Wild Things! by Wild Ginger is a free software package that allows the user to create patterns for range of items from hats to bags in a variety of sizes.

Since 1995 Wild Ginger Software, Inc. has been marketing custom apparel pattern drafting software and is now the largest pattern software publisher globally. Wild Ginger specializes in apparel pattern making software for small to medium-sized businesses and to the home sewer.

Wild Ginger offers a free package, Wild Things! which allows users to print out customized pattern pieces to make hats, bags, wraps, shoes and pockets. This is one of a number of Wild Ginger Software products and provides an insight into the flexibility of the systems offered.

Wild Things! is free to download and offers the user the opportunity to make an exciting range of items including the bag in the photograph below (click on the photo to get a bigger image).

Home sewers who also sell their work will be interested to note that while of course you cannot sell the patterns produced by Wild Things!, you are allowed to sell items made using the software.

Wild Things! Designs

A number of style options are given for each item. So for instance ´hats´ has the choice of sun hat, beret, baseball, visor, ear muffs, ear warmers ,ski hat, rain hat and newsboy hat. These are all available in a variety of sizes. As well as adjusting size, it is possible to adjust the brim size and depth. The system will estimate the yardage required.

To customize the size of the items you simply type in some key measurements and Wild Things! creates the pattern pieces in the required size. These are then printed out and used as the project template.

Embroidery

Wild Things! also provides the user with the opportunity to add embroidery to the patterns. Both .jpg and .bmp files are supported and users can access their own images. The images can be resized, rotated, flipped, copied and moved on the pattern prior to printing. When the pattern is printed out the embroidery design is printed with it allowing the user to copy the embroidery design onto the finished item.

Printing

The patterns can be printed on any home printer. There are three files, the pattern, the pocket (if applicable) and a style sheet. The style sheet provides an illustration of the item along with a breakdown of the key features such as measurements.

Help and Support

Three help files are included. These cover general program help, sewing instruction and printing information. These are in .pdf format and can be printed or accessed from the computer. The files provide plenty of information and should answer most questions. For instance the help file explains how to take the different measurements required to customize the fit or size of an item and the print help file explains clearly the steps required to print the patterns.

Measurements

The program can easily be moved from inches to centimeters depending on the preference of the user. Most items are available in a wide range of sizes, making these suitable for children and adults alike. The beret, for instance, starts at a 7 inches round and extends upwards from there.

Conclusion

This is an excellent free software program offering users the opportunity to print out and make hats, bags, wraps and pockets in a huge variety of shapes and sizes. Basic sewing knowledge is assumed, however many of the items can be attempted by sewers with even very basic sewing skills.

The Wild Things! program would provide an ideal introduction to someone who is unused to computer generated patterns. There is plenty of flexibility, while still being easy to use. No specialist knowledge of designing or computers is required.

The print help document clearly walks the new user through the process of printing patterns, which is one of the most important features of computer produced patterns. The process of printing patterns isn´t complicated, however ensuring that the pieces line up correctly when printed out is essential for a successful outcome.

For more information and to down load the software, visit the Wild Ginger website.