To digitize a vintage sewing pattern, photograph the cut pieces and let the contours be detected automatically. You get a true-to-scale digital copy, and the fragile original goes back into its envelope.
Some patterns you simply cannot buy again. Photograph them once, and from then on you work with the copy instead of the original.
Paper ages: folds break, edges fray, print fades. A digital copy is true to scale, cannot wear out and prints or projects as often as you like. The original stays untouched in its envelope.
Just need a specific file format? Head straight to your workflow: SVG for vector programs, DXF for CAD or PACX for CLO3D.
PatternScan Pro handles distortion correction, scaling and contour detection automatically. Go straight from photo to usable digital pattern.
Lay your cut-out pattern piece on a dark surface, place the four Reference Tiles around it and photograph it from above. Our photography guide shows the ideal photo.
PatternScan Pro corrects the perspective and detects the contours automatically. You review the result in the editor, measure lengths and adjust curves where needed.
Export as SVG, DXF or PACX and save the file in your archive folder. Print a working copy or project the pattern straight onto the fabric, the original stays safe.
Try the three steps with your own pattern.
A vintage pattern should be handled once, not every time you sew it. Digitizing turns that one careful session into a lasting archive.
The four printed Reference Tiles around your pattern tell the app exactly how large everything is. PatternScan Pro also corrects the distortion of your camera lens. Together this is what makes photo-based digitizing precise enough for real pattern work. You can verify it yourself: measure a known length after importing.
More on the tiles in our reference guide.
Does the vintage pattern have to be cut out?
For automatic detection, yes. Cut pieces from used patterns work well. If you do not want to cut, trace the contour manually in the editor, for example on an uncut sheet. PatternScan Pro still handles calibration, distortion correction and the transfer into any software.
Guide: Creating a Calibration Profile
Learn how to create accurate calibration profiles
Guide: Print and Use Reference
Learn how to use the reference correctly
Guide: How to Photograph Your Pattern
Complete step-by-step instructions
Will photographing damage the original?
No. The pattern only has to lie flat for one photo session. Use small weights instead of pins, then it goes straight back into its envelope.
Guide: Creating a Calibration Profile
Learn how to create accurate calibration profiles
Guide: Print and Use Reference
Learn how to use the reference correctly
Guide: How to Photograph Your Pattern
Complete step-by-step instructions
Does thin tissue paper work?
Light paper works when it lies flat and contrasts with the dark surface. Smooth it carefully and weigh down curling edges.
Guide: Creating a Calibration Profile
Learn how to create accurate calibration profiles
Guide: Print and Use Reference
Learn how to use the reference correctly
Guide: How to Photograph Your Pattern
Complete step-by-step instructions
Do I need special hardware?
No. A smartphone camera and a normal printer for the Reference Tiles are enough. There is no scanner, no plotter and no special equipment involved.
Guide: Creating a Calibration Profile
Learn how to create accurate calibration profiles
Guide: Print and Use Reference
Learn how to use the reference correctly
Guide: How to Photograph Your Pattern
Complete step-by-step instructions
Have more questions? Feel free to contact us.
Use your digitized patterns for whatever comes next: grading, CAD, 3D simulation, projecting, or your archive.
Digitize sewing patterns without tracing.
Test PatternScan Pro free for 14 days with the full feature set. You need your smartphone, a printer and one pattern you always wanted digital.
Photograph your paper pattern and get an automatically scaled digital version with PatternScan Pro.
.svg){kind=icon}