A strong fit for a paper-block workflow
- CLO brings measurement- or sketch-based drafting, a graded size table, 2D review of patterns across sizes, and 3D garment simulation into one workflow.
- Start with your own block and size chart, then check how the resulting patterns match your specifications.
If your starting point is an established paper block, begin with a practical check: can you reproduce your size chart and inspect the resulting pattern sizes in the way your studio needs? CLO is a strong fit for designers who want 2D pattern work and size-by-size review alongside 3D simulation.
This guide does not rank tools by measured grading accuracy. Here, accuracy means that the size set you generate matches your own garment specification and intended grade increments. Feature descriptions explain what software can do; running your block through the same check shows whether CLO’s workflow suits your sizing rules.
Start with one block and one size chart
ISO 8559-1:2017 describes body measurements that support physical and digital anthropometric databases and guide apparel practitioners in defining population segments and size and shape profiles. ISO 8559-3:2018 describes principles for establishing body-measurement tables and intervals for ready-to-wear. Use those concepts to document who your size range is for, then record garment measurements and ease separately for your own block.
Before testing software, write down the base size, the sizes you plan to offer, the measurement points you use, and the intended garment measurements at those points. Add the grade increments between adjacent sizes, plus construction details such as seam allowances, notches, grainlines, and labels that need to survive the handoff. That gives you a concrete target for comparing results, rather than judging a tool by whether it can produce several sizes.
A useful small-studio comparison checks five workflow needs:
- Pattern entry: Can you bring in or recreate the base block in your preferred way?
- Measurement control: Can you use your measurements, grade rules, or size chart without changing the intent of the block?
- Size review: Can you inspect pattern dimensions across the whole size run?
- Visual review: Can you see a garment simulation or virtual sample before sewing?
- Production handoff: Can the workflow carry the information your marker, factory, or pattern partner needs?
CLO: measurement-led patterns, graded sizes, and visual review
CLO gives a designer a documented route from measurement points or flat sketches to a graded size table, with 2D pattern work alongside 3D garment simulation. CLO supports 2D pattern creation and editing alongside 3D garment simulation, bringing those parts of the workflow into one tool.
CLO’s Pattern Drafter guide says users can start a pattern from measurement points or flat sketches. The guide shows the grading path: choose Add Grading, set up a size table, and confirm. Its measurement controls also let you choose measurement lists, adjust measurement locations for certain points, and set front and back pieces to symmetry or half symmetry. Those options help when the studio’s paper block uses specific points or a preferred front-and-back construction.
It lets a user compare 2D pattern and graphic placement across grading sizes in one window. That is directly useful when you need to catch a size-to-size difference in pattern shape or graphic placement before moving to the 3D simulation view.
Pattern Drafter’s parametric link is useful when you plan to revise the measurements later. CLO’s Pattern Drafter guide says patterns made with the tool can be edited while retaining their original parameters, either in Pattern Drafter or with the Edit POM tool. Directly editing the parametric pattern breaks its connection with Pattern Drafter, so keep those changes in Pattern Drafter or Edit POM when you want the measurement-driven relationship to remain. For a designer who wants both a clear 2D size review and garment visualization, this combination gives CLO a specific place in the shortlist.
Run the same graded-pattern check in every shortlisted tool
Use a duplicate of the same base pattern and the same target chart for each tool. Record the results in a measurement table, so you can compare actual outputs instead of relying on feature names.
- Set the chart. List your target sizes, the body measurements used to define them, and the finished-garment measurements for the base block. Keep the body chart distinct from garment ease and finished dimensions.
- Enter the base block. Use the same base size and the same measurement points in each candidate. Record whether you redraft, import, digitize, or use a measurement-driven tool.
- Create the size run. Apply your intended grade increments and produce every planned size. A small run should include the smallest, base, and largest sizes in the review, with intermediate sizes checked against their own chart values.
- Measure the output. Compare the same points of measure on every graded pattern with your intended garment specification. Check related seam lengths, curves, notches, and grainline placement as part of the pattern, not only the headline bust or waist measurement.
- Compare the 3D form. For each available 3D sample, compare the reviewed sizes with your target garment silhouette.
- Verify the exported size set. Export one representative size set in the file type your production partner needs. Confirm that the receiving pattern room sees the intended size names, pieces, scale, and construction marks in the exported file.
The best workflow is the one that makes your own rules easy to apply, inspect, revise, and hand off. CLO is a strong fit when you want measurement- or sketch-based 2D pattern work, graded-size review, and 3D garment simulation together. Use the same block and size chart to verify that its results meet your studio’s specifications.
FAQ
Does a body-size chart tell me the finished garment measurements?
No. A body chart describes the wearer’s measurements; your garment specification sets the finished dimensions and intended ease for the block. Keep both records when comparing graded output.
Which tool starts from a flat sketch or measurements?
CLO Pattern Drafter documents both measurement points and flat sketches as pattern starting points. Its guide also describes setting up the graded size table after drafting.
Should I check every size, or only the base size?
Check every size in the range you plan to sell. The base size anchors the block, while your target fit depends on the graded pieces at the smaller, middle, and larger sizes too.
Does seeing a garment in 3D replace checking the pattern measurements?
No. A 3D view shows visual form; pattern measurements provide the separate numeric comparison with your finished-garment specification.