NOR&ELLE

Pattern Making · Technical Design · CLO3D

Patterns built with an understanding of fit, proportion and how a garment is made.

FORMER HEAD PATTERN MAKER AT COS LONDON

Portfolio

A closer look at my work, from pattern development
to the garment in CLO3D.

ABOUT LEILA

Tailoring craft.
Digital development.
Creative thinking.

Leila Nyberg McAleer · Newburyport, Massachusetts

Leila beside a dress form in her studio

A little about me
and my work.

I’m Leila, a freelance pattern maker based in Newburyport, Massachusetts. I work with 2D pattern making, technical design and CLO3D, helping designers and brands develop their ideas into garments.

I spent 14 years working in Stockholm and London, including as Head Pattern Maker at COS London, and with H&M, Tiger of Sweden and Bodymetrics. My background is in traditional patternmaking, tailoring and draping, with extensive experience using Lectra.

I enjoy working with designers, trying out ideas and finding ways to achieve the shape and fit they have in mind. I build from blocks or draft from scratch, using CLO3D to explore shape, volume and fabric drape before physical sampling.

My experience with factories helps me consider construction as I develop the pattern. I also provide construction notes, measurement charts and fit comments.

Sizing is a particular interest of mine: how can we make clothes that fit different bodies better? I consider comfort and movement alongside appearance.

I work remotely with independent designers and established brands, and can also come in to work with local teams.

Explore my experience

Areas of Expertise

  • 2D & 3D garment development
  • CLO3D & virtual prototyping
  • Pattern development & draping
  • Fit, proportion & construction
  • Collaborative problem-solving

How I can help

Freelance pattern making, technical design and CLO3D development for fashion brands. Based in Newburyport, Massachusetts, working remotely.

01

Patternmaking

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Pattern making services for designs developed from sketches, references or existing garments. I draft from scratch or build from blocks, with attention to balance, silhouette and construction.

Explore patternmaking
02

CLO3D development

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From 3D development to physical sampling

CLO3D pattern making and 3D garment development let us explore shape, fabric and proportions through virtual sampling. You can review images or a shared 3D view without needing the software yourself.

Once we’re ready to sample, I provide the patterns and construction notes for your sample maker or factory. Working through these details digitally helps reduce unnecessary sample rounds and gives the first physical sample a stronger starting point.

Support with existing CLO files

Already have CLO files from your vendor? I can review and adjust the patterns, fit and simulation settings, investigate differences between versions and help bring the garment in line with your intended design.

03

Fit & pattern refinement

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I review garment fit on existing patterns or samples, adjust balance and proportions, and translate fit comments into pattern revisions. I work with your factory or technical team to communicate and follow through on adjustments.

Front view of Alvanon avatars in EU sizes 36, 38 and 40
Alvanon avatars · EU 36, 38 and 40
Close-up of Alvanon EU 36 and 38 avatars showing fit reference markings
Proportions and fit reference points
Charcoal dress fitted on an Alvanon avatar, showing silhouette and proportions
Dress development on an Alvanon avatar

I work with standardised Alvanon avatars in a range of sizes as a starting point for garment development, adapting the fit to your brand’s sizing standards and intended silhouette.

04

Final deliverables

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My technical design services include measurement charts, construction notes and fit comments to support clear communication with your sample maker or factory. Final deliverables can include DXF or PDF patterns and garment renders, with scope agreed before work begins. Grading can be discussed.

Printable PDF patterns

I can provide patterns as full-scale PDF files laid out for 36-inch-wide printing, with seam allowances, notches, grainlines, piece names, cutting quantities and relevant construction notes. The file format and pattern information are agreed to suit your sample maker or factory.

Dress pattern pieces showing seam allowances, grainlines, notches and piece labels
Dress pattern · View larger
Discuss a project

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

A foundation
in patternmaking.

COS, London

Head Pattern Maker

H&M · Tiger of Sweden · Bodymetrics

Patternmaking in Stockholm and London

Tillskärarakademin, Stockholm

Fashion & patternmaking

ESMOD, Paris

Fashion & apparel design

CLO3D

CLO certificate, 2024 · Digital garment development since 2022

Tools & methods

CLO3D · 14 years of Lectra experience
Flat patternmaking · Blocks · Virtual fitting

NOR&ELLE DESIGNS

Classic silhouettes.
With a twist.

My own designs explore tailoring, clean lines
and unexpected details.

READY-MADE SEWING PATTERNS

Coming soon.

The first patterns are in development.

Black asymmetric ruffle top and skirt developed in CLO3D
Ruffle & volume · CLO3D development

CONTACT / NOR&ELLE

Let’s connect.

For pattern making, technical design and CLO3D projects, or collaborations.

atelier@norandelle.com

Newburyport, MA, USA · Working remotely

SELECTED WORK / 03

The
bow shirt.

A study in asymmetric volume: a sculptural bow meets a clean button front and curved hem.

Pattern making and garment development in CLO3D.


SELECTED WORK / 04

The
suit jacket.

A grey double-breasted jacket with peak lapels, a shaped waist and flap pockets.

Pattern making and tailoring explored in CLO3D, with attention to silhouette, sleeve shape and construction details.

SELECTED WORK / 02

The
straight jacket.

A black, menswear-inspired jacket with a straight silhouette, stand collar and flap pockets. Developed through 2D pattern making and 3D evaluation.


SELECTED WORK / 05

The tailored
trousers.

High-waisted grey trousers with a straight leg, shaped waistband and tailored pocket details.

Pattern making and garment development in CLO3D, exploring fit, balance and silhouette.

PATTERN MAKING / THE PROCESS

From block
to dress.

An independent development study inspired by Reformation’s Anelis dress, created for a job application.

01 / BUILD THE FOUNDATION

From block to first pattern.

Draft the style lines on a dress block, then develop the first pattern and adjust the fit.

Dress block and 2D pieces with drafted style lines
Style lines on the block
First dress pattern and 3D outline
First pattern and style-line development

02 / TEST VOLUME & FABRIC

Shape, proportion and drape.

Add skirt volume, assess the proportions, then test the fabric properties and refine the drape.

Added skirt volume shown in CLO3D and 2D pattern pieces
Developing skirt volume

03 / REFINE THE FIT

Make the adjustments in the pattern.

Refine the waist, reduce skirt gathering and width, narrow the front and shoulders, and raise the neckline.

Dress simulation and pattern layout during fabric and fit testing
Testing fabric and refining the pattern

04 / REVIEW THE FINISHED GARMENT

Front, side and back.

Review the developed garment from every angle before preparing the next sampling stage.

Finished charcoal dress front render
Front
Finished charcoal dress side render
Side
Finished charcoal dress back render
Back