An Investigation into Pattern Design & Construction In a 3D virtual Environment

The paper discusses a practical element of the research project currently being investigated for the CAD department, of Clothing Design &Technology at the Hollings Faculty, Manchester Metropolitan University.

During the last ten years many clothing companies have invested in expensive, dedicated packages, which were intended to do everything but lacked connectivity rather than flexibility.

Now due to the convergence of windows technologies the days of these ‘one size fits all’ systems are surely numbered. Challenges in the software market, by growing low-cost dealers, to the high-end vendors of high-priced systems has enabled everyone to realise the importance of software integration. The use of open and compatible system architecture is becoming increasingly more accepted, and more widely integrated into all aspects of the Clothing industry.

Traditionally, garment patterns are developed through the use of fit or toile stands. The first set of patterns are represented by specific size, and are created using Anthropometric data. Further pattern development is achieved by switching between the model and the basic block, this method provides the foundation upon which patterns are created and enables the accurate representation of a garment when its pieces are sewn together, a fact which is confirmed by Jones, who states that,

“…the most straight forward way of taking 2D data and presenting it as 3D data is to use a 3D model.”