Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about sewing patterns, measurements, exports, and how Nastix Patterns works.
Do I need professional sewing experience?
No. Nastix Patterns is designed for beginners, students, and independent makers. The workflow is built to be simple and understandable, and every generator is backed by a measurement guide that explains exactly where each value comes from.
Can I print patterns at home?
Yes. Pattern files are prepared for printable export, including tiled A4 PDF for standard home printers. Each tiled page carries join marks so the sheets align precisely, and every printout includes a 5 × 5 cm test square for checking the scale.
Do I need special software?
No. The builder works directly in your browser. You only need a browser and your body measurements — nothing to install, no account required.
What garment types are available?
Nastix Patterns now includes skirt blocks and variations, bodice blocks, sleeve blocks, dress, T-shirt, tank top, basic pants, basic shorts, waistbands, cuffs, collars, neck and armhole facings, vents, belt loops, patch pockets, and pocket flaps. More blocks and construction details will continue to be added.
How is this connected to Nastix Design?
Nastix Patterns is part of the Nastix Design ecosystem. Nastix Design focuses on garment sketching and clothing design, while Nastix Patterns focuses on technical pattern drafting.
Are these ready-made production patterns?
No. These are generated drafting guides based on your measurements and selected settings, not guaranteed ready-made industrial patterns. Always check measurements, print scale, seam allowances, and sew a test garment before cutting final fabric.
Why can a generated pattern still need fitting?
A formula can match the measurements entered into the form, but fabric stretch, posture, body shape, preferred ease, and sewing technique all affect the final garment. Treat the result as a calculated draft that must be checked.
What should I check before cutting fabric?
Check that the print scale is 100%, compare critical seam lengths, confirm seam and hem allowances, review darts and fold lines, and test the pattern in inexpensive fabric before using final material.
How do seam allowances work?
The solid line represents the garment seam or finished edge, while the dashed outline shows the cutting line with allowance. You choose the seam and hem allowance widths in the generator settings, and they are drawn automatically — never add extra centimetres to your body measurements for seams.
Can I use the generated files for further editing?
Yes. SVG and PDF exports are intended for printing and technical review. SVG is especially useful when you want to inspect or refine a draft in vector software.
How do I verify the print scale is correct?
Every generated sheet includes a 5 × 5 cm test square. Print with scaling set to 100% (never 'fit to page'), measure the square with a ruler, and only cut the paper once it reads exactly 5 cm on both sides. If it is off, fix the printer dialog — do not try to compensate by scaling measurements.
What are the construction checks shown in the preview?
Seams that must be sewn together have to match in length — a sleeve cap against its armhole, a collar against its neckline, a facing against its edge. Each generator measures these pairs on the drafted geometry and reports the difference. If a check shows more than a couple of millimetres, review the measurements before printing.
Should I download the A4 tiled PDF or the copyshop PDF?
They contain the same pattern. The tiled A4 PDF is for home printers: you print, check the test square, and tape the sheets together by the join marks. The copyshop PDF is a single large sheet for wide-format printing at a print shop — no taping, which is worth it for large pieces like dresses and pants.
Do the patterns include seam allowances, or do I add my own?
They are included and adjustable. The generator draws the stitch line (solid) and the cutting line with your chosen allowance (dashed) around every piece. Set seam and hem allowances separately in the settings; enter plain body measurements without any extra margin.
Can I reuse measurements from one tool in another?
Yes. Values you enter are kept in your session, and related tools pick them up — the bodice and dress generators can hand their drafted neckline and armhole lengths directly to the collar, neck facing, and armhole facing generators, so the detail pieces match the garment they will be sewn to.
The finished garment does not fit — what should I do first?
Work in order: confirm the test square was exact, re-take the one or two measurements related to the problem area, and compare them with what was entered. If a measurement was off, correct it and regenerate rather than reshaping cut pieces. If the draft was right, adjust at the side seams first — they are the safest seams to let out or take in.