There are many ways to set up any of the Adobe applications. This set up was prompted by PatternLab London, but I added some bits to fit what I need. This set up highlights the tools that are needed specifically for garment pattern making. The most important tools to get used to are the pen tool and the arrow tools (one selects the entire object, one selects the specific points or lines within the object). I also gotten used to some of the shortcut keys that make pattern making more efficient than dragging the mouse to the tool bar always.

Set up

Toolbox

These are the most common tools I used for pattern making on Illustrator. These descriptions are its basic uses for pattern making.

Other useful windows