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Blog / What is the difference between a Block and a Pattern?

What is the difference between a Block

and a Pattern?

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A Block is a Master Pattern usually made of a thin cardboard, which you use
,

(by tracing around or marking through with a pinwheel) to make the pattern
on thin paper, which is then cut out and pinned to fabric.

A pattern is a finished design ready for cutting out and sewing.

As blocks are made from cardboard, it is easy to trace around them. You
usually make design-line markings on the blocks which you then transfer to
the paper pattern, and you can also refer to those design lines on the block
when making future patterns with that same Block. Blocks are usually stored
by hanging them on a pattern hook, they aren't folded up like paper
patterns.

The image below shows a set of Blocks purchased for the TAFE I

Patternmaking course, the whole block set is hanging up on two pattern

hooks. All the Blocks in this set are Women's Size 10 and consists of the
following pieces: (Bodice + corresponding Sleeve), (Blouse + Sleeve), Skirt,
Pants, Jeans, (Extended Line Dress + Sleeve), (Jacket + Sleeve).

In a Nutshell
If made of cardboard, and you use it as a Master to make other patterns,
it's

it's a block. If it's made of tissue or other paper, meant to be placed onto

fabric for cutting out, it's a pattern.

The Block does not include seam allowance; you add the seam
allowance to each pattern pieces after you have drafted the pattern.

(So the image at the top of the page shows both the block (brown) and a
pattern piece (white). In this case there has been no design lines
added; the pattern is as per the block. But you can tell the white a
pattern piece by the fact that it has seam allowance added).

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3D Scanning: The answer to easily getting

correct measurements?

Across Shoulder: The Gotcha

Body Forms

Bust Cup Sizes

Cutting Bias Strips (of Consistent Width)

Comments ( 2)
Drafting Different Bust Cup Sizes

Ease in Patterns and Blocks Guest about 3 months ago #689

Should blocks have seam allowances or not?

Fabric Burn Test Chart

Fit vs Size Maria Margaret about 5 months ago #705

Hello Margaret
Sizing & Measurements - The Fashion
Fit,
Industry & Garment Manufacturing No, blocks do not have seam allowance. You add the seam allowance

I've covered this somewhere in the pages covering the overview

A Perfect Fit or a Good Enough Fit?
Fit:
More
(Including Asymmetrical Figures) Comment was last edited about 2 months ago by Super User

Fitting Issues NOT Figure Faults

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Making Toiles for Fitting

Reduction in Width for Stretch Blocks

Stretch Basics for Patternmaking 1:

Introduction

Stretch Basics for Patternmaking 2:

Blocks

Stretch Basics for Patternmaking 3:

Challenges for Non-Standard Figures

Understanding the Sleeve Part 1: The

Fitted Sleeve Block Submit Comment

Understanding the Sleeve Part 2: The Note Regarding Comments & Emails
Sleeve Cap Curve

Understanding the Sleeve Part 3: The

With the exception of emails regarding purchased Blocks or Books, please be
Triangle aware that only answer comments or emails every two or three weeks.
I

Understanding the Sleeve Part 4: Summary I can only answer questions that take 5 minutes of my time.

What is the difference between a Block

The content provide on this website is free but that does not mean also provide
I I

and a Pattern? unlimited one-on-one free assistance.

Where do start? How do learn

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patternmaking?

Why Upper Bust, Rather than Bust?

Why would I want to make my own blocks?

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