How to Cut Patterns in CLO3D

How can you cut patterns in CLO3D?

There are several ways to divide and reshape pattern pieces in CLO3D, depending on whether you prefer to work directly in the 2D pattern window or visually on the garment in 3D.

In this quick tutorial, I show two useful approaches. The first uses Internal Lines in the 2D window, which can then be converted using Cut or Cut & Sew to create new pattern sections and seam lines. The second uses the Draw StyleLine workflow in the 3D window, allowing you to sketch a new style line directly onto the garment and divide the pattern visually.

Both methods are useful when developing panel lines, changing garment proportions or exploring new design details without rebuilding the pattern from scratch.

Want to explore more pattern-making tools in CLO3D? I’ve also put together a walkthrough of 10 CLO3D Tools to Optimise Your Workflow for Pattern Makers, covering other functions that can make digital pattern development faster and more efficient.

What I cover in the tutorial

• Creating an Internal Line on a 2D pattern
• Using Cut to divide a pattern piece
• Using Cut & Sew to create a new seam while maintaining the sewing relationship
• Drawing style lines directly on the 3D garment
• Using 3D pattern-editing tools to explore garment panels and new seam positions
• Choosing between a 2D pattern-based approach and a more visual 3D workflow

Version note: This tutorial was created using an earlier version of CLO3D. The Cut, Cut & Sew and StyleLine workflows remain available, although the exact toolbar layout may vary in newer versions.

Go deeper: I also compared traditional and digital dart manipulation to see how CLO3D can support faster pattern adjustments and real-time visualisation during development.
Read: Traditional vs Digital Dart Manipulation