Slicing Patterns into Panels & Dart Manipulation in Adobe Illustrator
Pattern Making Course in Adobe Illustrator
Slicing patterns into panels and dart manipulation is a fundamental part of paper pattern making. As pattern makers, it’s often the first skill we acquire. The concept is quite similar in Adobe Illustrator, yet mastering it can be intricate. This tutorial delves into two distinct methods of slicing patterns into panels while introducing the Pathfinder tool. Additionally, it guides you through using your pattern panels to close darts by rotating them around the bust point. This tutorial is packed with valuable information, making it an essential part of this pattern making course in Adobe Illustrator.
Tutorial Overview:
Slicing Patterns into Panels
- Preparing the Basic Block or Pattern
- Extending the neckline using the Pen tool.
- Lightening the stroke for a precise cutting guide.
- Transforming the guide into a shape with the Expand tool.
- Navigating through layers and arranging objects.
- Slicing the pattern into panels and Refining
- Slicing the block using the Minus Front Pathfinder tool.
- Detaching and crafting a new neckline for the upper panel.
- Using the neckline to segment the block further.
- Isolating pattern panels and duplicating the neckline.
- Final Pattern Adjustments
- Attaching duplicated necklines to panels with the Join tool.
- Transferring attributes with the Eyedropper tool.
Dart Manipulation Techniques
- Initial Dart Manipulation
- Segmenting the block at shoulder and bust point for dart closure.
- Sealing pattern panels individually with the Pathfinder tool.
- Disassembling and reassembling panels for adjustment.
- Dart Repositioning and Finalisation
- Pivoting panels to shift dart positions.
- Merging panels into a unified block and adding anchor points.
- Repeating the dart closure technique on the back block.
- Slicing and sealing the upper dart of the back block.
- Refining and Completing the Pattern
- Using the Lock tool to secure the upper panel as a template.
- Refining the curve of the upper block.
- Uniting the new curve with the upper panel and removing the former curve.
- Renaming elements to finalise the Adobe Illustrator pattern.
Al of these steps are outlined in our pattern making course in Adobe Illustrator. Watch the video to understand each step of the process.
Essentials for Following Along
Before we dive in, you’ll need a bodice basic block to keep up with this pattern-making project. We offer two types of basic blocks for your selection. Standardized basic blocks are ready for immediate use, allowing you to start drafting right away, though they might not match your measurements perfectly. On the other hand, a bespoke basic block, tailored to your specific measurements, offers a precise fit but requires time to create, as we’ll need 28 of your body measurements. Choose the one that best suits your needs!
Standardized Basic Block
Start pattern making immediately
Visit our partner site, DesignLab.London, for a variety of bodice basic blocks available in multiple sizes. These serve as an ideal starting point or base pattern for your pattern-making project. Explore the collection, select your preferred style and size, and download it to proceed with your project.
Bespoke Basic Blocks
Craft a personalized basic block designed for your unique measurements
Looking for a tailor-made basic block for this project? You’re in the right place. Construct your personalised basic block in the Lab by providing your measurements. Simply create a profile, input your measurements, and utilise this profile to design a range of basic block styles. You’ll need the bodice basic block for this project.
Continue Your Pattern Making Journey!
This lesson marks a key step in a whole series designed to transition you from manual to digital pattern cutting in Adobe Illustrator, making your pattern making process more faster and far more precise. Are you ready for the next lesson?
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