What is a fashion CAD sketch? (and why do designers use them?)

A great question — and if you’ve landed here, you’re probably wondering: what exactly is a CAD technical sketch?

In fashion design, a CAD (short for Computer-Aided Design), also known as a flat sketch or technical sketch, is a vital tool used to communicate garment designs in a clear, precise, and professional format. These are black-and-white line drawings created digitally, most commonly using programs like Adobe Illustrator.

Adobe Illustrator, is a vector-based program, that is the industry standard for creating these sketches. Designers around the world use it to draw garments that show exactly how a piece should look — not artistically, but technically.

What is the purpose of a CAD sketch?

The CAD sketches are the used on range plans, visual concept boards to present to buyers/leadership and also used in a garment tech pack. The tech packs (including the sketches) are then passed on to factories, manufacturers, or sample makers for them to see what the designer is wanting to produce. Think of it as your garment’s blueprint — a clear visual map that guides the people responsible for bringing your design to life. (If you want to know what a garment tech pack is - check my previous blog post here!)

Why Are They Important?

CAD sketches are meant for people who understand garment construction — pattern cutters, machinists, and production teams. So there’s no room for embellishment or vague outlines. Every stitch line, dart, seam, and panel needs to be drawn with accuracy.

As a freelance womenswear designer, I was trained to create detailed CADs that leave nothing to interpretation. I have learnt throughout the years of what works and what to avoid when creating CAD sketches. It’s one of my favourite parts of the process — translating design into structure, transforming creativity into construction. There’s something satisfying about mapping out the technical anatomy of a garment.

What Should a CAD Sketch Include?

At a minimum, you need a front and back view of each garment. Depending on the design, you might also include close-ups of specific features like collars, cuffs, or pocket designs. It’s crucial to include all stitching and construction details to ensure nothing is overlooked during sampling or production.

Whether you’re new to fashion or brushing up on the basics, understanding CAD sketches is key to professional garment development. And trust me — once you get the hang of it, there’s a real beauty in the precision.

You can tell a designer who is fairly new to the industry vs who has worked in the industry for years. Tried and tested methods really show through - and the eye for proportion and the details.

However if you need a professional fashion designer with years of experience to help interpret your design into a CAD sketch, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch via my contact page.

You can view examples of my flat sketches in my portfolio to give you an idea of my experience and CAD skills.