What is the difference between a Block and a Pattern? (2024)

What is the difference between a Block and a Pattern? (1)

A Block is a Master Pattern, usually made of a thin cardboard, which you use (by tracing around or marking through with a pinwheel) to make the pattern on thin paper, which is then cut out and pinned to fabric.

A pattern is a finished design ready for cutting out and sewing.

As blocks are made from cardboard, it is easy to trace around them. You usually make design-line markings on the blocks which you then transfer to the paper pattern, and you can also refer to those design lines on the block when making future patterns with that same Block. Blocks are usually stored by hanging them on a pattern hook, they aren't folded up like paper patterns.

The image below shows a set of Blocks I purchased for the TAFE Patternmaking course, the whole block set is hanging up on two pattern hooks. All the Blocks in this set are Women's Size 10 and consists of the following pieces: (Bodice + corresponding Sleeve), (Blouse + Sleeve), Skirt, Pants, Jeans, (Extended Line Dress + Sleeve), (Jacket + Sleeve).

What is the difference between a Block and a Pattern? (2)

In a Nutshell

If it's made of cardboard, and you use it as a Master to make other patterns, it's a block. If it's made of tissue or other paper, meant to be placed onto fabric for cutting out, it's a pattern.

The Block does not include seam allowance; you add the seam allowance to each pattern pieces after you have drafted the pattern.

(So the image at the top of the page shows both the block (brown) and a pattern piece (white). In this case there has been no design lines added; the pattern is as per the block. But you can tell the white a pattern piece by the fact that it has seam allowance added).

Note Regarding Comments & Emails

With the exception of emails regarding purchased Blocks or Books, please be aware that I only answer comments or emails every two or three weeks.

I can only answer questions that take 5 minutes of my time.

The content I provide on this website is free but that does not mean I also provide unlimited one-on-one free assistance.

What is the difference between a Block and a Pattern? (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between block and pattern? ›

A Block is a Master Pattern, usually made of a thin cardboard, which you use (by tracing around or marking through with a pinwheel) to make the pattern on thin paper, which is then cut out and pinned to fabric. A pattern is a finished design ready for cutting out and sewing.

What is the difference between block pattern and working pattern? ›

The block pattern is based on the average size which is the ideal size. Production patterns are created based on the working pattern of the sample garment. Final production is not done by block pattern. Final production is done by production pattern which is used for higher production.

What is the definition of block in pattern making? ›

The block pattern is the pattern previously created for the clothing style that has been approved and corrected for a good fit. The pattern is the "blueprint" of the garment, already proven for a good fit and well received by the customer.

What are the different block pattern? ›

Basically there are four different type of block, the standard block, the simplified block, the trade block and the tailoring block. The standard block is most widely used basic foundation which follows the natural lines of the figure and is little influenced by other considerations.

What is the difference between block and block? ›

Remember that bloc pertains to a unified group for a specific purpose while block either refers to a compact piece of material or impeding movement.

What is the block pattern also called? ›

Templates are otherwise known as block patterns in industrial production. A block pattern is a custom-fitted, basic pattern from which patterns for many different styles of garments can be reproduced.

What pattern work means? ›

work pattern means the form of the organization of work according to a certain pattern determined by the employer.

What is a pattern of work? ›

Work patterns are used to specify what days an employee works, when they work and how much would be deducted from their entitlement if they were to have a specific day off. Work patterns can be used if employees work set shifts every week, or are on rotating shift patterns.

What are work patterns examples? ›

13 types of work schedules
  • Standard schedule. A standard schedule involves working a specific set of days and hours each week. ...
  • Fixed schedule. ...
  • Full-time schedule. ...
  • Part-time schedule. ...
  • Flexible schedule. ...
  • Shift work schedule. ...
  • Four-day compressed workweek schedule. ...
  • 5/4/9 compressed workweek schedule.
Jan 4, 2023

What is the difference between working pattern and production pattern? ›

Working pattern: Working pattern is made according to the exact dimension of particular style without allowance. This is use for sample making. Production pattern: Production pattern is made according to the exact dimension of particular style with allowance. This is used for garments production.

What is the difference between pattern making and pattern drafting? ›

A pattern is a template from which part of a garment is traced onto the fabric before being cut out and assembled; patterns are usually made of paper. Pattern Making is a blueprint for the garment, on the basis of which the fabric is cut. It is the technical drawing or drafting of a garment.

What does a pattern block look like? ›

Pattern Blocks are a collection of 6 shapes in 6 colors - green triangles, orange squares, blue parallelograms, tan rhombuses, red trapezoids, and yellow hexagons. The shapes are designed so the sides are all the same length except for the trapezoid, which has 1 side that is twice as long.

How do you make a pattern block? ›

Sewing pattern blocks are created from a set of basic body measurements. Taking the bodice as an example, you would need to measure your waist, bust, armseye depth (nape of back of neck to centre back where it lines up with the underarm), nape of neck to waist, neck circumference, shoulder length and the list goes on!

How many types of patterns are there? ›

There are 3 types of pattern: Shape Pattern. Letter Pattern. Number Pattern.

What is the difference between pattern and structure? ›

By mathematical pattern, we mean any predictable regularity involving number, space or measure. Examples are friezes, number sequences, units of measure and geometrical figures. By structure, we mean the way in which the various elements are organised and related.

What is basic block or foundation pattern? ›

Basic block is a set of foundation patterns to fit a body. Basic block is used by designer as a basis for making patterns for certain design - dress, blouse, coat, jacket, skirt, trousers, etc. Basic block is drafted based on body measurement (standard or personal). There is no seam allowance included in the block.

What is the difference between pattern and layout? ›

Layouts are one step up from patterns. They can be groupings of patterns or specific blocks that make up the entire design of your page — including your header, footer, and any additional global or repeating block areas, like sidebars.

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