Editing a Garment
145 articles
Darts and Pleats
You can use the Pleats/Darts feature to add darts and pleats to your garment. You can add a:
Normal dart - 2021.1 and newer
Normal...
Adding a Dart - Overview
VStitcher 2021.1 and newer
This dart feature allows you to add a dart object, a container for the various parts of the dart.
The follow...
Selecting a Dart
To edit a dart, you must first select it.
To select a dart:
On the Main toolbar, click Select.
On the Horizontal contextual menu, ...
Converting an Existing Pattern Piece Dart
If you use an existing pattern with an empty or a full dart, before you can edit the dart using the full edit dart functionality, you m...
Editing a Dart Using the Context View
Once you have added a dart to a garment, you can easily edit it in the Context view.
Note
For information on other editing options, re...
Changing a Dart's Width or Length
Once you have added a dart to a garment, you can:
Change the width by moving the dart’s points
Change the length by moving the dar...
Locking a Dart Point
You can lock a dart so that only the other dart point and the apex move.
To lock a dart point:
Select a dart.
In the Context view,...
Rotating and Moving a Dart
Once you have added a dart to a garment, you can:
Rotate a dart
Move a dart
Rotating a Dart
To rotate a dart:
Select the...
Making a Dart Round
Once you have added a dart to a garment, you can make it a round dart.
To make a round dart:
Select the dart.
Go to the Context Vi...
Implementing a Dart
Dart objects have certain editing restrictions. For example the leg lengths of a dart object must be equal. As a result, if you want to...
Previewing Closed Darts
Once you have added a dart to a garment and closed it, you can easily view the angle that the closed dart created to the edge where the...
Selecting a Snap to Option
After you have inserted a dart, you can easily snap the legs or the apex to various locations.
On the Main toolbar, click Select.
...
Deleting a Dart
Once you have added a dart to a garment, you can delete it.
To delete a dart:
In the 2D window, select the dart. The dart is highlig...
Adding a Normal Dart - Legacy Feature
VStitcher 2020 September Edition and older
You can use the Pleats/Darts feature to add a normal dart to your garment.
To add a normal d...
Adding a Diamond Dart
You can use the Pleats/Darts feature to add a diamond dart to your garment.
To add a diamond dart:
On the Main toolbar, click Insert...
Adding a Pleat
You can use the Pleats/Darts feature to add a pleat to your garment.
To add a pleat:
On the Main toolbar, click Insert.
On the Hor...
Flipping Grading Values
You can swap, or flip, grading values so they go from a positive value to a negative value, and the other way around. For example, this...
Grading and Sizes OverviewGrading is the process of creating patterns of different sizes for a garment.
You start from the base size garment.
When you are sati...
Copying Grading Values
For a faster grading workflow, you can copy the X, Y, or X and Y grading values from one grade point and paste to one or more other gra...
Changing Garment Size
If your garment includes multiple sizes, you can change the size of the garment in the application.
To change the garment size:
On ...
Using the Increment Tool
You can manually grade all sizes simultaneously, by a fixed amount, using the Increment tool.
To use the Increment tool:
If it is ...
Viewing the Sizes and Grading Pane
The Sizes and Grading pane displays important information about sizes and grading.
To view the pane:
On the Main menu, click Tools.
...
Grade Points
To grade a garment, you use the grade points on the base size. The outline of the pattern pieces for the other sizes are plotted by ref...
Clearing a Grade Point
You can clear grade points to set all the values to zero.
To clear grade points:
If it is not already open, open the Sizes and Gradi...
Setting a Static Grade Point
You can set a grade point so that it is static. This means that the values of this point will become 0/0 ("zero point") and all other p...
Using Design in Sizes
To use this feature:
First you define or import a grouping of sizes. You can also save groupings of sizes for future use.
Then you...
Manually Grading
You can grade sizes manually and precisely, using the Sizes and Grading pane to configure the grade points.
Version 2024.1: This versio...
Disabling a Grade Point
You can disable a grade point so that it no longer functions as a grade point.
Note
This is a different action from setting grade poin...
Edit Non-Base Size While Grading OverviewIn VStitcher 2025.2 and newer, you can now edit grade points directly on non-base sizes.Previously, grading adjustments could onl...
Visually Grading
You can grade sizes visually, using your mouse.
Note
Before grading, ensure all the required sizes are available. For information abou...
Adding a Size
You can add sizes to be graded.
To add a size:
If it is not already open, open the Sizes and Grading pane.
To add a new size -…
Changing the Base Size
You can set any size you want as the base size.
To change the base size:
If it is not already open, open the Sizes and Grading pane....
Renaming a Size
You can rename sizes to conform to your own naming convention.
To rename a size:
If it is not already open, open the Sizes and Gradi...
Configuring Points as Grade Points
Points on the base size that are not grade points can be configured as grade points.
Version 2023.3
When adding a new point and defini...
Deleting a Size
You can delete sizes.
To delete a size:
If it is not already open, open the Sizes and Grading pane.
In the Sizes and Grading pane,...
Adjacent Edges
When working in the Sizes and Grading pane and you select a single point, the Adjacent Edges section is displayed.
Note
Version 2024....
Using Other Grading Features
You can use grading features in VStitcher to do the following:
Copying grading settings to one or more grade points. For more inform...
Design in Sizes Overview
This feature allows you to configure the size and position of artwork for defined groupings of sizes. Changes to the artwork are displa...
Viewing the Design in Sizes Pane
To view the Design in Sizes pane:
On the Main toolbar, click Select.
On the Horizontal contextual menu, ensure Internal is select...
Defining a Grouping of Sizes
When the Design in Sizes pane is displayed, you can define a grouping of sizes by a combination of:
Splitting a group of sizes
Add...
Importing and Exporting a Defined Grouping of Sizes
When the Design in Sizes pane is displayed, if there are pre-existing defined groupings of sizes which have been saved, you can import ...
Saving a Grouping of Sizes
When the Design in Sizes pane is displayed, if you have created a grouping of sizes, you can save them for later use.
To save a g...
Deleting a Defined Grouping of Sizes
When the Design in Sizes pane is displayed, you can delete a grouping of sizes from the garment you are working on.
To delete a g...
Points and Point Actions
Points are single elements with no area or dimensions, that exist in pattern pieces or on line segments. Points control the shape of li...
Creating a Point
To create a point:
On the Main toolbar, click Insert.
On the Horizontal contextual menu, click , then click Point.
In the 2D win...
Adding a Point to a Line or Edge
To add a point to an internal line or edge:
1. On the Main toolbar, click Pen.
If you want to add the point to an internal line, ...
Precision Point Placement
This feature makes it easy to insert a point on an edge exactly where you want it.
To precisely place a point on an edge:
Note the d...
Editing a Point
To edit a point:
On the Main toolbar, click Select.
If you want to configure the point on an internal line, on the Horizontal...
X Axis, Y Axis, and Moving Points
When you move a point in the 2D window, you move it on the X axis (horizontally) or Y axis (vertically) or both axes.
For example, one ...
Sliding a Point
You can use the Slide option on a point.
To use the Slide option on a point:
On the Main toolbar, click Select.
On the Horizontal ...
Handles
Note
Version 2024.2 includes the following enhancements:
Added the hover effect when viewing handles in 2D. When hovering over a ha...
Points Angle
Note
This feature is available for Version 2024.2 and above.
Allows viewing and editing angles of a selected point or points. Previou...
Combinations
Note
A prime combination is one that has the most pattern pieces. The software calculates this and simulates prime combinations first,...
Stitching Overview
Virtual stitching in VStitcher involves stitching together a combination of piece edges, internal edges, or points, to simulate physica...
Single Stitch
You can make the following types of single stitch:
From Edge to Edge
To stitch from edge to edge:
On the Main toolbar, click Sti...
Multi-Stitch
You can make the following types of multi-stitch:
From One Edge to Multiple Edges
To make a multi-stitch from one edge to two or mo...
Editing Stitches
There are several actions you can take to edit your stitches. For more information, expand the following:
Changing the Direction o...
3D Stitching
Other Help content is presented on the assumption you are using the 2D window. This section describes stitching in the 3D window.
Note...
Stitch Tension Release
This feature allows you to reduce (or release) the tension of a stitch for fitting purposes. You can use this feature to replicate real...
Auto Stitch
This is a Labs feature that can automatically stitch simple garments.
Prerequisites
The garment should have no more than five pi...
Replacing Internal Lines Between Patterns
The "Replace Internal Lines Between Patterns" feature in VStitcher allows users to swap or replace internal lines between different pat...
Refining Grid Details with Grid Subdivision
In Browzwear VStitcher 2025.1 and newer, you can refine your garment's grid by using Grid Subdivision, allowing you to focus detail onl...
Pen Tool Overview
You can use the VStitcher pen tool to draw lines and shapes on pieces in the 2D or 3D window. When drawing garment pieces, you use the ...
3D Stitch Visualization Overview
This feature allows you to choose a stitch construction type and create realistic stitching effects in 3D which display as true-to-lif...
Pen Tool Options
The available pen tool options display on the Horizontal contextual menu.
The options are described in the following table.
Optio...
Pen Tool Magnetic Trace
When Trace is enabled, if you use the pen tool within a certain range of an edge or an internal line (approximately 3-5 pixels), t...
Creases
You can use the Iron feature to add a crease line to a garment, using an internal line on a piece. For example, you might want to add ...
Shrink
You can set an edge or internal line to shrink by a certain amount. You can configure the shrink properties in centimeters or inches, a...
Editing a Line
To edit a line:
On the Main toolbar, click Select.
If you want to:
Edit an internal line, on the Horizontal contextual menu,...
Moving a Line Using the Alignment Tool
The alignment tool displays at the top of the Context view when you select an element. Alignment is done relative to the bounding bo...
Sliding a Line
You can use the Slide option on a pattern piece edge, to alter pattern pieces while maintaining edge angles.
To use the Slide option on...
Snap to IntersectionOverviewThe Snap to Intersection feature gives pattern makers and technical designers accurate precision when aligning pieces or creating ...
Split Internal Lines
Note
This feature is available for Version 2024.2 and above.
Allows dividing internal lines into segments while maintaining their pro...
Joining Internal Lines
This feature allows you to join two internal lines together, and to join two ends of a non-straight internal line so as to make a cl...
Creating a 3D Stitch Effect
You can create a 3D stitching effect using the available construction types.
To create a 3D stitch effect:
On the Main toolbar, c...
2D Fold2D Fold
This feature is available for Version 2024.2 and above.
The 2D Fold tool allows checking accuracy of pattern pieces using 2D...
Folds OverviewIn VStitcher you can create the following types of fold:
A fold on an internal line. For more information, refer to Adding a Fold to an...
Closed Cut Mark Shapes
A closed cut mark shape is a shape composed of internal lines, all of which have the Cut Mark property.
Now VStitcher supports:
Fur...
Adding a Fold to an EdgeTo replicate the edge of a garment being folded over one or more times, you
can use force multiplier for edges
feature.
The f...
Using the Advanced Fold Configuration Properties
You can use the advanced configuration properties of the Fold feature to fold a piece along an internal line. For example, you might wa...
Adding a Fold to an Internal Line
You can use the Fold feature to fold a piece along an internal line. For example, you might want to add a fold to a collar.
To add a…
Changing the Stacking Order
You can set the stacking order of lines relative to other elements. For example, above or below artwork.
To change the stacking order:
...
Autograding Internal Lines
Autograde ungraded internal elements is an available option when you import a DXF file into VStitcher. This feature automatically grade...
SmartDesign Overview
SmartDesign is a separately licensed, modular design feature which allows you to set up a SmartDesign template with multiple combinati...
Creating a SmartDesign Template
Note
There are several ways to create a SmartDesign template. The following workflow is simply one example. You should use whatever wo...
Creating Categories
A key part of creating the template is creating categories.
To create a category:
On the Main toolbar, click Configure. The Configur...
Creating Types
Within each category, you organize the required types. For example, within the Fit category, you might have Regular, Slim, and Tailored...
Assigning PiecesHaving created the categories and types, you need to assign the pattern pieces to the correct category and type.
Tip
When assigning th...
Pieces, Fabrics, and SeamsWhen you assign a piece, you have the option of capturing the piece’s fabric. By default, the piece’s fabric is not captured. Similarly, y...
Relating the Pieces
Having created the categories and types, and assigned the pieces, you need to relate the appropriate pieces.
You relate pieces to do th...
Edges and LinesAs part of your SmartDesign template, you can have different edges and lines available for combination as required. For example, you might...
Artwork and Reference Points
If you assign artwork to a pattern piece in a SmartDesign template, and there are pattern pieces that (a) are related to the original p...
Creating SnapshotsWhen ready, you can start creating snapshots.
If the Silhouettes tab is not already open, on the Resources tabs, click 2D then Silhouet...
Configuration Panel Reference
This section describes the Configuration panel user interface.
User Interface Element
Description
When assigning piece...
Batch Simulation Quality Review Tool
Note
This feature is only available to users with a SmartDesign license. For more information, contact your Browzwear representative.
...
Duplicate stitches for symmetry creation
In the 2025.1 version and beyond, stitches will automatically duplicate when creating symmetry. This enhancement applies to both Inner ...
Creating Garment Pieces
There are several ways to create garment pieces.
Copy an Existing Piece
To copy an existing piece:
On the Main toolbar, cli...
Moving, Resizing, and Rotating a Piece
You can easily move, resize or rotate a piece in VStitcher.
To resize a piece:
On the Main toolbar, click Select.
On the Hor...
Piece Rotation by Edge
This feature allows you to rotate a piece vertically or horizontally using the piece edges. You can rotate the piece by selecting one ...
Attaching a Piece
The Attach feature allows you to attach one pattern piece to another without having to stitch the pieces together. Because you are atta...
Seam Allowances
In VStitcher, you can set the seam allowance for an edge, and also the format for a seam corner.
To set a seam allowance and format:
...
Adjusting the Grain Line
To adjust the grain line:
On the Main toolbar, click Select.
On the Horizontal contextual menu, ensure Pieces is selected.
...
Wire
The wire feature allows you to add wire to your garments. Typically, wire is used in bras.
Adding Wire to a Garment
To add wire to ...
Creating a Symmetrical Copy
If you create a symmetrical copy of a piece, the effect is to link the two pieces so that edit actions done on one piece are automatica...
Dividing a Piece
Instead of slicing a piece in two, if there is more than one line inside a piece, you can use these lines to divide the piece into mult...
Creating Internal Symmetry
To create internal symmetry, the piece must be symmetrical to start with.
To create internal symmetry:
On the Main toolbar, click ...
Cancelling Symmetry
When you create a symmetrical copy of a piece, the pieces are linked by that symmetry. If you decide you no longer want the pieces to b...
Cloning Internal Elements by Offset
Cloning internal elements allows you to quickly and accurately reproduce these elements. For example, after adding one button to a gar...
Clone by Offset Use Cases
This section describes several clone by offset use cases, giving more information about how the feature works with internal lines. The ...
Creating Holes and Slits
VStitcher 2021.3.1 and newer
This feature allows you to create holes and slits, for example for use with pocket zippers and as belt h...
Merging Pieces
You can merge two pieces along a common edge into one piece.
To merge two pieces:
Move the pieces so they are in edge to edge contac...
Editing Draping Properties
To edit the draping properties of a piece:
On the Main toolbar, click Select.
On the Horizontal contextual menu, ensure Piec...
Slash and Spread Overview
This feature digitally replicates the pattern-making technique of slash and spread, allowing you to add or subtract fabric to or from a...
Using Slash and Spread
This topic describes one use case involving darts and the Slash and Spread feature.
if the Slash and Spread touches either of the dart ...
Slash and Spread Workflow
The following diagram shows the typical workflow for adding slash and spread to a pattern piece.
Adding Slash and Spread
You can easily add slash and spread to your garments.
To add slash and spread to a pattern piece:
On the Main toolbar, click Insert....
Editing Slash and Spread
At any time before you implement the spread, you can edit the configuration of the slash and spread.
To edit slash and spread:
O...
Grouping Elements
The group feature allows you to group internal elements together. Once grouped, you can do actions on the group. For example, you migh...
Locking Elements
The lock feature allows you to lock elements. Once locked, such elements cannot be selected and so cannot be changed. The lock protect...
Hiding Elements
You can hide elements in the 2D window or the 3D window or both.
An element hidden in the 2D window is automatically hidden in the ...
Naming Elements
By naming elements of shapes, the application makes it easier and quicker to identify them, which helps, for example, when using autom...
Element Layer Ordering
The element ordering functionality allows you to set the relative layer order of each element.
There are the following ways to access ...
Reducing Points
This feature allows you to reduce the number of intermediate points on a line, thus helping to improve simulation performance.
You ca...
Slicing a Piece
If a piece has an internal line which goes from edge to edge, you can use that line to slice the piece. Once you have sliced a piece, y...
Padding SimulationAvailable in VStitcher 2025.2 and newerYou can simulate padding inside garments—such as bras, suits, or shoulder pads—to better visualize ...
Creating an Extension of a Piece
You can create a symmetrical extension of a piece using edge symmetry. The new part of the piece and the original piece are combined in...
Understanding the Grid
3D simulation of garments in VStitcher uses a grid overlay to help with fabric physics and the drape of the garment on a body.
You can ...
Adding a Finish Effect
You can add a finish effect to a line. The line must be an edge without stitches.
To add the effect:
On the Main toolbar, click Sel...
Piece Protection
Piece edges are protected from being edited in some cases. This is sometimes referred to as protection mode.
Protection mode is an auto...
Walk Tool Overview
The Walk Pieces tool helps you design pattern pieces properly so you can sew a garment with a minimum of mistakes. This tool automates ...
Starting the Walk Tool
You can start the walk tool using one of the following options:
Right-click menu
Context View
Using the Right-Click Menu
To...
Walk Pieces
Note
This feature is available for Version 2024.2 and above.
The Walk Pieces option provides the ability to easily inspect the accura...
Locking and Unlocking
While in walk mode, all pattern pieces are temporarily locked and not editable, except for the stationary piece you select (by default)...
Moving the Pivot Point
While in walk mode, you can use the mouse to drag the pivot point and move it around the stationary piece.
To move the pivot point:
...
Inserting Notches
While in walk mode, you can insert notches at any point in a piece.
To insert a notch:
In the 2D window, right-click on any point on...
Mirroring
While in walk mode, you can mirror a walk piece to see how it looks “back to back” with another piece.
To mirror a walk piece:
In th...
Cloning
While in walk mode, you can clone a walk piece to keep a copy of the piece in its new location, while retaining the original walk piece...
Snapping
While in walk mode, you can maintain control over a piece by snapping it.
When you snap a piece to a point, a grid, or a guideline duri...
The Walk Tool and Seam Allowances
While in walk mode, you can work on pieces with both positive and negative seam allowances.
Tip
Do not walk the seam allowances of a p...
Exiting Walk Mode
When you have finished using the walk tool, you can exit walk mode to continue working on your project.
To exit walk mode:
Do one of...
Walk Tool Right-Click Options
The following table lists the walk tool right-click options, based on the location of the mouse.
Mouse Location
Option
Piv...
Extracting a Piece
You can use the extract tool to create new pattern pieces by selecting parts of a pattern piece that are bounded by:
An edge
An in...
Extract Tool Use Cases
2021.2 and newer
This section includes various use cases showing the enhanced capabilities of the extract tool.
For example, assume you...
Changing Stacking Order
You can set the stacking order of pieces relative to other elements. For example, above or below an internal line.
To change the stacki...
Replacing Pieces and Retaining Attributes
You can replace a pattern piece in a garment while maintaining the existing settings and properties of the original piece, such as stit...