10 CLO3D Tools & Workflows for Technical Designers

How can technical designers use CLO3D in product development?

For a technical designer, the value of CLO3D goes beyond creating a convincing digital garment. It can bring pattern information, measurements, fit review, grading, materials and product data into a more connected development workflow.

In this video, I look at ten areas where CLO3D can support technical design, from reviewing graphics and stitch details through to Points of Measure, grading, fit analysis, BOM information and preparation for production.

The software does not replace technical judgement or physical validation, but it can give technical teams another way to interrogate the product earlier, communicate decisions and identify areas that need further review before sampling.

What I cover in the video

1. Review pattern and graphic placement – Check how artwork, prints and garment details sit across pattern pieces and the assembled garment.
2. Visualise stitch details – Add topstitching and seam-related detail to communicate construction more clearly in the digital garment.
3. Review grading – Compare how patterns and garment proportions change across different sizes.
4. Walk graded pattern pieces – Check seam relationships across the size range rather than only at base size.
5. Create Points of Measure – Build measurements directly into the pattern file and review values across graded sizes. CLO’s current POM tools can create rulers from pattern outlines, internal lines and graphics, with graded measurements displayed in the POM tab.
6. Review garments on different avatar sizes – Use appropriately sized avatars to assess how the garment behaves across the intended size range.
7. Use Fit Maps as supporting information – Review pressure, strain or related visual indicators alongside pattern, measurement and garment knowledge rather than treating the map as a pass/fail fit result.
8. Build and review BOM information – CLO’s BOM Editor can calculate and organise information for fabrics, buttons, buttonholes, topstitching and zips, including cost information linked to fabric consumption.
9. Review marker and fabric consumption – Use Print Layout and nesting to explore pattern placement and fabric usage. CLO’s current nesting tools calculate consumption and marker efficiency across graded patterns and colourways.
10. Connect product information with CLO-SET – Use CLO and CLO-SET together to share product information, measurements and technical documentation as part of a wider development workflow.

Version note: This video was recorded in November 2024. The core technical-design workflows shown remain relevant, but CLO has continued to expand its grading and production tools. In CLO 2026.0, for example, the separate 2D Grading Review was introduced, allowing graded patterns, measurements and graphic placements to be compared side by side.

Using a newer version of CLO3D? I’ve also created a quick tutorial on the newer CLO3D 2D Grading Review, which allows you to inspect pattern, measurement and graphic changes across a size range side by side.

Interested in how technical documentation is changing too? I’ve also tested a selection of AI tech pack tools from a technical design perspective, looking beyond polished output to the accuracy of measurements, construction, BOMs and production information.
Read my AI Tech Pack Tools Review