Toile

How it is used

Common in design studios, couture, tailoring and fashion schools. Designers make, fit and mark up a toile, then transfer the changes to the pattern. Factories usually go straight to a proto sample in a similar fabric instead.

Example sentences

1. We made two toiles before we were happy with the jacket's shoulder line.

2. Pin the changes on the toile and I'll update the pattern.

Common collocations

• make a toile
• calico toile
• fit the toile
• first toile

Related terms

• patternA paper or digital template for each piece of a garment, used to cut the fabric; it also means a repeated decorative design on fabric.
• fittingA session in which a garment or sample is tried on a person or form to check and correct its fit before it is finished or produced.
• sampleA trial garment or piece of material made before bulk production so that designers and buyers can check its look, fit, quality and price.
• blockA basic pattern without style details, made from standard measurements, which pattern makers adapt to create new designs.

More terms: Pattern Making

• dart
• grading
• grain line
• ease
• marker