Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about the free online pattern maker
What is the Blue Moon Pattern Maker?
A free online sewing pattern maker by Blue Moon Fabrics. It drafts custom patterns from your body measurements for 24 garment types in 70 design styles, renders a fashion designer sketch in your chosen fabric, grades a full size run, and exports print-ready PDF or industry DXF files — all in your browser, nothing to install.
Is it really free?
Yes — your first 10 pattern generations are free, with designer sketches, yield planning and print-at-home included. Studio ($19.99/mo) and Pro ($24.99/mo) monthly subscriptions unlock size grading, DXF/SVG export and unlimited patterns.
What garments can I make patterns for?
Swimwear (bikini tops and bottoms, one-pieces, swim dresses, rash guards, board shorts), activewear (leggings, sports bras, biker shorts, tennis dresses), dancewear (leotards, unitards, costumes), dresses (bodycon, maxi, wrap, slip), plus crop tops, skirts, shorts, corset tops, lingerie and jumpsuits — 24 garments, 70 styles.
What is a DXF file and who accepts it?
DXF is the industry-standard vector format for pattern cutting. Our AutoCAD R14 DXF export — one labeled layer per pattern piece and per size — opens in Gerber AccuMark, Lectra, Optitex, CLO 3D, Browzwear, Adobe Illustrator, and most laser or blade cutting tables.
How does size grading work?
The pattern maker re-drafts every piece mathematically — not scaled — across ten sizes (XS–3X) using industry-standard rules: 2″ circumference per size (3″ above size 16), 3/8″ length steps rounded to 1/8″. Your measurements become the base size anchor and all others grade from there. Export as a graded DXF (one layer per size) or size run CSV. Custom sizes with any label are also supported.
What is a base size and how do I choose it?
Your base size is the standard size closest to your entered measurements — shown with a ● in the Size Run panel. If your bust is 36″, your base is typically US size 8. All other sizes grade up or down from there. Getting the base right is the most important step. When in doubt, match to your full bust measurement.
What files does my factory need for a size run?
Most cutting rooms want a graded DXF: one file with each size on a separate named layer, compatible with Gerber AccuMark, Lectra, Optitex, CLO 3D, and Illustrator. If your factory works from a spec sheet, use the Size Run CSV — every piece and size with exact dimensions. Include the designer sketch as your tech pack visual.
Can I add a custom or non-standard size?
Yes — tap + Custom size in the Size Run panel, give it any label (e.g. “1X EU”, “Petite 10”), and set the grade step in inches from your base. Useful for plus extensions, petite grades, regional sizing, or bespoke sizes your factory uses.
How do I know how much fabric to buy?
The Yield panel calculates units per yard from your nested layout at your fabric width, using a 78% production marker efficiency — so you can cost a production run, not just one garment. The Stats page shows exact yards to buy for a single piece.
How do I print a pattern at home at the right size?
Export → Print, and set your printer to 100% scale / actual size — never “fit to page.” Each piece includes grain lines, notches and seam allowance. For large pieces, use a print shop’s wide-format printer with the same 100% rule.
Can I give the sketch to a sewing contractor?
Yes — that is what it is designed for. Every sketch is a fashion plate with a spec column listing garment, style, fabric, selected construction features and date, drawn in your exact fabric. Download it as a high-resolution PNG and send it with your graded DXF.
Do my measurements and designs stay private?
Yes. Patterns are drafted in your browser and projects are saved on your own device. Uploaded reference images are analysed in-session and never stored on our servers.
Why is a fabric store making a pattern maker?
Because patterns and fabric belong together. Blue Moon Fabrics has supplied Los Angeles designers for years — the Pattern Maker lets you design with our actual fabrics, see the sketch in the material you will sew, and know your yardage before you order.