Skip to main content

Workflows & Tutorials

Step-by-step guides for common pattern-making tasks.

Getting Started​

Creating Your First Pattern​

Complete beginner workflow for designing a bag pattern.

Step 1: Start a New Pattern​

  1. Go to piecer.app and sign in
  2. Click Create in the Studio sidebar
  3. Select New Pattern
  4. Name your pattern (e.g., "Simple Pouch")
  5. Choose your unit (cm or inches)

Step 2: Draw Your First Shape​

  1. Press R for Rectangle tool
  2. Click and drag on canvas to create the front panel
  3. Release to complete the rectangle
  4. Press V to select and adjust

Step 3: Add Measurements​

  1. Enable measurements in View settings (right sidebar)
  2. Check that dimensions match your design
  3. Adjust points if needed by dragging

Step 4: Add Details​

  1. Select the shape
  2. In sidebar, enable Seam Allowance (1cm default)
  3. Name the piece ("Front Panel")
  4. Add notches for alignment

Step 5: Preview and Export​

  1. Press W to enter Print Mode
  2. Verify everything looks correct
  3. Click Print and export as PDF
  4. Print at 100% scale

Pattern Sizing Workflow​

Create different sizes of your bag or pouch pattern.

Setting Up Variables​

  1. Create Base Pattern

    • Draw your pattern at your target size
    • Ensure all measurements are correct

  2. Identify Key Measurements

    • Determine which lines control size
    • Typically: width, length, depth, strap length, pocket dimensions

  3. Lock Lines as Variables

    • Select each key line
    • Click Lock Length in sidebar
    • Line turns orange to indicate locked
    • Repeat for all sizing lines

  4. Create Size Variations

    • Duplicate the pattern
    • Adjust variable lengths proportionally
    • All connected pieces update together
    • Save each size separately

Sizing Tips​

tip

Start with a medium size and grade up/down from there. This gives you reference points in both directions.

  • Lock all related measurements together
  • Test with a prototype before finalizing
  • Keep a size chart for reference
  • Common increments: 2-3cm between sizes for pouches, 5cm for backpacks

Seam Matching Workflow​

Connect pattern pieces with matching seams.

1. Create Pattern Pieces​

  • Draw all pieces separately (front, back, gusset, etc.)
  • Name each piece clearly
  • Ensure seam lengths that connect should match

2. Mark Key Lines​

  • Select lines that will be sewn together
  • Shift + Click to mark as key lines (pink)
  • Visual indicator of important seams

3. Create Line Connections​

  1. Click the circle-plus icon on first line midpoint
  2. Click endpoint on second piece
  3. Lines turn lime green when connected
  4. System verifies lengths match

4. Copy Stitch Style​

  • Click Copy Stitch Style on connected line
  • Notches copy between pieces
  • Curves match automatically
  • Ensures perfect seam alignment

5. Verify in 3D​

  • Enable 3D mode
  • Check that pieces fold correctly
  • Connections show how pieces assemble
  • Adjust if needed
info

Line connections are essential for 3D preview. Connected edges fold together to show how your bag assembles.

Preparing Patterns for Print​

Professional export workflow.

Pre-Print Checklist​

☐ All pieces named clearly (Front Panel, Side Gusset, etc.) ☐ Seam allowances added to all pieces ☐ Notches positioned for alignment ☐ Fold lines marked where needed ☐ Measurements visible ☐ Key lines marked ☐ Fabrics assigned ☐ No overlapping pieces

Export Steps​

  1. Preview Mode

    • Press W to enter Print Mode
    • Toggle measurements in View settings
    • Verify all details present

  2. Choose Paper Size

    • Home printing: Letter or A4
    • Print shop: A0 or larger
    • Consider your pattern size

  3. Generate PDF

    • Click Export PDF
    • Select paper size
    • Enable overview page if desired
    • Download file

  4. Test Print

    • Print first page only
    • Measure with physical ruler
    • Ensure 100% scale (never "fit to page")
    • Verify before printing all pages

  5. Full Print

    • Print all pages at 100%
    • Assemble using page grid markers
    • Tape pages together
    • Cut and use
warning

Always print at 100% scale. Using "fit to page" or "shrink to fit" will produce incorrectly sized patterns.

Complex Pattern Assembly​

Working with multiple pieces for bags and packs.

Organization Strategy​

  1. Plan Piece Layout

    • Sketch overall bag design first
    • Identify all pieces needed (panels, gussets, pockets, straps)
    • List connections between pieces

  2. Create Pieces Systematically

    • Start with main/largest pieces (body panels)
    • Add structural pieces (gussets, bases)
    • Add detail pieces (pockets, flaps)
    • Finish with hardware pieces (strap loops, d-ring tabs)

  3. Use Layers Effectively

    • Name pieces clearly
    • Group related pieces
    • Toggle visibility as needed
    • Reorder for clarity

  4. Establish Connections Early

    • Connect pieces as you create them
    • Mark key lines immediately
    • Verify lengths match
    • Fix mismatches promptly

Assembly Workflow​

  1. Create main body panels
  2. Duplicate for front/back symmetry
  3. Create gusset/side panels
  4. Connect matching seams
  5. Add details (notches, folds)
  6. Add pockets and hardware tabs
  7. Assign fabrics
  8. Check in 3D
  9. Export

Working with Reference Images​

Use images as pattern guides.

Import Image​

  1. Press I for Image tool
  2. Click and drag to place
  3. Resize to scale
  4. Position under pattern pieces

Scale to Size​

  1. Draw a line of known length on the image
  2. Measure an image feature you know the size of
  3. Scale image to match
  4. Lock image in place

Trace Over Image​

  1. Press P for Pen tool
  2. Click to add points following image outlines
  3. Create bezier curves for curved edges
  4. Hide image when done tracing

Remove Image​

  1. Select image in layers
  2. Delete or hide layer
  3. Pattern remains
  4. Export without image

Modifying Existing Patterns​

Edit and improve patterns.

Pattern Refinement Workflow​

  1. Open Existing Pattern

    • Load from saved patterns
    • Or replicate from community

  2. Identify Changes Needed

    • List specific modifications
    • Note measurements to change
    • Plan your approach

  3. Make Adjustments

    • Select points to move
    • Adjust curves for better fit
    • Modify seam allowances
    • Update connections

  4. Verify Changes

    • Check measurements in sidebar
    • Print Mode with W
    • Test in 3D if applicable
    • Compare to original

  5. Save as New Version

    • Rename pattern with version
    • Add version number (v2, v3, etc.)
    • Document what changed
    • Export updated version

Fabric Planning Workflow​

Visualize and plan fabric usage.

1. Create Fabric Swatches​

  • Open Fabric panel in sidebar
  • Add all fabrics you'll use
  • Name each fabric (e.g., "X-Pac VX21 Black")
  • Set right/wrong side colors

2. Assign to Pieces​

  • Select each pattern piece
  • Assign appropriate fabric
  • Fabric name shows on canvas
  • Visual confirmation of assignments

3. Enable Material Mode​

  • Toggle Material Mode
  • See pattern with fabric colors
  • Check color combinations
  • Adjust assignments if needed

4. Plan Cutting Layout​

  • Arrange pieces for efficiency
  • Consider fabric width
  • Plan grain direction
  • Estimate yardage/meterage needed

Collaborative Pattern Development​

Working with testers or clients.

Share for Feedback​

  1. Publish to community (if appropriate)
  2. Or export PDF to share privately
  3. Enable downloadable if desired
  4. Gather feedback on fit and construction

Incorporate Changes​

  1. Make requested adjustments
  2. Document changes made
  3. Re-export updated version
  4. Share new version for review

Version Control​

  1. Save major versions separately
  2. Use clear naming: "Daypack-v1", "Daypack-v2"
  3. Keep changelog of changes
  4. Track which version was sent to whom

Time-Saving Tips​

Quick Duplicates​

  • Select piece → Press D
  • Instant copy for symmetry
  • Modify each independently
  • Great for front/back panels

Use Keyboard Shortcuts​

  • Learn tool keys (V, P, R, O)
  • Space to pan canvas
  • W for Print Mode
  • Toggle measurements in View settings

Template Patterns​

  • Save common shapes (strap tabs, d-ring mounts)
  • Replicate for new projects
  • Saves redrawing basics
  • Build your pattern library

Copy Line Properties​

  • Connect similar lines
  • Copy stitch style between pieces
  • Transfers all settings
  • Ensures consistency across pattern