What is the difference between a Block and a Pattern?


In a Nutshell
If it’s made of cardboard, and you use it as a Master to make other patterns, it’s a block. If it’s made of tissue or other paper, meant to be placed onto fabric for cutting out, it’s a pattern. The Block does not include seam allowance; you add the seam allowance to each pattern pieces after you have drafted the pattern.(So the image at the top of the page shows both the block (brown) and a pattern piece (white). In this case there has been no design lines added; the pattern is as per the block. But you can tell the white a pattern piece by the fact that it has seam allowance added).
2 Responses
Should blocks have seam allowances or not?
Hello Margaret
No, blocks do not have seam allowance. You add the seam allowance to each individual pattern piece after you having finished drafting the pattern.
I’ve covered this somewhere in the pages covering the overview of patternmaking, but I will edit this article to mention that.
Cheers
Maria