Garment or seam line
The solid outline is the shape that should sew together: side seams, shoulder seams, armholes, crotch seams, waistlines, and other construction edges.
Sewing pattern guide
Seam and hem allowances
Generated patterns show both the construction line and the cutting line. Understanding the difference helps you print, cut, and test the draft correctly.
Cutting line with allowance
The dashed outline sits outside the solid line and shows where to cut after adding seam or hem allowance.
Construction seam allowance
Most regular seams use a smaller allowance, commonly around 1 cm, unless the pattern settings specify another value.
Hem allowance
Lower edges often need more allowance than seams. Pants and shorts may use a 2.5-3 cm hem so the edge can be folded and finished cleanly.
Allowance around curves
On armholes, necklines, crotch curves, and other curved edges, the dashed line must preserve a consistent offset from the original curve.
Corners and transitions
Where two seams meet, allowances must transition clearly so the cutting line does not hide under the garment line or create an accidental wedge.
Generated allowance is still a setting to verify
Allowance values are calculated from the options you choose, but sewing method, fabric thickness, finishing technique, and personal workflow can require changes before production.