The Complete List of Pattern Making Tools

This is a complete list of all the items you will need for the Online Course, “Making a Moulage with the GRD Method.” Since these are my top items for all pattern making projects, I thought anyone may want to reference this as a complete list of tools you should have.

This list comprises of paid affiliate links. You can click on the purple links below to see the items directly on Amazon. However, I do suggest to always support your local fabric store by purchasing items there.

Essential Pattern Making Tools List   (the lists comprise of paid links)

Clear grid ruler – grid ruler 18” by 2” or in cm if you work in Metric units. (alternative option for out of stock items)

24” hip curve  – You can also use other curved rulers, but this is my favorite. The units of measure don’t matter for this as we only use it for the curves, not for measuring.

French curve – (this image is hard to see on Amazon since the ruler is clear, you may need to zoom in) – You can also use other curved rulers, but this is my favorite for armholes and necklines.

L square 24” by 14” (Imperial)  *Note* The measurements on this ruler don’t matter, because we will not be using the measurements for this project. So, any L-square will work. You can also buy this from the hardware store. (alternative option for out of stock items)

Tape measure – Use either inches (Imperial) or centimeters (Metric) (alternative option for out of stock items)

Fabric/Pattern Weights – Any weights will work. You can also use small heavier items around your house if you don’t have weights. Some people use heavy “O” rings from the hardware store or Fishing weights.

Pointed tracing wheel – This is really helpful for darts and you will use it throughout your pattern making journey. It has sharp, pointed tips.

Tracing wax-like/Transfer paper and blunted Tracing wheel

(also called tailor’s/dressmaking tracing paper) you will use this throughout your pattern making journey and it will help you duplicate pattern pieces to fabric and paper. There are different colors to choose from and the link above is for a graphite color. If you want a less visible color, you could go with yellow. Another option some students like is to have TWO colors of transfer paper: One for the wearer’s right and one for the left side. It’s a nice idea if you choose to distinguish both sides in your fitting.

You’ll also need your standard tools like fabric scissors or rotary cutter, pins, pencil, pencil sharpener, eraser, paper scissors and a black marker.

Optional supplies/ Tools

Notcher  (You can also just use scissors)

Awl    (You can also just use the point of a scissors)

Mini level / spirit level  (to make sure your elastic/rulers are parallel to the floor when measuring yourself)

Pattern hooks (These are OPTIONAL, I also use S-hooks which can be found at Ikea, in case that’s easier or you can also just use a standard hanger)

“Rabbit” pattern hole puncher (This is only if you’re super serious about pattern making and want one! It’s totally OPTIONAL, You can also use scissors, an X-Acto knife to cut a hanger hole, or this basic puncher option)

Required Supplies List – Making a Moulage (Online Course)

Small white multi-purpose labels – These are very important for the GRD method for measuring your body and will greatly improve accuracy. Please be sure to buy the best quality you can find! You can get them at an office supply store, craft store or online. Size 1/2″ x 3/4″ (Metric 1cm x 2cm). Alternatively, some students suggested using white medical tape instead of the labels, then they marked on the medical tape as they went. I prefer the labels, but you need to find what works best for you.

Thin ribbon – 3 metres/ 3 yards (to connect to your tape measure for measuring your body)

3/8” inch Elastic – 6 metres/ 6 yards elastic (used for measuring your body and will greatly improve accuracy) (alternative item for out of stock items)

2 Yards 45″ or 1 yard 60″ Muslin fabric –I highly suggest medium weight around 4.5 to 6 ounces/square yard or 150 to 200 grams/square meter. If you go with a light weight muslin, you won’t be able to see the fitting issues as easily. You want something with a more stiff hand/feeling to it and not so soft. The amount you will need is based on the amount of samples you need to make. You may need more or less than the quantities listed above. If you buy more, you will always use it in the future making style patterns and further fitting samples. DO NOT WASH YOUR FABRIC! IT MUST REMAIN STIFF AND KEEP THE STRUCTURE. YOU WILL PRE-IRON IT WITH SPRAYS OF WATER.

You will also want a lighter, mid-weight broadcloth or mid-weight muslin (4 oz) fabric for cutting your sloper in. Many people don’t want such a stiff fabric as the moulage for the sloper. You may need to sew multiple fitting samples, but you won’t know how many until you come to the fitting stage. So, a suggested amount is 3 yards/meters 60”(150cm) or 6 yards/meters 45”(115cm) wide. DO NOT WASH YOUR FABRIC! IT MUST REMAIN STIFF AND KEEP THE STRUCTURE. YOU WILL PRE-IRON IT WITH SPRAYS OF WATER.

Jacket zipper -28″ Separating – (71cm) – The quantity of zippers will vary on the amount of Moulage fitting samples you make. If you want one also for your sloper, consider this too. Many people make several fitting samples. The color doesn’t matter, but white will likely show less than black in combination with the muslin fabric. The length could vary per person, but this is a good starting point for the length.

Matte finish magic tape – scotch tape (This is great so your pencil will write on it. Shiny tape doesn’t allow pencil writing.)

Pattern Making Paper This is actually optional for drafting because I also give a printable grid which you piece together on letter/A4 paper size. You can use either the grid or the pattern paper.

However, you will likely want pattern making paper for the sloper and creating patterns later on. When it comes to pattern paper, I prefer the heavier craft paper such as this. This is totally up to you what weight you want to work with. However, many people like the thinner paper for tracing through, like this Bienfang paper If you go with the pattern making paper option, you may want around 6 yard/meters by a minimum width of 16″ (40cm). A whole roll is usually the option for buying and you’ll use it as you design more.

Oaktag for your sloper (also called manila board or Oak board. You can also just use two sheets of poster board)

You’ll need a total of 2 yards/meters by a minimum width of 16” (40cm). In the future, you will likely want more to create multiple other slopers (like a 2 dart sloper, sloper with and without waist shaping, etc.)

The last random item you’ll need is a chain necklace. You can use any necklace you already have.

THIS IS EVERYTHING FOR THE MUST-HAVE ITEMS!

Below is Optional for customizing your Dress Form to your Moulage

This is for the Bonus section and not required for the main course.

If you choose to put your muslin moulage on your adjustable sizeable mannequin, you’ll notice areas that need a little filling. If this is the case, you’ll want to have some items like this around to fill in the areas that are loose. This is only if you plan on keeping your Moulage on your mannequin permanently to have a custom form for yourself. If your mannequin has fixed sizes, it may be more complex in placing the moulage on it.

Stuffing and batting (different thinner foams can also work)

Flat head pins (for adding padding to mannequin to hold the batting/foam down)

You may want some layers of shoulder pads or bra cups, depending on how your Moulage fits over your mannequin.

OPTIONAL – Sewing Pattern Tool Kit!

Here’s a great sewing pattern tool kit that has the rulers, curves, awl, sharp tracing wheel, notcher, tape measure, Pattern hangers and several additional items. Just in case you want this set, it’s a great kit for pattern tools. It doesn’t include everything you’ll need like the supplies. Please review the comprehensive list above for all items.

As an Amazon Associate I earn small commissions from qualifying purchases. The tools are all items in which I’ve used and highly recommend in your pattern making journey.

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