What are these pattern drafting tools used for?

In article , Just Allan of Internet Customer uttered

Presuming you mean the bottom two items:

they are set squares, not rulers. As it says next to them, they are used for drafting patterns in 1/5 and 1/3 scale respectively.

The markings on them are already scaled down to save you the chore of constantly dividing out your measurements.

They are titled "PPA 1/5 Scale Ruler" and "PPA 1/3 Scale Ruler". Why do you think they aren't rulers?

-Charlotte

In article , Charlotte of uttered

Because they're triangular - and the description for each reads "Transparent plastic square"

IMHO it helps to call things by the right names if you want anyone to know what you're talking about.

Personally, when I'm messing about drafting, I tend to work in 1/4 scale, and have a much more useful template with French curves etc. on it. I think Morplan carry them.

Drafting 1/5 and 1/3 scale patterns, just like the site says. :) The

1 mark on the 1/3 scale ruler is 1/3 of an inch, so you don't have to do the math for all your measurements (thus eliminating a *lot* of conversion errors). Scales with a similar function are extremely common in mechanical drawing and drafting areas (I have a couple in the basement, aamof (one metric and one imperial). They're extremely useful when drawing to scale.

OK, I suppose your real question is "why?" A couple of reasons:

- you're dressing a doll who is 1/3 or 1/5 the size of your drafted pattern

- you want to test out a drafted pattern, but don't want to do a full size mock up.

-- Jenn Ridley : snipped-for-privacy@chartermi.net

He didn't know what they were and so called them by their listed title.

You should be chastising them:

Perfect Pattern Aids Pty Ltd Postal Address: PO Box 809, Paradise Point Qld 4216

Ph/Fax:

61 7 5564 1516

Mobile:

0412 403 051

Email: snipped-for-privacy@perfectpatternaids.com

I don't see how a ruler can't be triangular, all that is required it that it is ruled, as these are:

Ruler:

3 : a smooth-edged strip (as of wood or metal) that is usually marked off in units (as inches) and is used as a straightedge or for measuring

In article , Charlotte of uttered

Can't be bothered. They describe them - and say what they're for. All seems pretty obvious to me.

I think you've got your priorities screwed up.

ps

In article , small change of

uttered>>I think you've got your priorities screwed up.>

I don't - if it bothers you that much, you bend their ears

Penny,

I think it is actually funny.

She tells him (an everyone) that they screwed up the titles and we're idiots for calling them rulers, but the description is completely and totally obvious, and should be read and believed.

-Charlotte

Dear Allan,

The best way to describe these tools is to say they are superfluous. A styling ruler, a long straight edge (60 inches), and an 18-inch ruller with 1/8-inch square markings are the only tools you need for good drafting. The 18-inch ruler can be used for squaring; the styling ruler from one of the dressmaking suppliers is used for accurate hip and armhole curves. The tools shown on this page are expensive and unnecessary.

Teri

While the scales at the bottom of the page may be unnecessary, they sure do make drafting a scaled pattern a *lot* easier.

-- Jenn Ridley : snipped-for-privacy@chartermi.net

In article , of

uttered>>The best way to describe these tools is to say they are superfluous. A >styling ruler, a long straight edge (60 inches), and an 18-inch ruller >with 1/8-inch square markings are the only tools you need for good >drafting. The 18-inch ruler can be used for squaring; the styling ruler >from one of the dressmaking suppliers is used for accurate hip and >armhole curves. The tools shown on this page are expensive and >unnecessary.

I use a right-angled steel ruler with regular measurements on one side and scaled on the other (but rarely use the scaled ones), plus a set of French curves and a flexible curve. All measurements are metric.

First off, thanks to all those who replied ! (More below...)

OH - is that all they're for! Drawing a scaled-down version of something you plan to make and making barbie-type clothes. Gee, I don't know if my wife would even use them - I'll ask her tonight.

Several of you mentioned other tools you use... That site was in Australia (and so are we), but I'm used to importing stuff from the USA. (Even through friends in GA, when the stores won't ship here.)

What sites/stores have suitable french/armhole curves, etc. that I could look at and compare? Or to put it another way - does anyone know a better source?

Thanks again...

Allan.

Dear Allan,

Nancy's Notions and Chlotilde both have the style ruler. A straight edge can be had at an architect supply or builder's supply. The

18-inch rule is a C-Thru ruler, and takes the place of L-squares and T-squares. It shold be available at the above, also.

Teri

has lots of good pattern making tools and other items. They have a very good selection and prices on shears, too.

ps

Allan,

officeworks has some drafting tools - t squares etc and Clegs, Lincraft and Spotlight stores have French Curves and other sewing related drafting tools.

chris

:-)

I don't think we have a Lincraft nearby anymore, but I'll look them up online. As for Spotlight... we've asked several times about french curves at the local Spotlight store - two-thirds of the people don't even know what they are. The other third have never seen one for sale in the store. : (

Thanks, tho'...

Allan

Thank you - anyone have a suggestion where to buy an armhole curve?

Allan

Google for it:

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