Dot Grid vs Graph Paper for Fashion Design: Sketching, Flats, and Notes
Dot grid vs graph paper for fashion design: learn when each format works best for sketches, technical flats, measurements, and clean layouts—plus the best spacing to print.
Dot grid and graph paper both give you structure, but they “feel” very different in a fashion workflow. If your goal is fast sketches with clean annotations, dot grid usually wins. If your goal is measured, technical layouts, graph paper can be better.
When dot grid is better
Dot grid is ideal when you want guides without heavy lines. It’s common for:
- sketching with notes around the figure
- layout planning (panels, page sections, lookbook notes)
- size tables and checklists that still look clean
Recommended spacing: 5mm is a strong default for general design journaling.
- Dot grid (5mm): 5mm dot grid paper
If you want more background on spacing: What is dot grid paper
When graph paper is better
Graph paper is best when the square grid itself is part of the job:
- technical flats and precise geometry
- consistent placement (pockets, seams, topstitch guides)
- measurement-heavy notes that benefit from fixed increments
Recommended spacing: 1/4 inch is a common US-friendly grid.
- 1/4 inch graph: 1/4 inch graph paper
Quick comparison
| You’re doing… | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Creative sketches + light alignment | Dot grid | minimal visual clutter |
| Neat writing + diagrams on one page | Dot grid | flexible structure |
| Technical flats + measured details | Graph | consistent squares for geometry |
| Counting offsets and spacing quickly | Graph | grid makes counting fast |
Pairing tip: use two formats on purpose
Many students and designers keep:
- a dot grid page for sketching + journaling, and
- a graph page for technical drawing and measured notes.
If you also want standard lecture notes, add a ruled template:
- College ruled: College ruled template
Printing tip: don’t let scaling change your spacing
Dot and grid spacing are extremely sensitive to scaling. To keep your spacing accurate:
- select the correct paper size (A4 vs Letter)
- print at Actual Size / 100%
- avoid “Fit” and “Shrink”