Three-dimensional garment computer aided design - a new approach

The design of garments is a labour-intensive manual activity in which it ha s been difficult to use computers other than as a means of sketching. The f ixing of dimensions only occurs when the garment structure and associated p atterns have been decided. A proposal for starting and continuing the desig n process in a dimensionally accurate and controlled environment is present ed. Garments are modelled as three-dimensional surfaces and corresponding p atterns are derived. Visualization of the complete garment can proceed when the fabric parameters are specified and drape is performed relative to a b ody form.