Make Pattern Pieces from Cut Charts!

Last updated on September 28th, 2022 at 12:53 pm

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Sometimes it is nice to have cut charts and sometimes it is nice to have the pattern pieces on a projector file. If you are tired of measuring cut chart pieces, then this tutorial is for you! Learn how to make pattern pieces from cut charts and add them to layers in Affinity Designer.

Cut charts are usually provided for rectangle pieces such as skirts, ruffles, straps, and more. This was great for printing patterns so you didn’t need to print as many pages, but with a projector it is nice to be able to have a piece already drawn and measured out.

Before beginning, make sure to setup your document and select the units that you will be using.

I’ve also included a video to go along with this tutorial! Make sure to like and subscribe!

Step 1: Select the Layer

When a pattern is opened in Affinity Designer, you will see all of the layers in the layers panel. If you are new to using Affinity Designer, I suggest checking out Affinity Designer 101!

*If you can’t see the layers panel on the right side of the screen, try CTRL+Shift+H. This will hide and unhide the right panel.

Select the layer that you want to draw the pattern piece in.

Step 2: Draw the Pattern Piece

Since cut chart pieces are typically rectangles, we will be using the rectangle draw tool. This is on the left toolbar.

*Go to View>Show Tools if you cannot see any tools on the left side of the screen. Tools can be docked or float on the screen.

Use your mouse to draw a rectangle. In the “Transform” panel, which is typically under the layers panel, you will see a “W” and “H”. These stand for width and height of the rectangle. Type in the measurement from the cut chart and the rectangle will be accurately drawn.

Step 3: Repeat with all cut chart pieces

Repeat the process with all the cut chart pieces. Remember to select the size layer that you want the pieces to be in. Affinity Designer will save the layers in PDF export.

Step 4: (optional) Align Rectangles

If you want the same cut chart piece to be aligned and nested like you see on bought patterns, then you can do that. Use the select tool (arrow) to drag and select all the rectangles you want to align. With all the pieces selected they will align to each other.

In the top toolbar, find the align top and select. Then, with everything still selected, align left. With everything selected you can move the group anywhere you want on the pattern.

You’re finished! Export your pattern, choose the layer you want to cut, and your cut chart pieces should also be there!

You did it!

That’s it! Now you can create pattern pieces for everything in a cut chart and nest them in each layer! If you found this helpful, consider sharing this post with friends! Have you learned to unfold and mirror pattern pieces yet? Check out the Affinity Designer 102 tutorial!

Happy Sewing!