---
title: "Pattern"
description: "In dressmaking, a pattern is the set of templates, usually paper, from which the pieces of a garment are cut."
type: Glossary
url: https://teazle.art/glossary/pattern
published: 2026-10-14
updated: 2026-10-14
author: "The Teazle editors"
---

# Pattern

*In dressmaking, a pattern is the set of templates, usually paper, from which the pieces of a garment are cut.*

A sewing pattern gives the shape of every piece, with [grain](https://teazle.art/glossary/grain.md) lines, notches and seam allowances. Patterns are drafted from measurements, draped on a form or graded into sizes. Printed paper patterns for home sewing spread from the nineteenth century, and pattern books like Federico de Vinciolo’s for lace are much older.


## Sources

1. [Pattern (AAT 300028853)](http://vocab.getty.edu/page/aat/300028853). Getty Art & Architecture Thesaurus
2. [Pattern (Q30322382)](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q30322382). Wikidata

Canonical: https://teazle.art/glossary/pattern