Sewing Pattern Generator

A simple Python interface to the OpenPattern library for generating professional sewing patterns. This tool creates standard patterns (Bodice, Skirt, and Trousers) and exports them as PDF files.

About OpenPattern

OpenPattern is a Python library for generating professional sewing patterns based on established patternmaking techniques by Jacqueline Chiappetta, Theresa Gilewska, and Antonio Donnanno. It provides:

• Professional-grade pattern blocks with accurate drafting
• Support for standard sizing systems (French, Italian)
• Multiple drafting styles from renowned pattern makers
• High-quality pattern generation suitable for professional use

Installation

Prerequisites

• Python 3.7 or higher
• pip (Python package manager)

Install Dependencies

1. Install the required packages:

pip install -r requirements.txt

2. Install OpenPattern:

pip install git+https://github.com/fmetivier/OpenPattern.git

Usage

Generate All Pattern Types

Run the main script to generate all three pattern types (Bodice, Skirt, and Trousers):

python generate_patterns.py

This will create three PDF files in the output/ directory:

• bodice_W36G.pdf - Women's bodice (Gilewska style)
• skirt_W6C.pdf - Women's skirt (Chiappetta style)
• Donnanno_Basic_Trousers_M44D_FullSize.pdf - Men's trousers (Donnanno style)

Individual Pattern Examples

You can also run individual pattern examples from the examples/ directory:

Generate a Bodice Pattern

python examples/bodice_example.py

Generate a Skirt Pattern

python examples/skirt_example.py

Generate a Trousers Pattern

python examples/trousers_example.py

Use in Your Own Code

You can import and use the pattern generation functions in your own scripts:

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
import OpenPattern as OP

# Create a women's bodice pattern
p = OP.Basic_Bodice(
    pname="W36G",
    gender='w',
    style='Gilewska'
)

# Draw and save as PDF
p.draw()
plt.savefig('my_bodice.pdf', format='pdf', bbox_inches='tight')
plt.show()

Pattern Types

Basic Bodice

• Style: Gilewska
• Parameters: pname, gender, style
• Example: OP.Basic_Bodice(pname="W36G", gender='w', style='Gilewska')

Basic Skirt

• Style: Chiappetta
• Parameters: pname, gender, style, ease, curves
• Example: OP.Basic_Skirt(pname="W6C", gender='G', style='Chiappetta', ease=8, curves=False)
• Note: Skirt patterns use gender='G' (general/women) and simpler pattern names like "W6C" instead of "W36C"

Basic Trousers

• Style: Donnanno
• Parameters: pname, gender, style, darts
• Example: OP.Basic_Trousers(pname="M44D", gender='m', style='Donnanno', darts=True)

Pattern Naming Convention

Pattern names follow the OpenPattern convention:

• First letter: Gender ('W' for women, 'M' for men)
• Number: Size (e.g., 36, 38, 40, 44)
• Last letter: Style initial (G=Gilewska, C=Chiappetta, D=Donnanno)

Examples:

• W36G - Women's size 36, Gilewska style
• W40C - Women's size 40, Chiappetta style
• M44D - Men's size 44, Donnanno style

Customization

You can customize patterns by modifying parameters:

# Women's bodice with different size
p = OP.Basic_Bodice(pname="W40G", gender='w', style='Gilewska')

# Skirt with more ease
p = OP.Basic_Skirt(pname="W6C", gender='G', style='Chiappetta', ease=10, curves=True)

# Women's trousers
trousers = OP.Basic_Trousers(pname="W38D", gender='w', style='Donnanno', darts=True)

Output

All patterns are saved as PDF files that can be:

• Viewed on screen
• Printed at full scale for pattern making
• Edited with PDF software if needed

The patterns include professional-grade details like:

• Accurate pattern pieces
• Proper seam allowances
• Grainlines and notches
• Pattern labels

Examples Directory

The examples/ directory contains individual scripts for each pattern type:

• bodice_example.py - Basic bodice pattern
• skirt_example.py - Basic skirt pattern
• trousers_example.py - Basic trousers pattern

See the examples/README.md for more details.

Troubleshooting

OpenPattern Not Installed

If you get an error about OpenPattern not being installed:

pip install git+https://github.com/fmetivier/OpenPattern.git

Display Issues

If patterns don't display properly, make sure you have a display configured. On headless systems, use:

import matplotlib
matplotlib.use('Agg')  # Use non-interactive backend

License

This project is open source and available under the MIT License.

Acknowledgments

• OpenPattern library by François Métivier
• Pattern drafting methods by Jacqueline Chiappetta, Theresa Gilewska, and Antonio Donnanno