Pattern & Tracing Paper

Tracing your pattern prevents the original clothing pattern from becoming damaged, it also makes it easier to then transfer your pattern onto harder wearing paper, such as kraft paper, or card, for repeated use. It also makes the process of creating different sizes for your pattern easier.

It depends on how you intend to use it, plain tracing paper is ideal for simply tracing your patterns, as it is transparent or opaque, making it easy to see the nuances of the original design. Unusually, at Morplan it is available as Plain tracing paper on a roll, as well as A4 and A3 tracing pads.

Dot paper, also known as Alphabet paper and marking paper, is not as opaque but does have dots and other markers in a grid like pattern and is a favourite of most fashion design schools. This paper is the best option for patterns you are drafting or making complex alterations too. It has more weight, which makes it less likely to curl and doesn’t tear as easily. 

Brown kraft paper is not see-through and is best used for tracing patterns onto that you intend to re-use frequently, as it is thicker (140gsm) and tougher. It is also better for when you are creating a pattern by tracing a garment. It can also be used to underlay or underpin fabrics in a shop.

We have a long history in the fashion industry, visit our fashion design page to see the full range of products we offer. In the context of pattern making, we have a range of pattern design tools, which includes the industry staple: PatterMaster Pro and a range of fashion design books.