What the online pattern nesting tool does
The tool arranges part contours in a strip of fixed width and searches for a layout that uses less length. This approach is called 2D nesting: the algorithm considers the part shape rather than only its bounding rectangle. It helps with preliminary fabric cutting plans for clothing, bags, equipment, upholstery and other products.
You receive a visual layout, used length and material utilization figure. Download the result as SVG, DXF or PDF, or save the project as a ZIP for further editing. The tool searches for a compact arrangement; it does not guarantee the mathematical optimum.
How to nest patterns: six steps
- Prepare closed contours. Export patterns from your CAD software as SVG or ASCII DXF. Include seam allowances in the contours if those are the lines you intend to cut.
- Create a new project and import parts. Review the preview, units and actual dimensions. A 100 × 200 mm contour should remain 100 × 200 mm after import.
- Set the usable material width. Enter the width available for cutting in millimetres. Account for unusable selvages in your working width.
- Set quantities and rotations for each part. Quantities are edited in the parts list; permitted rotations are in the selected part’s properties. For directional prints or nap, you will normally need to restrict rotation to 0°.
- Set clearance and start nesting. Clearance is the gap between parts, not a seam allowance. The editor also reserves this allowance at material edges. Choose a search duration or stop manually.
- Inspect the best valid layout and export it. Intermediate search layouts may overlap: use the checked result for subsequent work. Save a ZIP to continue editing on another device.
Important settings for fabric
| Setting | What to check |
|---|---|
| Material width | The usable width of the specific roll, selvages and process constraints. |
| Rotations | Grain, nap, print direction and required part orientation. Even a 180° turn is unsuitable for some fabrics. |
| Contour | Allowances, the outer cutting line, holes and correct scale. |
| Quantity | Every part of the product, paired parts and the number of products in the batch. |
| Material allowance | Shrinkage, roll defects, process losses and sample allowance — separately from the geometric layout. |
The algorithm does not read grainline marks on your patterns or automatically match repeating prints. Restrict rotations according to your process and inspect the result before cutting.
Formats and tool limitations
SVG supports selected closed vector contours; raster photographs and text are not patterns. DXF supports selected planar ASCII entities, including lines, arcs, circles and polylines. Not every CAD file imports without preparation: review the import warnings.
Holes are preserved, but other parts cannot nest inside them. The calculation uses a strip of fixed width and does not automatically allocate parts across multiple sheets. Current limits are 10 MiB per file, 25 MiB per import batch and 500 demanded part copies per project. Exports contain part layouts, not machine toolpaths.
Questions before you start
Do I need to upload my patterns to a server?
No. Import and optimization run in your browser. This DELIM-hosted copy does not send pattern geometry or files to a server. You need a modern browser that supports WebAssembly.
Are seam allowances and mirrored parts added automatically?
No. Prepare allowances and any mirrored contours in your pattern-making software and import them separately. Increasing a quantity does not create a mirrored version.
Can I calculate an exact fabric purchase quantity?
Used length is a geometric estimate for the supplied parts and settings. Purchasing also needs to account for the material, shrinkage, defects, preparation and production conditions. A manager confirms availability and supply of the specific fabric.
Select material for your construction
Explore fabrics in the DELIM catalogue and criteria for choosing polyamide fabric. Before production cutting, consider evaluating a sample in your process.
In your enquiry to a manager, include the intended product, usable width, material properties, number of products and approximate volume. Patterns are not automatically attached to an enquiry.