Key takeaways
- Connected 2D-to-3D workflows let pattern makers and technical designers bring vector artwork into a garment workflow or sketch on a digital avatar, then develop 2D pattern pieces for simulation.
- Linked pattern and 3D views let designers review how pattern changes affect a garment’s drape as they work.
- Fit review tools, including avatar measurements and fit maps, can help teams assess areas such as the underarm, sleeve, and shoulder.
- Material settings matter: using fabric data that reflects the intended material gives teams a more useful basis for reviewing simulated drape.
- Pre-render checks bring pattern grading, points of measure (POM), graphics, trims, and bill-of-materials (BOM) details together for review before rendering or production handoff.
Ingesting technical sketches and generating base CAD patterns
Moving from a 2D design concept to a 3D prototype starts with bringing the sketch into a pattern workflow and establishing clean 2D geometry. CLO offers several ways to do this, including vector import, pattern drafting, and sketching on an avatar.
- 2D Design Assets / 3D Sketch: Bring design assets into the garment workflow or sketch on a digital avatar.
- Pattern Drafting: Develop 2D pattern pieces from measurements.
- Seam & Construction Assembly: Set up seams and stitch placement across pattern pieces.
- 3D Avatar Review: Review the garment on a digital avatar.
In CLO, technical designers can draft patterns from measurements with Pattern Drafter or sketch on a digital figure using Sketch on Avatar.
Synchronizing 2D pattern modifications and 3D drape feedback
CLO lets pattern makers review 2D pattern work alongside the 3D garment view, helping them assess how pattern changes affect the simulated garment. Designers can use CLO to work on patterns and review simulated garments on avatars.
That view helps designers assess pattern edits in context as they continue refining the pattern.
Inspecting critical fit zones: armhole depth, sleeve pitch, and balance
Evaluating the fit of complex garment junctions, such as armholes, sleeve caps, and bust areas, requires checking both static clearance and structural balance. In a physical fitting session, a pattern maker checks whether the sleeve hangs cleanly without diagonal drag lines, verifies underarm clearance, and ensures the garment rests evenly across the shoulders.
In a digital CAD workflow, technical designers validate these critical zones using simulated avatars and measurement diagnostics:
- Avatar Proportions and Base Posture: Dress the garment on a digital avatar that reflects the intended body measurements, then review garment measurements and ease against that fit model.
- Armhole Depth and Sleeve Pitch: Check the drape around the bicep and sleeve cap. Diagonal wrinkles can point to pitch misalignment or insufficient cap height, though they should be assessed alongside the pattern and intended fit.
- Fit Evaluation: In CLO, designers can review fit, drape, and silhouette against the avatar. Pattern adjustments may include changing armhole depth, easing the sleeve cap, or shifting the shoulder seam.
- Grading Review Across Sizes: CLO includes an Auto POM & Grading tool. Designers can use it to apply grading parameters and measure points across a pattern set, then review the results across sizes.
Evaluating strain, pressure, and fabric physics
Material settings give designers a basis for reviewing simulated drape, and CLO includes fit maps as part of its garment review tools. Using material data that reflects the intended fabric can make that review more useful.
Pre-render finishing: graphic placement, trims, and export handoff
CLO gives technical designers a way to review construction details, trims, and production specifications before rendering or production handoff.
- Finalize Trims & Graphics: Place and review topstitching, trims, and graphics on garment patterns.
- POM & BOM Review: Review points of measure and bill-of-materials details.
- Render & Production Handoff: Prepare production information for handoff or rendering.
Trim and graphic placement
Trims and graphics can be reviewed as part of the garment workflow.
- In CLO, users can place trims and graphics on garment patterns.
Technical specification and tech pack handoff
Once the virtual garment passes fit and aesthetic review, the data is prepared for production:
- CLO: CLO includes a POM Calculator for reviewing points of measure.
These checks help teams review both the garment visualization and pattern information before rendering or production handoff.
Frequently asked questions
How do technical designers check sleeve length and armhole fit in 3D?
Technical designers dress the digital garment on an avatar that reflects the intended body measurements, then review the drape around the armscye and bicep. Diagonal drag lines can point to sleeve-pitch or cap-height issues. In CLO, designers can review garment fit on the avatar and use fit maps as part of the assessment.
What is the difference between 3D fit validation and final garment rendering?
3D fit validation focuses on pattern geometry, seam alignment, balance, and fit maps as designers review a garment on an avatar. Final rendering focuses on presentation, using lighting and camera choices to create imagery for line reviews, e-commerce, or marketing.
How are pattern grading adjustments reviewed in 3D CAD software?
In CLO, pattern makers can use Auto POM & Grading and the POM Calculator to review grading and measurement points. Graded sizes can also be reviewed on digital avatars.
How do vector sketches from Adobe Illustrator translate into sewable 3D patterns?
CLO offers Sketch on Avatar as one way to begin working from a design on a digital figure. Designers can then review the garment on an avatar.