Essential Tips for Digitizing Custom Dog Wear Patterns with Illustrator

Jill Bartlett Author

Sep 27, 2024 |

Learn how to digitize custom dog coat patterns using Adobe Illustrator. Master pattern making, grading, and professional dog wear design techniques.

If you've been following along with my From Patterns to Profits blog series, I hope you're starting to see the potential for bringing your dog wear ideas to life.

Whether you're just beginning to brainstorm ideas or have already sketched out designs, digitizing your patterns is the next big step. Moving your patterns into a digital format allows for greater precision, easy adjustments, and the ability to share or sell your patterns as digital downloads. Did somebody say "Passive Income"?

Even if you don’t have a sketch or an idea yet, you can start practicing the digitizing process with my Cozy Coat Pattern—there’s a special discount for you at the end of this post!

Turns Out Vectors Are a Good Thing

I vaguely remember hearing about "vectors" back in high school math class. At the time, I had no idea they'd end up playing such a big role in my life! But it turns out vectors are a game-changer when it comes to designing and scaling patterns.

Basically, vector graphics are made of paths—smooth, scalable lines that stay sharp no matter how much you resize them. This is crucial when designing for various dog breeds because your pattern will always look clean and accurate, whether you’re making it larger or smaller. Unlike pixel-based images, which get blurry when resized, vector-based designs keep their sharpness and perfect proportions.

Tools You’ll Need in Illustrator

In my course From Patterns to Profits, I walk you through the step-by-step process of using Adobe Illustrator to digitize and grade patterns. Illustrator is widely accepted in the industry and perfect for pattern-making. You can even try out Illustrator with a 7-day free trial to see if it suits your needs.

Here are a few key tools you’ll be working with:

•  The Pen Tool:
  This is your go-to tool for tracing your pattern’s lines. It gives you full control to get every line and curve just right.
•  The Selection Tool:
  Once you've traced your pattern, this tool lets you select and move parts of the design around easily.
•  The Anchor Point Tool:
  Need to tweak a curve or adjust a line? The Anchor Point Tool is great for refining your design.
•  The Transform Tool:
  Resize, rotate, or flip your pattern pieces with precision while keeping proportions intact.

Some people may suggest using the Image Trace feature to capture your paper pattern. But I find that to be a bit complicated, so I recommend taking a clear photo or scan of your paper pattern. Then, use the Pen Tool and Anchor Point Tool to manually trace your design for cleaner, more accurate results.

Use My Cheat Sheet

My Illustrator Cheat Sheet for Pattern Makers is a quick-reference guide with all the essential tools you need to create patterns. It features clear visuals of these key Illustrator icons and explains how to use them in your pattern-making process. Whether you're new to digital design or a seasoned pro, this cheat sheet will keep your workflow smooth. Download it here and let’s get started!

The Digitizing Process (A Quick Overview)

Here’s a simple overview of how you would digitize your pattern:

• Take a Photo or Scan Your Pattern: Make sure your pattern is well-lit and clear, as this will be the base for your digitizing.
• Import into Illustrator: Using the Place Tool, bring your image into Illustrator and place it on your artboard.
• Trace the Outline: Using the Pen Tool, carefully trace the lines of your pattern to create a clean, digital version.
• Refine and Adjust: Using the Anchor Point Tool, perfect any curves or details that need a bit more refining.
• Scale for Different Sizes: One of the biggest perks of digitizing is the ability to easily scale your pattern to fit different sizes without losing any quality. You can do this effortlessly using the Transform Tool, which lets you adjust the size of your pattern while maintaining its proportions.

Other Software Options

While Illustrator is my favorite tool for digitizing, there are other software options depending on your needs and budget:

• Inkscape: Free and open-source, it’s a great entry-level tool for vector design.
• CorelDRAW: Similar to Illustrator but with its own set of features.
• Gerber AccuMark: A professional tool often used in the fashion industry for advanced grading and pattern-making.

Each option has its pros and cons, and the skills you learn here can easily be applied to other programs. Illustrator, though, remains my top pick for indie designers, especially if you want to bring a professional touch to your dog wear business.

Advanced Techniques in My Course

While this gives you a taste of what’s involved, there are plenty more advanced techniques that I cover in the From Patterns to Profits Course. For example, I guide you through the Grading Rules and how to both manually and digitally grade your pattern at the critical fit points. I'll also cover creating layers, organizing your pattern pieces, and setting up your print file so it tiles properly, creating sewing guides, marketing and selling your patterns and so much more. I even provide you with ready-made templates for printing, so all you need to do is drop your digital patterns into them, and they’re ready for distribution. These extra steps help you prepare your patterns for manufacturing or sale.

What’s Next?

In my next post, we’ll dive into “Launching Your Store & Marketing Strategies”, where I’ll share tips on setting up your online store, building your brand, and marketing your dog wear patterns for success.

In the meantime, don’t forget to download my Illustrator Cheat Sheet for Pattern Makers and try out your skills on the Cozy Coat Pattern—you can get it at 50% off using the code Cozy50!