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PatternMaker

patternmakersoftware.com

Free plan Windows
Visit patternmakersoftware.com
Spec score 8.5 #2 of 30 in Fashion Design Software

What it is

PatternMaker is Windows CAD software for viewing, generating, editing, drafting and grading garment patterns. Its maker describes versions for home sewers, professional pattern makers and designers. Pattern macros can generate patterns from body measurements and style selections, while Grading Studio creates graded patterns and lets users save and reuse grading data. The Basic Viewer opens, views and prints pre-made patterns and includes three custom-fit patterns; on Windows-compatible printers or plotters, it can print full-size patterns with alignment marks for multi-page output. Professional Studio can save files as .dxf, and the FAQ says the software supports AutoCAD DXF as well as its own format, which cutting-machine software cannot read. PatternMaker is strictly 2-D CAD, not intended for 3-D fitting or draping. A free Basic Viewer is available. Paid versions listed include Deluxe Editor at 110.00 USD once, Professional Studio at 420.00 USD once, MacroGenerator at 450.00 USD once and Grading Studio at 1250.00 USD once. The FAQ says only CAD tools programs have a 30-day limit; free patterns can remain on the user's computer indefinitely.

Spec sheet

What it does
PatternMaker is CAD software for viewing, generating, editing, drafting, grading and printing garment patterns.Read 15 Oct 2026 · patternmakersoftware.com
Purpose
PatternMaker is CAD software for viewing, generating, editing, drafting, and grading garment patterns.Read 7 Oct 2026 · patternmakersoftware.com
Audience
The maker describes versions for home sewers, professional pattern makers, and designers.Read 7 Oct 2026 · patternmakersoftware.com
Trial
The FAQ says only the CAD tools programs have a 30-day limit; free patterns can remain on the user's computer indefinitely.Read 7 Oct 2026 · patternmakersoftware.com
Privacy
The privacy policy says comments may be retained indefinitely and that cookies, embedded content and anti-spam services can process user data.Read 15 Oct 2026 · patternmakersoftware.com
Support
The support center directs users to downloads, questions, problem reports, videos, a forum and contact channels.Read 15 Oct 2026 · patternmakersoftware.com
2D limitation
The product is strictly two-dimensional and does not provide 3D fitting, draping or a finished-garment view.Read 15 Oct 2026 · patternmakersoftware.com
Basic Viewer
The free viewer opens PatternMaker files, runs measurement-based macros, saves measurements and prints full-size patterns.Read 15 Oct 2026 · patternmakersoftware.com
Capterra deployment listing
Capterra lists web, Android and iPhone/iPad deployment options for the product profile.Read 15 Oct 2026 · capterra.com
Capterra feature listing
Capterra lists CAD tools, data import/export, pattern grading, layout/print/cut and pattern-color-art storage.Read 15 Oct 2026 · capterra.com
Company origin
PatternMaker says it began in 1992 to help a drama department design clothing and adapt designs to different sizes.Read 15 Oct 2026 · patternmakersoftware.com
Cutting-machine limitation
PatternMaker's proprietary format is not directly readable by cutting-machine software; DXF conversion may require manual CAD editing.Read 15 Oct 2026 · patternmakersoftware.com
Deluxe Editor
Deluxe adds editing of points, curves, seam lines, ease, annotations and layers to generated patterns.Read 15 Oct 2026 · patternmakersoftware.com
Documentation
Official downloads include manuals and tutorials for Viewer, Deluxe, Professional, Grading, Marker and MacroGen.Read 15 Oct 2026 · patternmaker.gitlab.io
DXF integration
Professional Studio saves AutoCAD DXF files for exchange with other CAD tools.Read 15 Oct 2026 · patternmakersoftware.com
European sales transition
A 2026 announcement says PatternMaker Software would take over European sales and helpdesk operations as Pattern Made 4 You closed after nearly 25 years.Read 15 Oct 2026 · patternmade4you.com
Export
Professional Studio can save files as .dxf.Read 7 Oct 2026 · patternmakersoftware.com
File compatibility
The FAQ says PatternMaker supports AutoCAD DXF format and its proprietary format is not readable by cutting-machine software.Read 7 Oct 2026 · patternmakersoftware.com
Grading
Grading Studio creates multi-size nests, manages grading rules and supports commercial grading workflows.Read 15 Oct 2026 · patternmakersoftware.com
Historic address
A legacy manual identifies PatternMaker Software at a Bellevue, Washington PO Box; this is a historic address rather than a confirmed current headquarters.Read 15 Oct 2026 · patternmaker.gitlab.io
History
The maker says PatternMaker began in 1992 to help a drama department design clothes and modify designs for different sizes.Read 7 Oct 2026 · patternmakersoftware.com
Languages
The programs and downloads are offered in English, Dutch and German.Read 15 Oct 2026 · patternmakersoftware.com
Limit: interactivity
A Capterra reviewer describes the workflow as conventional and wants more interactive or AI-oriented features.Read 15 Oct 2026 · capterra.com
Limit: learning curve
The G2 reviewer says starting from scratch takes time and the software is difficult to learn initially.Read 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Limit: price
A Capterra reviewer considers the Deluxe edition somewhat expensive despite finding it worthwhile for frequent use.Read 15 Oct 2026 · capterra.com
Limit: support and training
Capterra feedback mentions limited technical support, navigation difficulties and the need for books or classes to learn the software.Read 15 Oct 2026 · capterra.com
Macro distribution
Macro files can be emailed to other PatternMaker users and sold as digital pattern products.Read 15 Oct 2026 · patternmakersoftware.com
MacroGen extensibility
MacroGen lets creators build measurement-driven pattern programs with formulas, conditional branches, style choices and translated interfaces.Read 15 Oct 2026 · patternmakersoftware.com
No 3D
The FAQ describes PatternMaker as strictly 2-D CAD and says it is not intended for 3-D fitting or draping.Read 7 Oct 2026 · patternmakersoftware.com
Offline use
The legacy FAQ says internet access is needed once for unlocking, after which the software can run offline.Read 15 Oct 2026 · patternmaker.gitlab.io
Pattern collections
Professional Studio includes the Women 1 and Women's 2 collections, while Deluxe includes Women 1 with eight macros.Read 15 Oct 2026 · patternmakersoftware.com
Pattern generation
Pattern macros can generate patterns from body measurements and style selections.Read 7 Oct 2026 · patternmakersoftware.com
Praise: importing and drafting
Capterra reviewers praise importing existing patterns and drawing new ones with the supplied tools.Read 15 Oct 2026 · capterra.com
Praise: pattern accuracy
The G2 reviewer praises clean, exact pattern creation and says it shortens drawing work.Read 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Praise: student value
One Capterra reviewer says a discounted student package provided useful capability and reduced idea-to-pattern time by about 75 percent.Read 15 Oct 2026 · capterra.com
Printing
Basic Viewer prints full-size patterns on Windows-compatible printers or plotters, with alignment marks for multi-page printouts.Read 7 Oct 2026 · patternmakersoftware.com
Professional drafting
Professional Studio supports drafting patterns from scratch with geometric tools, layers, symbols, notes and resizing.Read 15 Oct 2026 · patternmakersoftware.com
Rating on Capterra
4.0 out of 5 from 5 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · capterra.com
Rating on G2
5.0 out of 5 from 1 reviewRead 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Refunds
The FAQ says software is not returnable once unlock codes have been issued.Read 7 Oct 2026 · patternmakersoftware.com
System requirements
Legacy official FAQs describe native Windows support from Windows 98 through Windows 8, with about 25 MB for the engine and 3–5 MB per collection.Read 15 Oct 2026 · patternmaker.gitlab.io
Trial policy
CAD tools have 30-day trials, while the free patterns can be kept and used without a 30-day expiration.Read 15 Oct 2026 · patternmakersoftware.com

Plans and prices

Basic Viewer Free $0.00 view and print premade patterns · run macros · save measurements · Windows printing Read 15 Oct 2026 · patternmakersoftware.com
Deluxe Editor $110, paid once $110 edit existing patterns · measurement tables · seam allowances · layers · full-size printing Read 15 Oct 2026 · patternmakersoftware.com
Professional Studio $420, paid once $420 draft from scratch · advanced drawing · DXF export · layers · pattern collections Read 15 Oct 2026 · patternmakersoftware.com
MacroGenerator $450, paid once $450 parametric macros · measurement prompts · formulas · conditional style logic · sellable macro files Read 15 Oct 2026 · patternmakersoftware.com
Grading Studio $1,250, paid once $1250 multi-size grading · grading rules · nests · industrial production workflows Read 15 Oct 2026 · patternmakersoftware.com

Every PatternMaker plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Macros generate patterns from measurements and style selections
  • Grading Studio saves and reuses grading data
  • Professional Studio can save .dxf files
  • Basic Viewer prints full-size patterns with alignment marks

Limits

  • Windows only
  • No 3-D fitting or draping
  • Proprietary format cannot be read by cutting-machine software
  • Software is not returnable after unlock codes are issued

Who it suits

PatternMaker suits home sewers, professional pattern makers and designers who need Windows tools for 2-D pattern work. Its grading options support workflows that need patterns adjusted across sizes.

Verdict

PatternMaker focuses on 2-D garment pattern drafting and grading, with free viewing and several paid creation or editing versions. Check the format needs and lack of 3-D fitting before choosing it.

Where Specifiction places it

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