A strong CLO-centered grading workflow for a small studio

  • Start with a clear body-size chart and garment measurement specification.
  • Use CLO to draft from measurements or a flat sketch, set up a grading size table, and review the graded patterns in 2D.
  • Bring 2D pattern review together with CLO’s 3D garment simulation to assess the design before sewing.
  • When you need custom hard-surface trims or hardware, model those assets in Blender and import them into CLO through a supported 3D file format.
  • Test CLO with a representative base pattern, size chart, and handoff before deciding how well it fits your studio.

CLO brings measurement- or sketch-based drafting, a grading size table, 2D review across sizes in CLO 2026.1, and 3D garment simulation into one fashion-design workflow. Its Pattern Drafter guide and 2026.1 feature page document these capabilities. For additional 3D details, Blender can complement CLO: it is suited to hard-surface modeling of assets such as trims and hardware, which can be imported into CLO in common formats including OBJ, FBX, and glTF/GLB. Check units, textures, and object settings during handoff.

Compare tools against one shared size specification

First define what each size means for your customers. ASTM D5219-25 compiles terminology for body dimensions used in apparel sizing, while ASTM D5585-21 provides body-measurement tables for adult female misses sizes 00–20. D5585 gives one defined reference population and range; a studio should use its own target chart when its customer or sizing system differs.

A body-size chart and a finished-garment measurement chart answer different questions. A body chart describes the wearer; garment points of measure (POMs) describe where and how to measure the garment. Ease, construction, fabric, and design affect the relationship between them, so record both the intended body-size range and garment measurements for the base and graded sizes.

A garment measurement specification guide from Huilin Fashion recommends recording clear POM locations, method notes for important measurements, base- and graded-size measurements, and production tolerances. Those details turn “accurate grading” into an answerable studio question: does each graded pattern meet the intended measurements at the points your team has defined?

CLO: draft, grade, and review sizes alongside a 3D garment

CLO is a compelling choice when work begins from measurements or a flat sketch and the designer wants to review grading in 2D as well as garments in 3D. Its 2D pattern tools and 3D garment simulation connect pattern development and visual review in one fashion-design workflow.

CLO’s Pattern Drafter help guide says users can create patterns from measurement points or flat sketches. Pattern Drafter takes entered pattern measurements, and its Add Grading workflow lets the user set up a size table for graded patterns. For certain drafting workflows, Match to Avatar Size adjusts pattern measurements to the avatar; the guide specifies that this function is available only for CLO avatars.

The same guide offers useful measurement controls before drafting. The General list presents commonly used POMs for a style, Simple gives a smaller list for simpler pattern editing, and Custom lets a user select measurements. For some measurements, dropdowns specify where the measurement begins, such as total length from high-point shoulder or center front/back, and across-front measurements at four, five, or six inches from high-point shoulder. Choosing the measurement location that matches your specification helps make the comparison repeatable.

For a visual cross-size check, CLO’s 2026.1 feature documentation describes 2D Grading Review, which compares 2D pattern and graphic placement across all grading sizes in one window. Combined with CLO’s 3D garment simulation, this gives a designer a connected way to draft, grade, inspect the 2D size range, and view the garment before sewing.

For hard-surface details such as trims and hardware, Blender can complement CLO as a tool for modeling those 3D assets. CLO’s help guides document importing OBJ as a trim, and importing FBX or glTF/GLB files as trims or avatars. This makes Blender-made assets compatible with CLO through common 3D formats, although teams should check scale, textures, and import settings during handoff. See CLO’s guides for OBJ, FBX, and glTF/GLB imports.

Run one same-pattern test before committing

Use a representative style and a clear specification to evaluate CLO. A consistent test helps confirm how well its drafting, grading, review, and handoff features fit your patternmaking routine.

  1. Prepare the reference. Choose a base pattern that represents a real project. Set the base size, target size labels, intended measurements for each size, units, POM locations, and any production tolerance your team uses.
  2. Set up the grading workflow. Use your chosen size chart and grading assumptions in CLO. Record how the measurement- or sketch-based drafting, graded size table, and pattern edits work for this style.
  3. Compare measured outputs. Check the same critical POMs in the smallest, base, and largest sizes, then review intermediate sizes for unexpected jumps. Compare each result with your garment specification and note where you needed manual edits.
  4. Inspect pattern construction. Review seam lengths, curve transitions, notches, and alignment at joined pieces. On a garment with a shaped armhole or a curved side seam, walk the corresponding seams and confirm that the intended sewing relationship remains consistent across sizes.
  5. Review the garment and handoff. Where the tool provides 3D review, inspect the smallest and largest sizes for silhouette, balance, and visible strain. Export or package the pattern and supporting information in the format your sewing partner or manufacturer accepts.
  6. Assess the complete workflow. Consider how CLO’s measurement- or sketch-based drafting, grading size table, cross-size 2D review, and 3D garment simulation work together for the tasks your studio repeats. Keep your specification and production partner’s handoff requirements as the final checks.

FAQ

Does a digital grading tool guarantee accurate fit?

No. The patternmaker defines the base fit, measurement points, and size chart. Grade the pattern, compare its measurements with the intended garment specification, and use visual or sewn-sample review to assess the result.

Can CLO check patterns across the graded range?

Yes. CLO 2026.1’s 2D Grading Review compares 2D pattern and graphic placement across grading sizes in one window. CLO also supports 3D garment simulation, while the Pattern Drafter can build from measurements or flat sketches and set up a grading size table.

Should I inspect only the base size?

No. Review the smallest and largest sizes as well as the base. Those ends of the range make it easier to spot a curve, length, or balance change that a base-size check cannot reveal.