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.

Follow your course or pattern’s supply list. Add any paper, pencils, body-measuring tape and cutting tools you need separately.

Choose your working units

Use the same unit system as your pattern instructions. Choose sizes that fit your pattern and work surface.

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 size

Perpendicular lines and corners

Aluminum L-Square
30cm x 15cm
SKU LS-030M-LAN · Product-family photo

$9.50 each

Available to order

View this size

Short 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 size

One of each: $32.50 before any eligible cart discounts

Three rulers, supplied individually. Eligible discounts appear in the cart; shipping and tax are extra. Check the selected sizes below.

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 size

Perpendicular lines and corners

Aluminum L-Square
24" x 14"
SKU LS-024-LAN · Product-family photo

$17.50 each

Available to order

View this size

Short 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 size

One of each: $45.50 before any eligible cart discounts

Three rulers, supplied individually. Eligible discounts appear in the cart; shipping and tax are extra. Check the selected sizes below.

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.

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 lengths

Production or a classroom

Specify the number of learners or stations and the tools needed at each. Include any shared demonstration tools.

Build a quantity / quote request

Specialized pattern tools

Use a center-finding ruler for symmetrical marking or a half-scale ruler for half-scale drafting when your instructions call for one.

Plot and test the pattern’s measurements before cutting final fabric.

See the curve demonstrations

Square a pattern guideline

Drawing method — illustration.

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. Use a straight, undamaged board edge.

Aluminum L-Square — 30cm x 15cm · $9.50 → Heavy-Duty Aluminum T-Square — 24" · $29.93 →