For brands in the United Kingdom
Pattern cutter for UK fashion brands, working from Italy
In the UK the work is called pattern cutting; in the US, pattern making. Atelier modArch is an industrial pattern-cutting studio in Botticino (Brescia, Italy) that works at a distance for British brands.
What the pattern cutting service covers
Pattern cutting turns a design into the pieces a factory can cut and sew, and makes sure the garment repeats at every size. The studio works in the vocabulary you use: first pattern, grading, fit sample, tech pack, pattern amendments.
- A first pattern from your sketch, a reference garment or measurements taken on the body.
- A toile in plain fabric to check proportions before the final material.
- Fit sessions on mannequin and live model, with a written technical report.
- Fit amendments when a sample does not fit, including patterns cut by someone else.
- Grading to your size chart and your grade rules.
- Marker making, the tech pack and the CAD files for cutting.
For fashion startups
Many founders arrive with a clear idea of the garment and a vague idea of the steps to make it. A pattern cutter does not deliver a garment: they deliver the instructions to build it, which a factory then produces.
The studio works with brands of different sizes, provided the project needs high technical skill. The criterion is the complexity of the garment, not the size of the brand.
The guide to pattern making for fashion startups explains phases and timelines. The brief checklist lists what to prepare before the first call.
Working with the studio from the UK
- Measurements can arrive in centimetres or inches. Your size chart is the reference, and grading follows your grade rules.
- The NDA is signed before any file is exchanged.
- Remote fitting works from photographs of the prototype worn to a standard protocol, with front, side, back and movement views plus your measurements. Structural issues are better handled in person.
- The prototype is made where agreed in the brief.
- The studio works on Central European Time. Most of the work moves by email and shared files, and calls are scheduled when needed.
- Invoices are issued in euros or US dollars. The quote comes after the brief, and the preliminary assessment is free.
Files you own
Patterns are built in Lectra Modaris, Optitex or Gerber AccuMark. You receive native files plus universal DXF compliant with AAMA/ASTM, so your factory can work with them directly.
Once the work is paid in full, everything developed for your brand belongs to you. The studio does not manufacture at scale: production stays with your factory.
Garments the studio cuts patterns for
Down-filled outerwear and sportswear have been the specialisation since 2014. The details are on the page about pattern cutting for technical down jackets.
The method applies to every men's and women's garment: coats and jackets, double-faced outerwear, trousers, evening wear, tracksuits and made-to-measure pieces. Shoes, bags, leather goods, knitwear, lingerie and bridal wear are outside the studio's work.
For the full list of services, see pattern making services for fashion brands.
Frequently asked questions
Is pattern cutting the same as pattern making?
Yes. British brands call it pattern cutting, American brands call it pattern making. It is the same work: turning a design into pieces a factory can cut and sew, at every size.
Do you work with UK fashion startups?
Yes, when the project needs high technical skill. The criterion is the complexity of the garment, not the size of the brand.
Can you grade to our own size chart?
Yes. Your size chart and your grade rules are the reference. Measurements can arrive in centimetres or inches.
Who owns the patterns?
You do, once the work is paid in full: native CAD files plus DXF AAMA/ASTM, usable with any factory.
Do you produce the garments?
No. The studio develops patterns and prototypes. Production happens in your factory, in the UK or elsewhere.
Send the brief
The atelier replies within 48 working hours with a preliminary technical assessment, free and non-binding. The NDA comes before any file.