PATTERN GRADING

FOR EVERY BODY

One-size-fits-all is rarely true when it comes to clothes, and certainly not true when it comes to pattern graders. 

Understanding how to make a full size run requires finesse. How many sizes can you add on before you’ve gone too far, and what do you do when your existing grading doesn’t work for your customer anymore? Solving these complex problems requires pattern making experience, precision, collaboration, and an understanding of inclusivity.

PATTERN GRADING FOR READY-TO-WEAR & HOME SEWING PATTERN BRANDS

Get a quote for your grading project

PATTERN GRADING SERVICES

$20 (USD) Per Size

Includes digital, production-ready pattern files and/or hard copy patterns mailed to you or your manufacturer.

Ideal For:

  • Clothiers that want to keep long-term customers happy with reliable and consistent sizing

  • Apparel brands that want to be known for inclusive sizing across petites, straight sizes, and plus sizes

  • Busy designers  ready to focus on their genius and outsource the technical stuff 

  • New designers and fashion startups looking to build long term relationships

  • Established clothing brands needing reliable solutions

  • Sewing pattern brands needing graded output as Adobe Illustrator files

What The Grading Process Looks Like

  • Size Chart Creation

    Standardize your fit and help your customers select the correct size the first time with a professionally-vetted size chart.

    $100

  • Pattern Digitizing

    Have the pro turn hard copies of your patterns into digital files, and make pattern storing and sharing easier!

    $90

  • Pattern Hard Copies

    Get a hard copy of your graded patterns printed and sent to your studio, or your manufacturer’s factory.

    $3 per yard

  • Production Ready Markers

    Optimize your production and reduce waste with custom apparel markers

    $20 each

Frequently Asked questions

What types of patterns will you grade?

I offer professional pattern grading services for womens, mens, childrens and plus size apparel, including any type of garment from outerwear to evening gowns.

Can you help me make my grading inclusive?

Yes! Every situation is unique so let’s chat about where you are starting from and where you want to be.

What types of digital files do you work with?

I work with all of the standard digital file formats: .AI (Adobe Illustrator), .DXF, and .PDS.

What do you need from me to grade my patterns?

I will need copies of your base pattern and a basic size chart to accurately grade your patterns. All pattern grading is done digitally; if your base patterns are hard copies, I can digitize them for an additional fee before grading. The size chart you provide must include chest, waist, and hip measurements. Don’t have a size chart? I’d be happy to create one for you for an additional fee.

I want a hard copy of my patterns. How will I receive those?

Hard copy printouts, set up as single size markers, can be mailed to you for an additional fee. Hard copy patterns are printed on a standard lightweight plotter paper, and shipped as a roll.

Can you take an existing sewing pattern and grade up/down to my own size for me?

Unfortunately grading services are scaled for producers. There is a $100 minimum for grading services, so this probably isn’t the most viable solution for your needs.

  • “Grading has always been my least favorite task. I am happy to hand off my patterns to Betsy to grade according to my specifications. I receive the graded file in an easy to edit format and the turnaround time works with my release date timing.”

    —Kelli, True Bias

  • Betsy is an integral part of our business. She is an expert in drafting, grading and fit so we are confident every time a pattern is in her hands. Betsy takes care of all the technical details so we have time to take care of the rest. You may feel like you don't know where to start, but Betsy makes the process simple, whether it's grading a pattern or drafting something from scratch. Somehow Betsy just gets what you're looking for and her turnaround time cannot be beat! Betsy is hands down the best find since we've had our business and we are so happy to be working with her!

    —Matchy Matchy Sewing Club

  • Betsy is so consistent in response time and quality of work. It is such a pleasure working with Betsy. I came to Betsy to help me grade my sewing patterns across two separate size ranges. Now, over three years later, Betsy has helped me grade over a dozen sewing patterns across a wide number of sizes. Whenever I have a question, Betsy always takes the time to help answer in detail. Whenever an issue arises, she always helps get to the bottom of the problem. I feel more confident in my product since working with Betsy. I feel like I have another member of my team that I can trust!

    —Isabelle Forest and Thread