So for example, I can measure just the front part of a sleeve cap: Vector Scribe allows you to measure segments of curves and lines, rather an an entire line. Unfortunately another company bought it out, repackaged and amped the price but I’ve gotten so used to the tool that I had to bite the bullet once I upgraded Illustrator.
Years ago this plugin was called SnapMeasure. The second tool I use for measuring lines is a plugin called Vector Scribe. When a line is selected, this information window will give you an exact measurement of your line down to fractions of inches, millimeters or centimeters. The Document Info window has an additional dropdown menu for “Objects”. If this is not visible, click on “Window > Show Document Info”. First I select the armscye line with the “Direct Selection” tool (shortcut: “A” key). The simplest is through the “Document Info” window.įor example, let’s say I want to measure an armscye. You can add anchor points to any line by clicking on the “Add Anchor” tool (the shortcut in Illustrator is the + key). The more anchors the more complex a curve can get. These points have handles that can be pulled out to create curves. Get to Know Anchor PointsĪnchor points are little dots that “anchor” a line or curve into a particular spot. Play around with it until you get used to the motions with your mouse or trackpad. When I first started using Illustrator I created documents and made a bunch of random shapes freehand with the pen. You’ll also use the Line tool, which allows you to draw straight lines and transform them into curved ones later on. This is the most basic tool and when drafting you’ll use it over and over again. If you are brand new to using vector software of any type, I recommend spending some time playing with the pen tool. So let’s dig in… Learning the Pen and Line Tools I’ve included some resources at bottom if this is your interest. If you are interested in making sewing patterns for sale, there are many issues to consider and these are worthy of a tutorial series or course on their own. I’m also assuming that you are a hobbyist drafting for yourself. Now just to warn you, I am not writing a tutorial on “how to draft in Illustrator”, nor am I trying to exhaust the subject. Today as promised I’d like to share a few of my favorite Illustrator tools for drafting patterns. I want to put you all in a room together so we can geek out on subjects like bone structure, sleeve caps, and pattern puzzles. This subject definitely brings the patternmakers out of the woodwork! That makes me happy because I love patternmaking minds. After my last post about pattern drafting I got so many great comments about the various programs you use, whether as a hobby or professionally.
0 kommentar(er)
