a.3 Internal Lines
I. Definition
Internal lines are key features within Style3D Studio for creating auxiliary lines inside pattern pieces. They can be used for:
• Generating pleated effects (e.g. box‑pleat skirts, ruffles)
• Adding topstitch decorations
• Creating folded shapes (e.g. turned‑down collars, cuffs)
• Dividing pattern‑piece regions
• Drawing quilt lines for down jackets
• Controlling fabric shape and wrinkle distribution
II. Methods to Create Internal Lines
2.1 Draw Internal Lines with the Pen Tool
Operation Path: Home ▶ Pen
Within 2D or 3D view, click multiple points sequentially inside the pattern piece to form polyline segments. Double‑click or press Enter to finish drawing and generate an internal line.
�Tips & Shortcuts:
• Hold down Ctrl and click to insert curve points
• Right‑click to generate a fixed‑length segment along the current direction
• Hold down Shift to draw lines horizontally, vertically, or at a 45‑degree angle
• Press Delete or Ctrl+Z to remove the last‑drawn point
2.2 Convert Baselines via Trace Tool
Operation Path: Home ▶ Trace
Select a baseline and press Enter to convert it into an internal line.
Right‑click menu options:
• Convert to Internal Line/Shape — original baselines are discarded
• Trace as Internal Line/Shape — original baselines are retained
• Cut — cut the pattern piece along selected baselines
• Cut and Sew — cut the pattern and apply automatic sewing
III. Editing Internal Lines
3.1 Selecting and Moving Internal Lines
Operation Path: Home ▶ Edit Pattern
Activate this tool to select, click‑and‑drag vertices and segments of internal lines in both 2D and 3D windows. Right‑click while moving to input an exact offset distance.
3.2 Lock / Unlock Internal Lines
If internal lines turn gray‑white and cannot be selected, right‑click empty space in the 2D view and choose Unlock All Internal Lines.
IV. Generate Random Perpendicular Internal Lines
Operation Path: Home ▶ Edit Pattern ▶ Select finished edge or internal line ▶ Generate Random Perpendicular Internal Lines
Real‑world garment pleats vary between dense and sparse. This tool quickly creates lifelike uneven‑pleat simulation results.
Parameter description:
• Random Angle: When enabled, segment angles vary randomly from 60°‑120°
- Random Spacing: When enabled, spacing varies between ‑50 % and +50 % of the base value
- Length Randomness: When enabled, segment lengths are randomized
- Max Random Fold Angle: Input range 0.0‑1.0, controls random variation of fold angles
Application scenarios:
- Construction of elastic waistbands
- Creating drape effects for ruffles
V. Advanced Applications of Internal Lines
5.1 Add Topstitch onto Internal Lines
- Topstitch decorative effects can be applied to internal lines.Topstitch objects support copy‑paste following internal lines.
- Note: Only topstitch applied to internal lines can be flipped.Topstitch on pattern outer edges cannot be flipped.
- If edge‑connected topstitch becomes distorted, draw an internal line slightly longer than the pattern boundary and apply topstitch to this internal line instead.
5.2 Internal Line Height
Operation Path: Edit Pattern ▶ Select internal line ▶ Adjust “Internal Line Height” in the Property Editor.
Raise the value for embossed effects (e.g. anti‑slip tape for lingerie); lower the value for debossed indent effects.
5.3 Extend and Add Points for Offset Internal Lines
Supports extending offset internal lines with automatic vertex insertion, accelerating creation of regular internal‑line structures.
5.4 Generate Internal Lines Between Segments
Operation Path: Edit Pattern ▶ Select two internal lines ▶ Right‑click one segment ▶ Distribute Internal Lines between Segments.
New internal lines can be generated in‑between two existing internal‑line segments.
5.5 Internal Lines Follow Finished‑Edge During Grading
Operation Path: Edit Pattern ▶ Select endpoints of internal line ▶ Property Editor ▶ Snap to Finished Edge
When internal‑line endpoints snap to finished edges, internal lines will deform synchronously with pattern‑piece edges during grading.