1 · Straight and square
Use the straight ruler for the measured baseline. Register an L-square arm against that line to draw a perpendicular. Keep the tool supported; do not assume the paper edge is square.
Lance field guide · Patternmaking
Start with the tools that draw your pattern.
A straight ruler, an L-square and a French curve cover three core jobs: measuring a straight span, drawing perpendicular guidelines and joining curved points. Start here, then add tools for the particular pattern—not every instrument in the catalog.
Use your course or pattern’s supply list first. Already own a suitable straight ruler? Keep it and buy only the missing functions. These are ruler selections, not a complete sewing kit: paper, pencils, a flexible body-measuring tape and appropriate cutting tools are separate.
Choose your working units
See which tool does each pattern job
Instructional schematics—not photographs, full-size templates or a validated garment pattern. Use your pattern’s specified points and seam allowances; test the fit before cutting final fabric.
2 · Short curved joins
For a compact armhole or neckline transition, rotate the French curve to match the required points. Trace only the matching segment; reposition with an overlap and check for a smooth join.
3 · Longer transitions
A hip curve offers a longer, gentler section for a waist-to-hip or side-seam transition. It is an optional addition, not one of the three starting tools below. Match the actual contour rather than forcing the whole tool onto it.
Choose an available hip curveThe exact straight ruler, L-square and French curve used for these functions are listed in each inch/metric selection below. Compare curve jobs in more detail.
Use the same unit system as your pattern instructions. The sizes below are current named configurations, not a promise that one length fits every garment or workspace.
Metric starting selection — three core tools
Straight measuring and long guidelines
Metric Aluminum Straight Edge Ruler
60cm
SKU SE-060M-LAN · Product-family photo
Use the straight edge for the span your pattern needs. Support its full length.
$14.50 each
Available to order
View this sizePerpendicular lines and corners
Aluminum L-Square
30cm x 15cm
SKU LS-030M-LAN · Product-family photo
Register one arm against a baseline to draw a perpendicular; the square need not span the full pattern.
$9.50 each
Available to order
View this sizeShort curved transitions
Aluminum French Curve Ruler
32cm (Metric)
SKU FC-032M-LAN · Product-family photo
Match the required pattern points with a smooth section of the curve, then check the join.
$8.50 each
Available to order
View this sizeOne of each: $32.50 before any eligible cart discounts
Three individually sold tools, not a prepacked kit or a special bundle price. Shipping and tax are extra. The cart confirms current stock, applicable discounts and destination rates. A family photo may show another size.
Inch starting selection — three core tools
Straight measuring and long guidelines
Aluminum Straight Edge Ruler — Inch
24"
SKU SE-024-LAN · Product-family photo
Use the straight edge for the span your pattern needs. Support its full length.
$13.50 each
Available to order
View this sizePerpendicular lines and corners
Aluminum L-Square
24" x 14"
SKU LS-024-LAN · Product-family photo
Register one arm against a baseline to draw a perpendicular; the square need not span the full pattern.
$17.50 each
Available to order
View this sizeShort curved transitions
Aluminum French Curve Ruler
24" (Inch)
SKU FC-024-LAN · Product-family photo
Match the required pattern points with a smooth section of the curve, then check the join.
$14.50 each
Available to order
View this sizeOne of each: $45.50 before any eligible cart discounts
Three individually sold tools, not a prepacked kit or a special bundle price. Shipping and tax are extra. The cart confirms current stock, applicable discounts and destination rates. A family photo may show another size.
Add only what the next job needs
Long garment contours
Add a hip curve for a longer, gentler waist-to-hip or side-seam contour. It is not interchangeable with every compact French-curve segment.
Aluminum Hip Curve Ruler — 24" (Inch) · $12.50 →Compare the two curve jobs →Longer lines or a larger table
Choose a ruler that spans the line and remains supported. A longer tool can cost more to ship; check the selected-size shipping explanation before ordering.
Compare available lengthsProduction or a classroom
Specify the number of learners or stations and the tools needed at each. A shared demonstration ruler is additional—not assumed to be in a student set.
Build a quantity / quote requestWhat does not belong in the default set?
Agate/pica rules serve publication-layout scales, not ordinary garment measurements. Center-finding and half-scale tools solve specific jobs; add them only when the instructions call for them. A half-scale ruler is not simply a smaller full-scale ruler.
These recommendations are a starting point, not instructor approval of a course kit. For fit, plot and test the pattern’s actual measurements before cutting final fabric.
See the curve demonstrationsSquare a pattern guideline
Original schematic, not a scale drawing or a dimensional specification for the tool.
Keep one reference as you draw the next
- On paper, draw the baseline specified in your pattern and mark where the cross-line belongs.
- Align one arm of an L-square with the baseline. Keep the corner registered while you align the other arm through your mark.
- Hold the tool steady and draw the cross-line in pencil. Recheck the baseline alignment before measuring along the new axis.
Using a T-square instead? Register its head against a straight board edge. An irregular or bowed board edge is not a reliable reference.
Aluminum L-Square — 30cm x 15cm · $9.50 → Heavy-Duty Aluminum T-Square — 24" · $29.93 →