From a picture to a pattern that fits, explained
Ourlette combines an AI that understands garments with a drafting engine that draws patterns the way pattern makers do. Here is what happens at each step.
1. The AI reads your picture
From a photo, a screenshot or a link, the AI identifies the garment type and its details: length, neckline, sleeve length and shape, how full the skirt is, the closure, pockets and the fabric's colours and print. It picks the closest of Ourlette's 36 catalogue garments, or a top, trousers, skirt or dress built from parts, and sets its options; on the free plan, it suggests the closest tested models and Community patterns to start from instead. On the Maker and Atelier plans, anything the catalogue cannot match goes to Ourlette's AI pattern maker, which drafts a new pattern piece by piece in 4 to 8 minutes, and a second AI pattern maker reviews it.
2. The engine drafts the pattern
The pattern is not sketched by the AI: Ourlette's drafting engine draws it from flat-pattern blocks (bodice, sleeve, skirt, trousers) with your measurements, the ease the style needs and your seam allowances. For a new design, the AI pattern maker sets out how each piece is built on those blocks and every seam is checked on three sizes; it has not been sewn on real bodies yet, so make a toile first. The same inputs always give the same pattern, and every piece matches its neighbours at the seams and notches.
3. You fit and adjust
Change any option by hand (length, neckline, sleeves, fit, pockets) or ask in your own words, and the pattern redraws instantly. The 3D preview shows the silhouette on a mannequin with your proportions, in a plain colour or the print from your picture.
4. You print and sew
Pick A4, US Letter, A3, Tabloid, an A0 or 36 × 48 in copy-shop sheet or a projector file. The PDF has a cover with a test square and a page map, the tiled pages, the cutting layouts and the step-by-step guide. Questions while you sew? Ask the guide.
What the AI does
Recognises the garment and its details in your picture, sets the pattern's options, drafts new designs piece by piece when the catalogue has no match (Maker and Atelier plans), answers your questions and turns your requests (“make it midi”, “add pockets”) into changes.
What the drafting engine does
Draws every piece with your measurements and the right ease, matches seams and notches, adds seam allowances, lays the pieces out on paper and on fabric, and writes the steps of the guide.
What will you sew next?
Bring the picture. Ourlette brings the pattern.
Drafting the exact piece from a picture or words is on Maker and Atelier; for free, Ourlette suggests the closest of 36 tested models. Your pictures stay private and are only used to make your pattern.