Pre-Sales FAQ
Are your programs user-friendly?
- Well, we think so :)
- We have more than 20 years experience creating and supporting pattern drafting software.
- Our PatternMaster and Wild Things are designed to be easy, fast, and fun!
- If you can point, click, and print, you can use PatternMaster and Wild Things.
Do I need an active internet connection?
- An active internet connection IS required for downloading or updating your software.
- An active internet connection is NOT required for using your software.
What operating system do I need?
- All of our programs are Windows native.
- All of our current software runs on Windows 7 and higher.
- Our programs can be run on the Mac operating system under certain conditions.
- To see details on what is required to run our software, view the System Requirements page below.
- To see operating system requirements for our older programs, view the Compatibility List below.
- System Requirements
- Compatibility List
Do your programs run on a Mac?
- All of our programs are Windows native.
- All of our current software runs on Windows 7 and higher.
- Our programs can be run on the Mac operating system under certain conditions.
- To see details on what is required to run our software, view the System Requirements page below.
- To see operating system requirements for our older programs, view the Compatibility List below.
- System Requirements
- Compatibility List
Do you provide free help and support?
- Yep, you betcha.
- We provide totally free technical support for using all of our programs and for assisting you with measurements and fit.
- Telephone support is available during our office hours. Email support is available most evenings and weekends. Support from our customers on our social media platforms is available 24/7.
What is the difference between Cameo and PatternMaster?
The short answer:
- Cameo is a professional pattern making program designed to create patterns for manufacturing.
- Cameo IS LICENSED for creating patterns for resale.
- Cameo requires pattern making, grading, and marker layout skills.
- Cameo CAN import DXF files from other CAD programs and export to DXF. Cameo DXF files can be opened and used in Adobe Illustrator and Corel Draw.
- PatternMaster is a home sewing program designed to create custom sized sewing patterns for sewing enthusiasts and custom dressmakers.
- PatternMaster is NOT LICENSED for creating patterns for resale or apparel manufacturing.
- PatternMaster does not require any pattern making skill or experience.
- PatternMaster CANNOT import DXF files from other CAD programs or export to any other file formats.
What is CAD?
- CAD stands for computer-aided design. It typically refers to programs such as AutoCAD that create "vector" or mathematically calculated lines and curves.
- Our Cameo Pattern Design module and PatternMaster Pattern Editor are CAD programs.
How accurate are the patterns?
- All of our custom-sized patterns draft to the exact measurements and settings that you enter.
- In Cameo, you can create extremely accurate patterns with the extensive CAD drawing, editing, and measuring tools.
Can I open patterns from your software in other software programs?
- Patterns created in PatternMaster, ePatterns, and Wild Things can only be opened in Wild Ginger programs.
- Our Cameo software does export to a standard AutoCAD DXF formatted file that may open in other programs. Click on the link below for additional information on Cameo export options.
- Cameo Export
Can I create fashion illustrations and specification drawings?
- You can definitely create technical specification drawings (also called flats) with both Cameo and PatternMaster.
- Our programs are not art programs and so are not suited to creating fashion illustrations. We recommend programs such as Adobe Illustrator or CorelDraw for fashion illustration.
Do you have a 3-D or virtual model?
- We do not currently offer a 3-D or virtual model.
Can I scan in pictures and make patterns?
- Photographs of actual patterns can be scanned and imported them into Wild Ginger programs and edited.
- Photographs of garments cannot be scanned and turned into patterns.
- Check out this article and video on our blog - Tracing Digital Photographs
Can I use a digitizing or graphics tablet?
- We can no longer provide direct support for digitizing tablets. You may be able import patterns digitized in other software programs if the program can export to a DXF formatted file. Patterns saved in the DXF format can be imported into our Cameo program and edited.
- Graphics tablets and pen stylus can be used as input devices but we do not recommend them. A two-button mouse is easier to use in our software programs.
Can I do draping?
- All of our software programs are 2-D vector-based CAD programs. We cannot offer draping technology at this time. You can create patterns by draping on a dress form and then digitizing or scanning them to create a file that can be imported into Cameo and edited.
How are the patterns printed?
- Patterns created in any of our programs can be printed on any home printer with a Windows device driver.
- There are absolutely no special printing requirements.
- All patterns print to the selected paper size with registration marks and row/column numbers for easy assembly into a full size pattern.
Are your programs compatible with plotters?
- Yes, if your plotter has Windows device driver and works with your version of Windows.
Can I send my patterns to a printing service?
- Yes, you can print your patterns to a PDF file that can be opened by the printing service.
- Check out this article on - Printing to PDF
Can I use tractor feed paper?
- Yes, if your printer or plotter has a Windows driver and supports tractor feed paper.
Can I sell patterns created in your software?
- You CAN SELL original patterns you create in Cameo.
- You CANNOT SELL patterns created in the Cameo Pattern Libraries.
- You CANNOT SELL patterns created in the PatternMaster, Wild Things, and ePatterns..
- Please see the End User License Agreements for additional details.
Can I sell garments sewn from patterns from PatternMaster programs?
- Yes, you may sell items sewn from patterns created in PatternMaster.
- You CANNOT under any circumstances SELL patterns created with any part of PatternMaster in any form or format including, but not limited to, printed and digital forms.
- Please see the End User License Agreement for additional details.
Can I sell items sewn from Wild Things patterns?
- You may sell items sewn from patterns created in Wild Things Pets.
- You CANNOT under any circumstances SELL patterns created with any part of any Wild Things program in any form or format including, but not limited to, printed and digital forms.
- Please see the End User License Agreement for additional details.
Can I make doll patterns?
- Yes, our Wild Things Dolls program drafts custom-sized patterns for a variety of dolls.
Are there fabric yardage requirements?
- Our patterns are completely custom sizable. Since garment length and ease will vary greatly, we cannot provide estimated yardage requirements.
- Our software programs ship with a yardage calculator that can easily determine the amount of fabric for any style.
What is the best way to achieve great fit?
- The BEST way to achieve great fit is to take your body measurements as accurately as possible and sew the recommended fitting garment.
- DON'T agonize over the measurements.
- Make the recommended fit garments using the best set of measurements you can take and the program's default settings.
- After making your fit garment, contact our free technical support center and we will be happy to assist you in refining the fit. We are really really good at it!
Can I take my own measurements?
- While we recommend that you have a buddy take your measurements, it is possible to take them yourself.
- Our programs use body measurements that are mostly easy to take by yourself.
- Our programs also ship with illustrated instructions, movies, and free technical support to assist you in the measuring process.
Do you have step by step sewing instructions?
- Yes, patterns created in PatternMaster, ePatterns, CodeWear Plus and Wild Things come with full color illustrated sewing instructions.
Do you take requests for new styles?
- Yes, we do. We love to hear from our customers and want to know what you want to sew.
- You may email us or post your wishes and dreams for new styles on our social media platforms.
Do you offer educational discounts?
- Yes, we offer educational and student discounts on some of our software programs. Visit our educational pricing page below or contact us for details.
- Educational Pricing
Do you offer bundle or volume discounts?
- We do offer volume educational discounts on some of our software programs to accredited educational institutions. Please contact us for details.