Pattern Cutting: Getting Started (Equipment)

Before you get started pattern cutting, you will need the appropriate equipment. Here are the things that you will need to get started:

A - Pattern master.
These are an all-in-one pattern design tool. They can be expensive, but it will last you a long time if looked after. 

B - Pattern paper.
Pattern paper is quite thin, and is partially see through, which allows you to trace off patterns easier.

C - Mechanical pencils.
I would recommend using a mechanical pencil when drawing out your patterns, as it's important to use a sharp pencil so you can be as accurate as possible, and you don't have to keep sharpening your pencil every 5 seconds. Alternatively, a good quality hard lead pencil, like a 2H, are also good to use.

D - Notcher.
These cut a little line in the edge of the paper. Notches, or balance marks, are put on each pattern piece to make sure your pattern pieces fit together nicely. They are essential when sewing garments together.

E - Paper scissors.

F - Eraser.

G - Masking tape.
Masking tape is used when closing darts, etc. It is the best tape to use because it can be removed without ripping the paper, and it can be drawn/written on top of.

H - Tracing wheel.
A tracing wheel is a bit like a spikey pizza wheel. You use this when tracing around pattern pieces. You can lay your pattern on top of another piece of pattern paper, and then run the spikes along the lines you've drawn. The wheel will make little holes in the paper underneath. You can then draw over these dotted lines.

I - Tape measure.