, etc.
The only thing I didn’t manage yet is to record 2 allowances in one action for when my design requires different types of seams or elastic edges . so i must apply one action to the vector, reselect the vector, then apply the second action.
Did you know about this “actions” technique? if yes, is the brush technique a lot better?
(For a long time I googled pattern making using illustrator and never found anything. Today i stumbled upon your blog and i am very happy I did. Your tutorials are very smart.)
Thank you for your generosity
Melanie
Hey Melanie…
But you can do the same for the brush technique. On a blank page, create any number of different seam allowances (using the brush method) for your patterns then save the doc… Open your pattern, then copy and paste all the seam allowances into your pattern – the brushes will import with them. Unfortunately this is all I can suggest.
Thanks for your mail..
Unfortunately ‘m kinda self taught in illustrator so I have no idea what your talking about…
To be honest I just make em as I go along. The time it takes to find the template, then open it copy it and paste it, I could have made a new brush. But please tell me the technique you were talking about, if it makes it easier then that would be great!!
All the best
Ralph x
All the best
Ralph x