PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Design-A-Pattern XV7 runs on Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 and 10 (including touchscreen systems).
All Design-A-Pattern printouts utilize standard Windows WordPad and MS Paint programs to insure compatibility with customer Windows computers and printers. Text and graphic outputs can be copied or saved for use with other word processors or graphics software. Pattern printouts work for any knitting machine since Design-A-Pattern is a stand-alone charting program without special connections between computer and knitting machine.
Design-A-Pattern is the original knitter-friendly charting program for Windows computers. First introduced in 1987 as a DOS-based program, it became the standard of value for home-based and professional machine knitters. Personal service and customer satisfaction have been Design-A-Pattern hallmarks as programs have been continually updated using customer suggestions for new capabilities.
Key features from classic DAP programs were retained while expanding or adding new capabilities such as diagonal knitting, styling alterations and freestyle design using MS Paint. Design-A-Pattern uses your finished measurements and yarn gauges to draw customized patterns on the screen. Starter sizing is available with numerous adjustable measurements to accurately shape garments for infant to 'mature' figures. Rows and stitches are still calculated directly from on-screen pattern drawings for precise row-by-row stitch directions using your measurements and desired shaping. Extra features such as Knit Contour and Cut-n-Sew templates, Collar/Neckline Trim designer and Yarn Estimator features are also expanded.
PROGRAM INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
Design-A-Pattern XV7 is recommended for 32- and 64-bit computers using Windows (VISTA to Windows 10). Each Windows system has unique file structures and User Account settings that can affect program installation and operation. User Accounts are designed to improve security on shared computers by limiting hard drive file access between multiple users. Since Design-A-Pattern XV7 must access the hard drive to run properly, installation varies for different systems.
Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista and XP (Service Pack #3)
Default Windows User Account settings are active to protect all folders and files from changes unless they are in the Public directory. Therefore, "C:/Users/Public/DAP XV" is the default installation path to avoid User Account restrictions. This default folder can be changed during installation, but the computer's Public directory should be used for the path. Installation to other "non-Public" directories are possible if User Accounts are deactivated (via Control Panel), but this is not recommended due to security issues.
Windows XP (pre-Service Pack #3)
Extra support files may be needed if they were not included with update installations from Windows or other programs. The Design-A-Pattern installation program indicates if correct .NET Framework folder files are present. The required installation file ("dotnetfx.exe" version 2.0) is a free download from Microsoft's website. It can also be found on the Design-A-Pattern installation CD if needed. Another file ("
WindowsInstaller-KB884016-v2-x86.exe
") may be needed to install "
dotnetfx.exe
". This file is also a free Microsoft download and can be found on the Design-A-Pattern CD if needed. After running "
dotnetfx.exe
" to install .NET Framework files, the Design-A-Pattern installation program must be run again.
TAB #1: Information Screen
Three types of information are entered on TAB #1.
The Style Selection panel is required for initial garment and neckline styles.
Default values will give a capsleeve set-in pullover with crew necklines, but 9 pattern styles and 14 neckline styles are available for selection.
Selecting "Pullover" gives directions for a symmetric front panel printout while "Cardigan" gives directions for left and right front panels as well as back and sleeve panels.
Selecting "Cardigan" provides more design flexibility since the front panels can be made asymmetrical using PaintBrush adjustments.
TAB #2: Measurements Screen
More than 20 measurements are used by Design-A-Pattern to create pattern designs, and these can be added in three ways.
The simplest way to enter new measurements is with Starter Sizing drop-down boxes to select predefined measurements from a variety of Men, Women, Misses and Children sizes.
These measurements can be customized on Tab #3.
The Get Measurements button retrieves existing measurements from a previous design.
New measurements are best entered with
the New Sizing panel as detailed descriptions for taking accurate body measurements are provided .
DESIGN-A-PATTERN XV7 INFORMATION
TAB #3: Design Screen
This screen displays panel shaping for design refinements and calculating pattern rows and stitches. Panels are redrawn immediately in proportioned scale as displayed body, neckline or sleeve measurements are adjusted with the numeric boxes. Pattern style selections can also be changed using drop-down boxes.
The "Calculate" menu is used to determine rows and stitches for any or all panels by scanning panel pictures for black pixels.
The screen menu also includes buttons to send/retrieve any panel or freestyle measurement grid for shaping in Windows Paintbrush.
TAB #4: Pattern Output Screen
After completing row/stitch calculations on Tab #3, pattern printouts are created on this screen using the Pattern Preview Editor and buttons to manipulate the output. The Pattern Preview Editor is a simple word processing tool to preview and edit pattern directions which can be printed to take to your knitting machine, or read directly from screen if using a portable computer at your knitting machine. In addition to printing patterns, directions can be saved or copied for use with other programs.
Volume #2
Skirts, Shorts, Trousers, Briefs
A-line Skirt
Straight Skirt
Gored Skirt
Scalloped Skirt
Hip-Yoke Skirt Sideways Skirt
Offset Sideways Skirt Tapered Trousers Straight Trousers Lounging Pants
Straight Shorts
Culotte Shorts
Knicker Shorts
Full back briefs
Straight back briefs
French-cut briefs
3 Hip Shapes
Freestyle Designs
Volume #3 Advanced Pullover Sweaters
Shoulder Yoke Saddle Shoulder Rounded Yoke Neck Darted Pullovers Shell Tee Tops Darted Sun Tops Darted Bra Tops
6 Armhole Styles
12+ Neckline Styles
9 Collar Trim Styles
Freestyle Designs
Volume #4
Advanced Cardigan Sweaters
Double-breasted Top
Crossover Top
Bolero Vest
Concave Bottom Vest
Convex Bottom Vest
Pointed Bottom Vest
Round Bottom Vest
Angle Bottom Vest
6 Armhole Styles
12+ Neckline Styles
9 Collar Trim Styles
Diagonal Knitting
Freestyle Designs
Volume #5
Outfits for Dolls and Children
1-piece top/briefs
1-piece top/shorts
1-piece top/leggings
1-piece top/skirt
1-piece top/sack
Small Sweater Tops
Small A-line Skirts
Small Leggings
6 Armhole Styles
12+ Neckline Styles
9 Collar Trim Styles
Freestyle Designs
Volume #1
Basic Pullover & Cardigan Sweaters
Cap Sleeve Set-in
Rounded Set-in
Angled Set-in
Square Set-in
Gusset Insert
Offset Raglan
Straight Raglan
Drop Shoulder
Sideways Pullover
12+ Neckline Styles
9 Collar Trim Styles
Diagonal Knitting
Freestyle Designs
Volume #4
Advanced Cardigan Sweaters
Double-breasted Top
Crossover Top
Bolero Vest
Concave Bottom Vest
Convex Bottom Vest
Pointed Bottom Vest
Round Bottom Vest
Angle Bottom Vest
6 Armhole Styles
12+ Neckline Styles
9 Collar Trim Styles
Diagonal Knitting
Freestyle Designs
Volume #5
Outfits for Dolls and Children
1-piece top/briefs
1-piece top/shorts
1-piece top/leggings
1-piece top/skirt
1-piece top/sack
Small Sweater Tops
Small A-line Skirts
Small Leggings
6 Armhole Styles
12+ Neckline Styles
9 Collar Trim Styles
Freestyle Designs
Choose your preferred option to receive the free DAP demonstration program.
SCREEN OVERVIEW
Click here to send an email request for the free demo program and password to install on your computer.
Click here to download the free demo program (DAP XV Demo Setup.zip = 5.5 Mb).
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