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Affinity and Inkscape are recommended programs when making digital sewing pattern alterations, but which one is better for sewing? Let’s explor if Inkscape or Affinity is better for sewing pattern alterations.
The biggest difference between Inkscape vs. Affinity is that Affinity is an all-in-one graphic design suite and Inkscape focuses on vector graphics. Meaning not only does Affinity work with vector graphics, but can also edit pixels and photos. For sewing, we only need to be able to edit vectors. This article will come the vector functionality of both Inkscape and Affinity.
Let’s dig into the pros and cons of each program so you can decide which program is the best option to learn in your sewing journey!
What is Inkscape?
Inkscape was designed as an Open-Source vector graphics editor. It is directly supported by the community; which makes development, user input, and updates possible.
Inkscape is built by many contributors and volunteers that help code and develop the software. This is often referred to as “The Inkscape Project”. It is also a member of the Software Freedom Conservancy, a US 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Inkscape is available for Mac, Windows, and Linux computer systems.
Sewing patterns are considered vector graphics, which makes Inkscape a great option for digitally editing sewing patterns.
What is Affinity?
Affinity is a graphics editing program developed by Serif. It was originally developed as three separate programs Affinity Designer, Affinity Photo, and Affinity Publisher. In 2025, it was acquired by Canva. The three programs were merged into one program that functions together as one. It also has integrated some of Canva AI capabilities. It can be downloaded for free using a Canva account, but some features (such as Canva AI) require a Canva Pro subscription.
Affinity is currently available on Mac and Windows, with an iPad version to be released soon. The Affinity Designer iPad version can be downloaded for free in the meantime.
Advantages of Inkscape for Sewing
Let’s dig into some of the advantages of Inkscape as a sewing application. I will only touch on the useful tools that apply to adjusting patterns for projecting. If you are in a hurry, check out the pros and cons table below. Inkscape is the preferred choice for sewists using a computer or laptop to project patterns.
1. Guidelines
Inkscape has a better guideline menu.
Guidelines in Affinity can be added by dragging, in Affinity you can see all the guideline values at once and make grids. You can add guidelines and change their location in the guideline menu. Color changes are uniform across the guidelines. Affinity works well when making grids and columns. However, it does not have a lot of control on the individual guidelines them selves.
Inkscape allows you to adjust, duplicate, and lock the individual guidelines.
Here are some of the features of working with guidelines in Inkscape:
- Show only selected guideline
- Select one guideline at a time
- Duplicate the line
- Lock a guideline so it doesn’t move when working with the vectors.
- Make a relative change
- Rotate the guideline using degrees from a specific point on the guideline (I.E. creating a 45 degree line for bias grainlines)
2. Select Same
Inkscape has better “Select Same” which can be used for creating layers on non-layered patterns.
While it is rarely worth the time to create layers on a non-layered pattern, the “select same” feature in Inkscape works a lot better than the options available in Affinity.
The options for selecting same in Affinity include the same fill, stroke, or weight. You can also choose the same fill and stroke color. While Affinity focus on same fill and stroke color or the stroke weight, Inkscape has a broader combination that will only select lines with the same fill and stroke. This feature includes the stroke style, weight, and color. Inkscape will do a much better job selecting the pattern lines for various sizes, which can then be put into layers. However, you will be unable to export a layered pattern file. (See the Affinity section later.)
3. Zoom Correction Factor
Inkscape has a built-in scaling feature called zoom correction factor. What this does is set a default 100% zoom. This can be used in conjunction with manual projector calibration so you can project patterns directly from Inkscape. It is not necessary for making sewing pattern alterations, but it does open up options for projecting and correcting.
4. No Password Barrier
If a sewing pattern file is password protected for editing, Inkscape typically bypasses this and opens. Affinity will usually bring up a dialogue for these files asking for a password. These files will need to be “unlocked” before making the alterations you need, which creates another step.
5. Layer Imports
Since Inkscape updated to version 1.3, it now imports pattern layers. Layers can be accessed through the layers studio panel. Inkscape still does not export layers in PDFs.
6. Customization and Extensions
Inkscape’s layout can be customized almost any way you can imagine. Also, there are many extensions available that increase the functionality of Inkscape.
The developers are very responsive to the needs of the users. Because it is community-supported and driven, the developers are keen to listen to the needs of users. Martin Owens has been great at helping Inkscape to be more functional for sewing purposes!
Plus, users can also develop their own extensions to add to Inkscape to do exactly what they want!
Advantages of Affinity
Now, let’s delve into the advantages of Affinity Vs. Inkscape for sewing. Affinity is a vector and raster editing all-in-one program. As such, there are a few things that Affinity can do, that Inkscape cannot. Affinity is available for iPad users and is the preferred way to make pattern alterations for those sewist who use an iPad for projecting patterns. Affinity is also available for Windows and Mac users.
1. Multiple Documents at Once
In Affinity, you can have multiple files open at once and toggle between the tabs. This is great for working on multiple patterns at once.
In Inkscape, you can open more than one document at once, but they open in a new window. However, opening multiple documents in Inkscape means having multiple application windows open at oncem which often leads to Inkscape crashing.
2. Export Layered Patterns
Affinity can export layered files, whereas Inkscape flattens the layers. Meaning if you want to export a multi-sized pattern that the size visibility can be toggled on or off in Pattern Projector, you will not be able to do this in Inkscape. For most hobby sewists, this isn’t an issue because you only need the size you altered to be visible.
3. Mobile App for iPad
Possibly the biggest advantage of Affinity is for iPad users. It is currently the recommended app for making digital pattern alterations using iPad.
The iPad version of Affinity V3 has not been released yet, but you can download its predecessor Affinity Designer 2 for free.
4. More Stable
Affinity Designer is often more stable than Inkscape. Inkscape has gotten better over the years, but frequent crashes and bugs are not uncommon. Affinity Designer is much more reliable. My research has found that this is especially better for Mac users who seem to experience more Inkscape crashes than Windows users.
5. Measuring Curves
Affinity has a better option for measuring curves. There is a tool on the toolbar that can be quickly used to measure line segments and curves. In Inkscape, to measure curves we use the path effects or extension. It is possible, but not as quick and easy as the Affinity tool. But, Inkscape does have more options for preserving the measurement on the file.
*After seeing my comparison of Inkscape and Affinity, Martin Owens decided to update the measuring curves functionality in Inkscape! So, the measuring curves might not be different after an Inkscape update.
6. More than Vectors
Affinity can edit pixels or raster files, but Inkscape is limited to vectors. While this doesn’t really affect editing sewing patterns, Affinity does have the ability to edit images and create publishing layouts.
7. User Interface
Many find the user interface and defaults more intuitive. They also love the sleek look to Affinity. With Inkscape’s many robust options designed for professionals, it can get overwhelming to the sewing user.
Notable Updates to Affinity
While this is not directly related to sewing pattern alterations, I was happy to see that Affinity now has the ability to trace images. Inkscape has had this feature for a while now.
I only use this feature when I want to make a mock-up using the line drawing of the pattern.
Learn to Use Affinity or Inkscape for Sewing!
Learning a new skill can be challenging. Stop wasting time trying to learn Inkscape or Affinity from a graphic designer and learn directly from someone who is using it for sewing pattern alterations!
If you are looking to streamline your learning in a clear, straightforward way specifically designed for projector sewists, then these are the courses for you!
Conclusion Inkscape Vs. Affinity for Sewing
Both are free to download and use. They each open and export PDF and SVG files that can be opened in our calibration programs. Both programs can be used to grade between sizes, rotate darts, and lengthen or shorten patterns. No matter if you use Affinity or Inkscape, you will be able to completely ditch the paper in favor of digital sewing pattern alterations.
Affinity has a few features that are only available to Canva Pro subscribers, but these features are not needed for sewing. Affinity is part of the Canva company, so has access to the resources and development of the Canva ecosystem. Affinity has multi-functions including vectors, images, and publishing layouts. It is an all-in-one tool. So, it can be used for a lot more than editing vectors.
Inkscape is open source and supported by donations from users, so if you enjoy using it, I highly recommend donating on their homepage. Inkscape truly has a lot of functionality and options, but it can be very overwhelming for beginners.
When you are ready to start learning how to use one of these programs for sewing, then check out my courses in the link below!
If you used both programs before, did I miss something that you think should have been included? Leave a comment below!
Thank you for joining me today! Happy Sewing
I am planning to start with Inkscape mainly because if the sewing tutorials. ( This will probably happen in February when hoping to focus more on garment sewing vs. quilting.)
Later, I may switch to Affinity Designer when becoming more proficient…..
I have downloaded a trial for Infinity but they say it is only for 10 days not 90. I am pretty new to pdf stitcher, Inkscape and Affinity. I think my inexperience is hindering me from making a correct judgement but i will really try. I had Inkscape downloaded and trying that. I got frustrated because i didn’t manage to successfully shorten a garment. (Probably my inability). I eventually managed in Affinity but the page looked a mess. I am not sure about the lack of specific percentage in Affinity. So far i am on equal with both. If i can save the pattern as a pdf from Affinity and use it in adobe. I think i might be leaning to that but so far i haven’t been able to open any pattern in adobe after editing in Affinity.
Hello! The standard trial period is 10 days and a 14-day money back guarantee. They have done a special 90-day trial in the past. I’ll make sure to change that!
To save a file to open in Adobe, you will need to save as a PDF file.
To shorten a pattern, edit the nodes to the desired height.
Here is a tutorial for shortening pattern pieces in Inkscape. It can be done similarly in Affinity.
https://youtu.be/XRPpyhOUlWM