Summary
- Creating a size scale is the first step to ensure fit and comfort across different body types.
- An online size scale for helps brands standardize measurements and improve quality.
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Sizing shapes the outcome of every garment. As a pattern maker, you decide how each design translates into different body types. And without a solid size scale, even your best patterns lose consistency and fail to deliver the right fit.
A size scale for clothing defines each measurement in a collection. You use it to grade patterns precisely and keep your designs aligned with real customer needs.
From this perspective, let’s explore the role of size scales in fashion, the challenges they solve, and the steps to build one online. Use these insights to elevate your workflow and deliver garments that fit as beautifully as they look.
Enjoy your reading!
Sumário
Why create your size scale digitally?
Creating a size scale digitally gives pattern makers more control over accuracy and efficiency. It allows you to work faster while keeping your designs consistent across all sizes.
These are the key reasons why professionals in the industry are looking for digital solutions:
Accuracy and consistency
Digital tools help you maintain precise measurements for every size in your collection. You can set exact values for waist, hips, and other critical points, avoiding errors that happen with manual calculations.
Once you define the measurements, the software applies them consistently across all patterns. This ensures that each garment fits as intended, regardless of size.
Consistency also improves collaboration with production teams.
Time savings
Grading patterns manually can take hours or even days, depending on the number of sizes. On the other hand, using a digital size scale reduces the time needed to create an entire size range.
Software can automatically generate all intermediate sizes based on your base pattern. You no longer need to calculate each measurement individually, which frees up time for creative work. With digital tools, you can make quick changes and instantly apply them across all sizes.
Less fabric waste
Mistakes in sizing often lead to wasted fabric, as you may need to correct and cut patterns again. The good news is digital size scales reduce errors before the first cut.
By producing accurate patterns from the start, you minimize trial-and-error fittings and material loss. It not only saves fabric but also reduces overall production costs.
This approach also contributes to more sustainable fashion practices. Digital grading helps pattern makers create more responsible collections without compromising quality.
Learn more: Discover the benefits of a pattern grading chart for your clothing production
Easy adjustments
You can change measurements quickly, whether you’re adapting a pattern for a new size or adjusting a previous collection. It’s possible to change one measurement and have the software recalculate all related points automatically.
Easy adjustments also improve collaboration with clients and production teams. You can implement feedback immediately, ensuring the final patterns reflect the intended fit.
Improved garment quality
Accurate digital grading ensures garments maintain their intended proportions and design details across all sizes.
You can even test patterns virtually before production. By spotting fitting issues early, you reduce the risk of poorly fitting garments reaching the customer.
Moreover, higher-quality patterns enhance your reputation as a pattern maker. Delivering well-fitted, professional garments across all sizes builds trust with clients and supports brand growth.
Learn more: How to consider inclusive sizes in your pattern making?
How to grade clothing sizes on your computer
1) Choose the software you’ll work with
The first step to grading clothing sizes on your computer is selecting the right software. Not all tools offer the same features, so you need to choose one that aligns with your workflow and technical needs.
Look for solutions that combine grading, pattern editing, and integration with production processes.
Good software should also provide an intuitive interface. If the tool feels too complex, you may spend more time figuring out the system than actually grading your patterns.
A clear, user-friendly platform helps you work faster and more efficiently.
Learn more: Learn how to choose the best fashion CAD for your business
2) Define your measurement chart
Once you choose the software, the next step is setting up your measurement chart. This chart serves as the foundation for your grading process, so you need to define it with precision. Include all key points, such as bust, waist, hips, and shoulders.
A clear measurement chart allows you to build size scales that match the needs of your target market. Different audiences may follow different standards, so aligning your chart with your customers ensures garments that fit better.
You can also create custom charts when you want to develop collections for niche segments. For example, plus-size ranges or activewear may require unique measurements and proportions.
Learn more: Check out 8 advantages of the clothing measurements chart for the fashion business
3) Digitize or create your patterns online
With your measurement chart ready, you can now digitize existing patterns or create new ones directly in your software.
If you still work with paper patterns, Audaces Digiflash let you convert them into digital files quickly. This bridges the real world with the digital one, making it easy to upgrade your current workflow without starting from scratch.
For those creating new designs, software like Audaces Pattern allows you to draft patterns digitally from the very beginning.
Discover how to create perfect patterns in just a few clicks with our complete ebook!
4) Grade the sizes and adjust as needed
After setting up your patterns, you can start grading them into different sizes. The software applies your measurement chart to generate the full size scale automatically. This helps you save the effort of calculating each measurement manually.
At this stage, it’s important to review the proportions and design details across all sizes. Even when the software applies grading rules, some areas may need fine-tuning to preserve the original style and fit.
Learn more: How to ensure the perfect fit in plus size patterns?
Benefits of creating a size scale automatically
Creating a size scale automatically gives pattern makers more efficiency and precision. Automation reduces repetitive work while keeping designs consistent across all sizes.
Here’s how you can benefit:
Faster grading with fewer errors
Automatic grading speeds up the process significantly compared to manual calculations. Instead of measuring and adjusting each size individually, the software applies rules to generate the full range quickly.
This approach reduces human errors that often occur when working with paper or spreadsheet calculations.
Even small mistakes in measurement can lead to fitting problems, but automatic grading minimizes these risks.
Consistent sizing across all patterns
Automation ensures that every pattern follows the same grading rules, maintaining proportions, fit, and style details across all sizes.
When you grade manually, variations can occur from size to size, leading to errors that affect fit and aesthetics. An automatic size scale can solve this problem, providing a uniform approach every time.
Learn more: Discover the features and benefits of an apparel size conversion chart
Easy updates for new collections or designs
This flexibility is especially useful when adapting existing patterns to new target markets or customer demands. You can experiment with adjustments quickly and test different size ranges without starting over.
The ability to update patterns efficiently saves both time and resources. It also allows brands to respond faster to trends and produce garments that meet current market expectations.
Streamlined workflow for production teams
Digital size scales integrate seamlessly with production processes, improving workflow efficiency. When you grade patterns automatically, it’s easier to share and implement in manufacturing.
Production teams can rely on accurate, standardized sizes, which reduces mistakes and speeds up the cutting and sewing process. This eliminates the back-and-forth that often occurs when manual grading introduces errors.
A streamlined workflow also supports collaboration across departments. Designers, pattern makers, and manufacturers can work together more effectively. It’s the best way to ensure the final garments meet quality standards and fit expectations.
Grade your clothing sizes with Audaces Pattern
Audaces Pattern is the perfect solution to simplify and speed up your pattern-making process. With intuitive digital tools and smart automation, you can create, edit, and grade patterns efficiently.
Save valuable time and can focus more on the creative and technical decisions that truly shape your collection.
When changes happen, you won’t have to start from scratch. The software makes it easy to adjust measurements, reshape pieces, and test new design variations with precision and speed.
To take it even further, Audaces Pattern integrates seamlessly with the full Audaces ecosystem. This connection allows you to plan, develop, and produce with consistency and accuracy across every stage.
Discover Audaces360 and unlock a world of possibilities for fashion design and production. Explore our comprehensive suite of solutions today!
FAQ
Creating a size scale digitally gives pattern makers more control over accuracy and efficiency. It allows you to work faster while keeping your designs consistent across all sizes.
You should define your measurement chart, digitize or create your patterns online, grade the sizes and adjust as needed.
They include faster grading, consistent sizing, easy updates, and streamlined workflow for production teams.
