Open Source Patternmaking

If you have interest in making your own custom blocks, this is the page to get you started.

First, you need to download and install Inkscape.

Next, you will need to place each of the following files in your Inkscape user extensions directory. For Apple and Unix-y systems, this is probably: $HOME/.config/inkscape/extensions

Files:
xmlparser.py
sewing_patterns.py
womens_measurements.xml


For each new block or pattern, you will need three more files. Put those in the same directory.

Bodice Block (with optional sleeves): bodice_pivnick.py bodice_pivnick.inx bodice_pivnick_msmnts.txt
Skirt Block: skirt_pivnick.py skirt_pivnick.inx skirt_pivnick_msmnts.txt
Dress Block (with optional sleeves): dress_pivnick.py dress_pivnick.inx dress_pivnick_msmnts.txt

Once you have your files downloaded and saved, you will need to make the python files executable. You do this in Apple and Unix-y systems by typing "sudo chmod a+x *.py" into the command line in the directory containing the files.  You will need to enter your password.

In order to run the extension, you need to open Inkscape. Under the "Extensions" menu, you should now find the submenu "Sewing Patterns." Choose the sewing pattern you desire and a new window will open. in the "Options" tab, you can select a standard measurement, or you can select "Custom" and enter your measurements in the following tabs. When you are done, click "Apply" and you should see your custom pattern.

Measuring: If you are going to use your own custom measurements, then you will want to know how to properly measure yourself. For the blocks, I used Esther Pivnick's copyright-expired Fundamentals of Patternmaking I. A free PDF of the book can be found at The Perfect Nose, but I have excerpted just the portion on taking measurements.

Printing: To print the pattern, you can either take it to a copy shop and have them print it on big paper, or you can use a program like Posterazor to cut up your image into printable pieces that can be taped back together.

Some Notes:
* The blocks do not come with seam allowances.  The lines you see are the sewing lines, so cut your fabric accordingly.

* Python Inkscape Extensions do not currently work under OSX Lion. There is an error proclaiming that lxml is not installed. An easy workaround is described in comment #7 on this page: https://answers.launchpad.net/inkscape/+question/194132

* Much of sewing_patterns.py was written by Susan Spencer at taumeta.org. I have just built upon it for my own needs. She is now collaborating on another great project for standalone open source patternmaking software called Valentina. Valentina promises to be something really great and won't require programming knowledge.