Free resources

Free guides, checklists and cheat sheets for digital pattern makers

Everything here is free. Pick the one that matches where you are right now, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox.

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Are you ready to sell your sewing patterns?

Take the free quiz to find out which stage you’re in, from building your pattern-making foundation to setting up your pattern business, and the one skill to focus on next.

Prefer something to print? Download the readiness checklist.

New to CLO3D?

Start with the CLO3D Beginner Roadmap

Most beginners don’t struggle because CLO3D is too hard. They struggle because they try to learn everything at once. This roadmap shows you what to focus on first.

The free resource library

Filter by the software you use or the skill you’re working on.

CLO3D · New to digital

CLO3D Beginner Roadmap

Know exactly what to learn first in CLO3D, so you stop guessing and start making progress.

New to digital · CLO3D

The Digital Pattern Making Starter Pack

Compare CLO3D, Illustrator, Affinity and Seamly2D side by side and find the right fit for you.

New to digital · Pattern drafting

The Hand to Digital Translation Guide

Your paper pattern-making skills don’t disappear when you go digital. See where they live.

New to digital

From Tracing to Owning

A checklist and 5-step roadmap for getting your paper patterns ready to digitize.

CLO3D

CLO3D Key Commands

The shortcuts you’ll use most in 2D and 3D, with a visual keyboard map and drafting tips.

CLO3D · Fit & alterations

Stress, Strain & Fit Made Simple

Learn what every color in CLO3D’s fit maps means and how to fix tight or stretched areas.

CLO3D

Morph Target Animation Checklist

15 steps to animating a garment in CLO3D, like the exploding dress.

Illustrator & Affinity

Illustrator Key Commands for Patterning

Switch tools instantly with the patterning shortcuts, plus fraction-to-decimal charts.

Illustrator & Affinity · Fit & alterations

Before You Print or Project

Measure and adjust your patterns digitally before you print, project or cut fabric.

Pattern drafting

The Pattern Maker Measurement Blueprint

A measurement sheet and reflection companion for drafting patterns that fit.

Pattern drafting

Sloper Possibility Map + Diagnostic Guide

See how pattern makers turn one sloper into a whole range of designs.

Pattern drafting

Design Analysis Decision Tree

“Can I draft this?” Break any garment down into a clear drafting plan.

Pattern drafting

Mastering Design Analysis

Learn to think like a pattern maker and know where to start before you draft.

Pattern drafting

Grainline Cheat Sheet

Spot the 3 grainlines and place your pattern so garments hang the way they should.

Fit & alterations

After It Fits

You fixed the fit. Now move those changes back onto the pattern accurately.

Grading & selling

Grade Your Pattern Right the First Time

A checklist for every stage of grading, from setup to final export.

Grading & selling

Pattern Seller Readiness Checklist

Check six areas, from drafting to customer readiness, and make a focused action plan.

You're closer to designing your own patterns than you think

Freebies get you started. The Academy gets you all the way there. Picture yourself drafting your own patterns, watching them come to life on an avatar, and sewing garments that finally fit the way you imagined. You won’t be figuring it out alone: I’m with you every week, alongside a group of pattern makers who get it.