PatternSmith

PatternSmith, developed by Autometrix, is a highly specialized 2D CAD program designed specifically to talk to automated CNC cutting tables. While tools like CLO 3D focus on the visual beauty of a garment, PatternSmith focuses purely on the utilitarian geometry required to physically cut a piece of fabric out of a roll with a laser or a reciprocating blade. It is incredibly intuitive compared to legacy enterprise tools like Lectra or Gerber. A pattern maker can import a DXF file from another program, or draft a pattern from scratch using simple geometric tools. The software automatically adds seam allowances, notches (to tell the sewer where to align the fabric), and grain lines. Because it is built by a company that also manufactures physical cutting tables, the software is heavily optimized for the cutting room floor. It features excellent nesting capabilities, automatically rotating and squeezing the digital pattern pieces together to ensure maximum fabric yield, reducing expensive scrap waste. It is widely used not just in apparel, but in industrial fabrics, marine canvas, and automotive upholstery.