Note: This is a showcase repository for a passion project built in 2023. The application is no longer live and source code is not publicly available. This repository demonstrates the project's capabilities, architecture, and learning outcomes.
Click to watch the full demo showcasing the complete workflow from template selection to pattern export
A self-directed passion project developed over several months to explore the intersection of fashion design and web technology. This full-stack web CAD application aimed to lower the technical barriers in digital patternmaking and make fashion development more accessible to creators of all skill levels.
Traditional patternmaking software often requires extensive training and expensive licenses. This project explored whether modern web technologies could deliver a more intuitive, accessible solution for digital garment pattern creation.
- Fundamental understanding of 2D computer graphics and the mathematics behind interactive digital design tools
- Exploring accessibility in fashion tech by reducing the technical complexity of digital patternmaking
- Full-stack architecture implementation with modern JavaScript frameworks
- Complex state management for real-time collaborative design tools
- Library of professional base blocks (bodice, sleeve, skirt, etc.)
- Industry-standard pattern foundations
- Quick-start options for common garment types
- Real-time dimension modifications
- Intelligent ease calculations
- Proportional scaling algorithms
- Size grading capabilities
- Visual design detail modifications
- Interactive neckline shaping
- Hemline adjustments
- Collar and cuff variations
- Pocket placement tools
- Professional CAD tools:
- ✂️ Cut and split tools
- 📐 Measurement tools
- 🔄 Rotation and transformation
- 📍 Notch and marking placement
- 🔗 Piece relationship management
- 1-Click Seam Allowances: Automatic generation with customizable widths
- Grainline Management: Automatic and manual grainline placement
- Pattern Labeling: Automatic piece naming and cutting instructions
- Real-Size PDF Export: Print-ready patterns at 1:1 scale
- Tiled PDF Options: For home printing on letter/A4 paper
- DXF Export: Compatible with industrial cutting machines
- Pattern Instructions: Generated cutting layouts and assembly guides
- Textile assignment to pattern pieces
- Artwork and print placement
- Color variations
- Basic drape visualization
- Real-time updates as you design
- Multiple view options
- Measurement overlay
- Construction line visibility toggle
├── Framework: Next.js with React
├── Language: TypeScript
├── State Management: Redux + Redux Toolkit
├── 2D Graphics Engine: Paper.js
├── Styling: Styled Components
├── API Communication: Axios
└── Build Tools: Webpack, Babel
├── Framework: NestJS
├── Language: TypeScript
├── Database: MongoDB with Mongoose
├── Authentication: Passport.js (JWT)
├── File Storage: Cloud Storage (S3-compatible)
├── PDF Generation: Custom PDF engine
└── API: RESTful architecture
- Paper.js Integration: Custom wrapper for React compatibility
- Vector Mathematics: Bezier curve calculations for smooth pattern curves
- Collision Detection: For pattern piece overlap prevention
- Zoom & Pan: Infinite canvas with smooth navigation
- Redux Architecture: Centralized state for complex pattern data
- Undo/Redo System: Complete action history with state snapshots
- Real-time Collaboration: WebSocket integration for live updates
- Persistent Storage: Auto-save functionality with conflict resolution
- Canvas rendering optimizations for smooth 60fps interactions
- Efficient geometric calculations using spatial indexing
- Lazy loading of pattern templates and assets
- Web Workers for heavy computational tasks
Problem: Fashion patterns require millimeter precision for proper fit. Solution: Implemented custom geometric algorithms with sub-pixel accuracy and constraint-based modeling.
Problem: Complex patterns with many pieces caused lag. Solution: Implemented virtual viewport rendering and efficient diff algorithms for selective redraws.
Problem: Ensuring 1:1 scale accuracy across different printers. Solution: Developed calibration system and extensive testing across printer models.
Problem: Making CAD tools accessible to users without technical training. Solution: Progressive disclosure UI pattern with contextual tutorials and visual feedback.
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Client Browser │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Next.js Application │
│ ┌──────────────┬──────────────┬──────────────┬─────────────┐ │
│ │ Pages │ Components │ Redux │ Paper.js │ │
│ │ │ │ Store │ Canvas │ │
│ └──────────────┴──────────────┴──────────────┴─────────────┘ │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ API Gateway │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ NestJS Backend │
│ ┌──────────────┬──────────────┬──────────────┬─────────────┐ │
│ │ Auth │ Patterns │ Users │ Export │ │
│ │ Module │ Module │ Module │ Module │ │
│ └──────────────┴──────────────┴──────────────┴─────────────┘ │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ ┌──────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ MongoDB │ File Storage │ │
│ └──────────────────────────┴──────────────────────────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
- Secure signup with email verification
- JWT-based authentication
- Role-based access control
- Password recovery system
- Template Selection → Choose base pattern
- Measurements Input → Enter body measurements
- Parametric Adjustments → Modify ease and proportions
- Style Customization → Adjust design details
- Pattern Editing → Fine-tune with CAD tools
- Finishing → Add seam allowances and notches
- Export → Generate PDF or DXF files
- Pattern sharing with permission controls
- Version history and branching
- Comments and annotations
- Public pattern library
- 2D Graphics Performance: Browser-based CAD requires careful optimization
- Precision vs Performance: Balancing accuracy with responsive UI
- State Complexity: Pattern data structures grow exponentially
- Cross-browser Compatibility: Canvas rendering varies significantly
- User Onboarding: Technical tools need exceptional UX
- Feature Creep: Importance of MVP focus
- Domain Knowledge: Deep understanding of patternmaking essential
- Community Building: User feedback drove best features
- Full-Stack Mastery: End-to-end ownership deepened understanding
- Computer Graphics: Mathematical foundations proved invaluable
- System Design: Architecture decisions impact long-term maintainability
- Product Thinking: Technical excellence must serve user needs
While this specific implementation is no longer active, the project explored important concepts that could shape the future of fashion technology:
- 3D Visualization: Integration with WebGL for garment preview
- AI Pattern Generation: ML-based pattern suggestions
- Mobile Support: Touch-optimized pattern editing
- Manufacturing Integration: Direct-to-factory workflows
- Sustainability Features: Fabric optimization algorithms
The project demonstrated that web technologies can deliver professional CAD capabilities, potentially democratizing access to digital fashion tools and enabling a new generation of independent designers.
- Custom React bindings for Paper.js
- Efficient redraw cycles with dirty region tracking
- Complex path operations for pattern manipulation
- Custom tools for fashion-specific operations
- Normalized pattern data structure
- Immutable updates for undo/redo
- Optimistic UI updates
- Conflict-free replicated data types (CRDT) exploration
- JWT with refresh token rotation
- Rate limiting and DDoS protection
- Input validation and sanitization
- Secure file upload pipeline
- Paper.js documentation and examples
- Computational geometry algorithms
- CAD software architecture patterns
- Real-time collaboration techniques
- Traditional patternmaking methods
- Industry standard measurements
- Garment construction techniques
- Digital transformation in fashion
#FashionTech #DigitalFashion #PatternMaking #CAD #FullStack #NextJS #NestJS #PaperJS
📝 Note: This project was a personal learning journey and is no longer in active development. The repository serves as a portfolio piece and technical reference for similar initiatives in fashion technology.