Best tips for working with print pattern fabrics9 min read

Summary 

• From timeless classics to seasonal trends, print patterns have always been present in the fashion industry.
• They can be the game-changer for your collection, but creating sewing patterns to match isn’t always an easy task.
• Let us simplify your fashion production with our specialized solutions. Try Audaces360 for free now! 

From timeless stripes to daring animal prints, printed fabrics are a core element of fashion. They inject personality and a fresh perspective into designs. 

But crafting sewing patterns for these fabrics can be tricky. This is because they must fit together perfectly. Achieving a seamless fit is essential to avoid fabric waste and costs. 

Discover our expert tips to master the art of working with print pattern fabrics. 

Enjoy your reading! 

Why is it important to be cautious with print patterns in clothing? 

A print pattern is a powerful tool for designers, adding vibrancy to garments. However, including them into a design requires careful consideration. 

The wrong print can overwhelm a creation or clash with other elements, resulting in an unpleasing result. 

Choosing the right print pattern is key for any successful collection. It should complement the overall design aesthetic and target audience. 

A bold mix of colors might be perfect for a trendy, edgy collection. But it might not be suitable for a classic, minimalist line.

Designers should also carefully consider factors such as scale, color palette, and print placement. 

Another challenge lies in the technical aspects of pattern making. Fitting prints with repeated motifs in sewing patterns can significantly impact the way a garment looks. 

The pattern maker must carefully consider how the print will align and repeat across different pattern pieces. 

If not done correctly, the print can appear distorted or mismatched, ruining the garment’s appearance. Additionally, the placement of the print can influence the visual proportions and balance – either for bad or for good. 

To sum up, while print patterns can elevate a design, they require careful planning and execution.

By understanding the intricacies of print pattern integration, professionals can create visually appealing and commercially successful collections. 

Learn more: Learn methods for printing on fabric to make impactful collections 

Main types of print patterns in clothing 

These are some of the most popular print patterns that have appeared in fashion collections for decades. 

While elements like colors and sizes may vary, these timeless designs are always reinvented and modernized. 

Animal print 

Animal prints have been a fashion staple for decades, evoking a sense of wildness and sophistication. 

From classic leopard and cheetah patterns to more exotic options like snake and zebra, animal prints can’t go unnoticed. 

When used strategically, animal prints can elevate basic garments. They have the power to transform a simple dress into a statement piece, for example. 

However, it’s essential to balance the boldness of the print with other elements to avoid overwhelming the outfit. 

Learn more: When to use rotary printing? Get to know the advantages of this technique 

Check 

Checkered patterns, characterized by intersecting horizontal and vertical lines, offer a versatile and timeless aesthetic. They range from classic options to modern ones. 

You can choose from these examples to best suit your target audience: 

• Tartan: the distinctive Scottish plaid, usually in green and red, was once exclusive to kilts. Now, it’s a popular pattern for shirts, jackets, and various other fashion items.
• Prince of Wales: popularized by Edward VIII, the Prince of Wales in the 1920s, this print pattern usually comes in black, white, and gray. Its origins lend it a sporty yet polished appeal, making it a classic choice for blazers and office attire.
• Pied de poule: notable for its distinctive rounded checks, pied de poule, or houndstooth, is a classic pattern. It’s traditionally black and white, but it can appear in other colors to add a versatile touch to its use in fashion.
• Checkerboard: the checkerboard print pattern has equal-sized squares arranged in alternating colors. It’s perfect for casual wear and can also be elevated for more formal occasions.
• Windowpane: this print pattern features large, evenly spaced checks, creating a grid-like effect. It’s a versatile pattern that matches various styles, from classic to contemporary. 

Polka dot 

Polka dots are a playful and feminine print, adaptable to suit different styles. Characterized by its evenly spaced, round dots, this print has a versatile appeal that spans from casual wear to elegant attire. 

The size and spacing of the dots significantly influence the final look. Small dots create a delicate and romantic feel, while larger dots can be bold and modern. 

You can combine this print pattern with other prints or solid colors to create a variety of looks that never go out of style. 

Stripes 

Stripes are one of the most versatile and enduring print patterns. They come in countless variations, including horizontal, vertical, diagonal, and thick or thin stripes. 

This print has the power to create the illusion of height, width, or length, depending on their orientation. Stripes can add a classic, nautical feel or a contemporary edge to an outfit. 

Learn more: Discover the best types of fabric for sublimation printing 

Floral 

Floral prints are timeless and evoke a sense of femininity and romance. From delicate botanical patterns to bold, tropical blooms, floral prints offer endless possibilities. 

They can create both casual and formal looks. When using floral prints, consider the scale, color palette, and placement to achieve the desired effect. 

Learn more: Discover 6 key textile printing techniques and their applications 

Tips for creating sewing patterns for printed fabrics

It can be tricky to create perfect sewing patterns for printed fabrics. That’s just one of the challenges pattern makers face. 

Download our free e-book for some helpful hints and keep reading below for tips on working with printed fabrics! 

Choose an appropriate design print 

Choosing the right design is the first step. It should fit your collection’s style and appeal to your customers. Many people make the mistake of using trendy prints that don’t match their brand. 

While it’s always feasible to experiment with new ideas, do so cautiously. Introduce them as a small portion of the collection and monitor customer response. 

Ensure that the print fits perfectly on the sewing pattern 

This might be an issue when working with barred prints, for example. In this type of design, the main part of the print is only on the edges. 

But if a designer chooses this kind of print for a short garment, part of the design might be off. So, the pattern maker needs to check if the whole design can fit on each piece.] 

Learn more: What is the best way to create a pattern of clothing? 

Check the orientation of the print to avoid distortions 

This might seem like a minor detail, but it can lead to costly mistakes, as many prints work in different ways. 

To avoid it, always check the designer’s sketch to see how they want the print to appear on the garment. 

The designer considers the overall image they want to convey. For example, a vertical stripe can elongate the body, while a horizontal stripe can create a wider appearance. 

Adjust the print size according to the sewing pattern 

The size of the print should be proportionate to the garment. A large-scale print on a small item can appear overwhelming, while a small print on a large garment might seem lost. 

Experiment with different print pattern sizes to find the perfect balance. 

Learn more: Explore clothing pattern making techniques for your production 

Perform tests for better results 

Before cutting into your main fabric, perform tests to assess how the print will look on the final product. This will help you identify any potential issues and make necessary adjustments to your sewing pattern. 

Luckily, you don’t need to rely on physical samples for this. 3D technology provides a faster, more cost-effective way to visualize your prints with realistic images. 

Learn more: 5 reasons why pattern makers should start using 3D pattern 

Create and preview prints directly on your patterns using Audaces

Audaces Pattern 

For pattern makers looking for excellence, Audaces Pattern is an essential solution. It ensures the pattern of clothing creation reaches a new level of efficiency and precision.   

With its dynamic and versatile approach, it is possible to develop high-quality patterns, regardless of complexity. 

It includes specific tools for creating patterns for printed fabrics. With our software, you can visualize how the print will look on the final pattern and in the fabric marking for production. 

Plus, you can create patterns with barred prints in just a few clicks, no extra work needed. It’s a way to refine every detail to perfection, ensuring that your creative vision translates into patterns. 

This important ally will help you in your journey toward success in the fashion industry! 

Audaces Fashion Studio 

The cutting-edge technology of Audaces Fashion Studio empowers fashion designers to create directly on a 3D mannequin. 

We’ve created tools to help you at every step of designing. This includes putting your prints directly onto a virtual garment. You can see how it will look and make changes until it’s just right! 

Plus, Audaces Fashion Studio speeds up repetitive tasks, giving you more time to be creative. Professionals can finally focus on what truly matters: creating stunning and innovative apparel.  

Its intuitive interface and features enable you to examine fit, drape, and movement in all types of body. Explore different fabrics, colors, textures, and prints! 

Looking for a complete fashion solution? Discover how Audaces360 can elevate your design and patternmaking process!

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