Most patterns people project are digital already. What is missing is the step before: your paper patterns and cut fabric pieces. PatternScan Pro turns both into true-to-scale files that are ready for the projector.
PatternScan Pro and Pattern Projector complement each other: one gets patterns into the computer, the other gets them onto the fabric.
Printing means taping pages and cutting paper before you ever cut fabric. With a projector you calibrate once, project the pattern true to scale and cut directly. Digitizing is the step that makes your paper patterns projectable.
Rather print or keep editing? 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 and open it in your projector software, for example Pattern Projector. Calibrate once, project true to scale and cut directly on the fabric.
Try the three steps with your own pattern.
Pattern Projector runs free in the browser and reads SVG files. Your digitized pattern opens there at true scale, ready to project.
More on the projector workflow is in our blog post about Pattern Projector.
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.
Which format do I project?
Export SVG. Projector tools like Pattern Projector read it directly and show your pattern true to scale after calibration.
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 it work with Pattern Projector?
Yes. Export your pattern as SVG and open it in Pattern Projector. Calibrate your projector once and the pattern appears at true scale.
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
Is the projection true to scale?
The file is true to scale in millimeters. The projection is as accurate as your projector calibration, so check it with a ruler before cutting.
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 the pattern have to be cut out?
For automatic detection, yes. The app detects free-standing contours, so cut your pattern along its lines before photographing. Alternatively you can draw the contour manually in the editor, for example on an uncut multi-size 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
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}