alva

BLOCK
( v1.0 )

INTRODUCTION AND
USER GUIDE
INTRODUCTION
Alvanon's Approach to Fit
Alvanonis the global leader in providing full service, integrated t solutions for the apparel industry. Our strategic consultancy and practical
implementation of t mannequins and tools are valued by the world's leading brands and retailers. Our holistic approach to t and sizing helps brands,
retailers and manufacturers increase full price sell-through, reduce returns, increase speed to market and decrease product development costs.

What Are AlvaBlocks?

AlvaBlocks are base level blocks created specifically for AlvaForms.
These pattern templates address key parameters that ensure garments are perfectly
balanced and technically well-tted. Bad t is the primary reason why developmental
samples are rejected.
During the product development process, the AlvaBlock is used as the
basis to create the best tting style pattern for the AlvaForm. The
AlvaForm is used as the t standard for sample evaluation. AlvaBlocks
ensure your vendor base has the right tools to create
accurate t samples the rst time,
resulting in a shortened product
development time.

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PACKAGE CONTENTS

Core Size AlvaBlock Deliverables

AlvaBlock Core size pattern le in CAD Format: .dxf
1 Plotted Core Size AlvaBlock Pattern
Full AlvaBlock core size documentation including:

Technical Spec

AlvaPhoto images of AlvaBlock

Pattern Image

Graded AlvaBlock Deliverables

Graded AlvaBlock pattern in CAD format: .dxf/.rul
1 Plotted Graded AlvaBlock Pattern
Full AlvaBlock grade documentation including:

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Graded Block Technical Spec

Graded Block Incremental Spec

x/y Grade coordinates for each pattern piece

Nested Pattern Image

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ALVABLOCK TECHNICAL COMPONENTS

Darts
All AlvaBlock darts are indicated to show where the darts are
located and the dart amount at each location

All dart manipulation is also indicated, on both pattern and

garment

Functional darts are sewn to the bust point to identify the dart pivot
point

Each AlvaBlock is developed

from your AlvaForm t standard,
using the forms specic shape,
measurements and angles.
The proper relationship of the
pattern pieces is maintained to
insure balance and good
technical t.
Each base level garment block
has standard ease appropriate to
the t category and very basic
components.

Non-functional darts are also still indicated to the bust point

In the example below, for this Dart-less Blouse, the darts
have been manipulated as ease, and are non-functional,
therefore identied with dotted lines

Balance lines:
Each block has balance line at key measurement points Chest, Waist, Hip, Thigh, Bicep, Knee, Elbow
These balance lines correspond to the form, the pattern and the spec measurement point; they move with the appropriate manipulation.
They are not just redrawn lines on the pattern

Piece Relationship:
For tops the sleeve cap height, cap width and bicep are directly related to the armhole height, armhole width and chest girth
For bottoms the crotch height and crotch width must be balanced to the body shape

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USING BALANCE LINES TO PROPERLY DRESS ALVABLOCKS ON ALVAFORMS

Woven Tops:
Align the block waist balance lines front and
back so they are evenly placed over the waist
line of the form

Smooth the garment across the

shoulder area, making sure the
shoulder seam placement aligns with
the form
Both girth and vertical balance lines,
center front and center back, should
be aligned to the form, level and
straight, when the garment is dressed
properly on the form
Garment side seam should be straight,
but may not fall in exactly the same
position as the side seam on the form

CORRECT

INCORRECT

CORRECT

INCORRECT

CORRECT

INCORRECT

Adjust the sleeves to ensure they are not

twisted from the dressing process

Woven Bottoms:
Align the block at center front and center
back with the form, positioning the garment
at the natural waist position, or at the
adjusted waist position, if applicable

Both girth and vertical balance lines,

center front and center back, should
be aligned to the form, level and
straight, when the garment is dressed
properly on the form
Garment side seam should be straight,
but may not fall in exactly the same
position as the side seam on the form

Adjust pant legs to ensure they are not

twisted from the dressing processes to ensure
they are not twisted from the dressing process

For all Knit Styles - Tops and Bottoms:

ln addition to following the same guidelines
as for woven garments, extra care must to be
taken to ensure the fabric is not stretched or
twisted in the dressing process

Garment should be as relaxed as

possible when placed on the form for
evaluation

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FITTING COMPARISON: THE ALVAFORM VS THE LIVE FIT MODEL

The AlvaForm:
The form is the standard t tool. It does not change shape or measurement over time
AlvaBlocks are developed to the AlvaForms measurements, shape and angles
Fit Evaluation - Garment balance and ease - should be checked on the form

The Model:
Should be evaluated carefully for both measurement and shape when compared to the form
The model should be used for checking functional movement and comfort of the style garment

STYLE DEVELOPMENT USING THE ALVABLOCKS

ALVABLOCK

BRAND STYLE TECHNICAL PACKAGE

With standard ease for t type and

movement with no t discomfort

Yields Many Different Production Styles

Standard basic components

In addition to the standard technical package, including technical design sketch and specication, Brand provides vendor with the appropriate
AlvaBlock pattern, including all related specication information
Vendor adds style design, required ease over body, components, fabric adjustments, trims etc.
Silhouette, design intent and Brand vision all impact the ease of movement and functionality of a production style garment
Style level garments should always be evaluated on the mannequin standard for shape and t, and secondarily, on a model for ease of movement
and functionality, as intended in the Brand vision

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USING BALANCE LINES TO PROPERLY DRESS ALVABLOCKS ON ALVAFORMS

Woven Tops:
Align the block waist balance lines front and
back so they are evenly placed over the waist
line of the form

Smooth the garment across the

shoulder area, making sure the
shoulder seam placement aligns with
the form
Both girth and vertical balance lines,
center front and center back, should
be aligned to the form, level and
straight, when the garment is dressed
properly on the form
Garment side seam should be straight,
but may not fall in exactly the same
position as the side seam on the form

Adjust the sleeves to ensure they are not

twisted from the dressing process

CORRECT

INCORRECT

CORRECT

INCORRECT

CORRECT

INCORRECT

Woven Bottoms:
Align the block at center front and center
back with the form, positioning the garment
at the natural waist position, or at the
adjusted waist position, if applicable

Both girth and vertical balance lines,

center front and center back, should
be aligned to the form, level and
straight, when the garment is dressed
properly on the form
Garment side seam should be straight,
but may not fall in exactly the same
position as the side seam on the form

Adjust pant legs to ensure they are not

twisted from the dressing processes to ensure
they are not twisted from the dressing process

For all Knit Styles - Tops and Bottoms:

ln addition to following the same guidelines
as for woven garments, extra care must to be
taken to ensure the fabric is not stretched or
twisted in the dressing process

Garment should be as relaxed as

possible when placed on the form for
evaluation

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