New Opportunities

Digital Patterning Software has been used by the Fashion Industry for decades, in the past it has been primarily focused on streamlining the manufacturing process. The technology has now evolved to the point where it is now being integrated into fashion businesses focused on 'Bespoke' work, and made to order custom pieces. This has inspired us to take another look at this Digital Tool as it could be applied to costuming. New developments including 3d Modelling, Made to Measure Grading options, and custom print fabric tools. These new innovations have the potential to solve some of the most pressing issues faced in Wardrobes today.
  • Potential to complete work safely at a distance with virtual sharing features
  • 3D modelling - Provides fitting information prior to cutting, and the ability to assess the outcome of textile design placement for Custom Printed fabric on shaped pattern pieces
  • Made to Measure Grading - For quick and efficient re-working of Chorus Costumes
  • Staff Retention - Potential to create productive valuable roles for new industry workers, increasing support for staff and reducing stress
  • Archival attributes, creating long term resources and reducing future production workload

Collaboration

  • 3 different Theatres
  • 3 different Test Cutters
  • Senior and Junior IATSE members working together

Research

Our team is focused on assessing how this software can best support our traditional Cutting practices to  build new more productive models for costume production

Innovation

Fashion manufacturing has resulted in the development of new patterning tools translatable to  creative bespoke pattern cutting practices​

Our Goals

Our plan of Action
Over the span of a year, our team will be provided 1-on-1 software training, covering:
  •  2-Dimensional flat patterning and grading tools
  • 3-Dimensional modeling tools
We will also work to apply the software to a range of unique demands and work scenarios, including:
  • Slopers / Body blocks (The pattern template)
  • Historical womens patterns
  • Historical mens patterns
  • Grading for chorus
  • 3D modelling - Historical Patterns
  • 3D modelling and custom print fabrics
Our team will attend regular meetings for the duration of this project to discuss our testing results and methodology. The Research Coordinator will compile and assess test results with feedback from the Senior Cutting Consultant. Our consulting Head of Wardrobe will determine potential budgetary requirements for wardrobe departments interested in this technology. Upon completion of this research project, our team will share our findings with theatres across Canada via our dedicated website and mailing-list.
Our research team has a combined 75 years worth of cutting and theatre expertise which we will employ to test and assess digital patterning software. Our team consists of three Test Cutters, a Senior Cutting, Consultant, a Head of Wardrobe Consultant and a Research Coordinator. Our Test Cutting team hails from three separate theatres with differing production styles, ensuring a broad scope of application and potential technological integration into theatres Canada wide. Our aim is to:
  • Develop more sustainable methods of production to proactively respond to economic shortfalls
  • Determine the applicability of patterning software for a range of theatre cutting demands, including Creative, Historical and Bespoke patterning
  •  Provide solid recommendations and guidelines to ​Canadian theatres, such as the budgetary expectations for software implementation and integration
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