What is patronage?

In the vast world of sewing, pattern making is a fundamental skill that opens the doors to infinite creation. But what exactly is patterning, and why is it so essential for tailors? In this article, we will dive into the very definition of patronage!

What is patronage?

You should know that sewing patterning is an essential step in the creation of tailor-made clothing. It is the process of creating a pattern , that is to say a model, from which the garment will be cut and assembled. Pattern making involves taking precise measurements of the body or person for whom the garment is intended. These are therefore measurements that you can use to trace the different pieces of the pattern, such as the front, the back, the sleeves, etc. The pattern can be made by hand or using specialized software.

Be careful not to confuse boss and patronage!

We can think that pattern and patronage are two similar concepts but the difference is that the pattern is a specific model used to cut out the different pieces of a garment from the fabric . It is generally made of paper or cardboard and has lines and shapes. Once the pattern is ready, it is used to cut out the pieces of fabric that will make up the garment. These pieces are then assembled according to the instructions in the pattern, following specific sewing techniques.

Pattern making is therefore a crucial step in obtaining a well-fitting garment that conforms to the person's measurements.

In summary, the pattern is the physical template used to cut out the garment pieces and without seam allowance, while pattern making is the process of creating this template using appropriate measurements and adjustments.

Two methods for creating patronage!

In sewing, there are two techniques for creating a pattern such as paper patterning and molding.

If you use paper patterning, this consists of creating a pattern using paper or cardboard by tracing the different pieces of the garment using measurements and guidelines. It is a precise and traditional method which allows the shapes of the garment to be reproduced faithfully.

On the other hand you can use casting which is a more advanced technique involving creating a pattern directly on the body or on a mannequin. We use soft and stretchy fabrics to conform to the shape of the body and obtain a tailor-made pattern. Molding allows you to create clothes that adapt perfectly to the silhouette and offers greater creative freedom by playing with shapes and volumes.

Both techniques have their advantages and specific applications. Paper patterning is ideal for more structured and precise designs, while casting is often used for more fitted designs and experimental creations. You choose !

In conclusion, pattern making is much more than just a step in the clothing creation process. It's a skill that will allow you to design unique and personalized pieces, transforming abstract ideas into tangible reality.