Plotter Paper vs Pattern Paper vs Underlay Paper vs Polyfilm: What’s the Difference & When to Use What?

In the fast-evolving world of garment and apparel manufacturing, selecting the right consumables is crucial for efficiency, precision, and cost-effectiveness. If you’re involved in fashion pattern making, running a garment CAD plotter, or managing a CNC garment production line, understanding the differences between plotter paper, pattern paper, underlayer paper, and polyfilm is essential. This comprehensive guide breaks down each material, their specific uses, and how to choose the right one for your workflow—while seamlessly incorporating essential industry keywords.

1. Plotter Paper: The Backbone of Digital Pattern Printing

Plotter paper (also known as marker paper roll, CAD paper, or white plotter paper) is a high-quality, smooth paper designed for use in plotter machines. It’s essential for printing full-size garment patterns, technical drawings, and markers in both manual and digital (CAD) workflows.

Key Features:

• Available as CAD plotter paper, wood free paper, and offset paper for crisp, clear linework.

• Comes in various weights (typically 40-100 GSM) and widths to suit different plotter machines.

• White plotter paper and newsprint paper are popular for their clarity and cost-effectiveness.

• Used for pattern printing paper, pattern making paper roll, and pattern cutting paper roll in both small studios and mass production units.

When to Use Plotter Paper:

• Printing garment patterns and markers for efficient fabric cutting.

• Creating fashion pattern making layouts for manual or automated cutting.

• Generating marker paper for garment CAD plotter operations.

2. Pattern Paper: For Drafting, Tracing, and Pattern Storage

Pattern paper is specifically engineered for drafting and tracing garment patterns. It’s often used in the early stages of pattern making and pattern drafting.

Key Features:

• Available as pattern paper roll, sewing pattern paper roll, pattern drafting paper roll.

• Lightweight yet durable for repeated tracing and adjustments.

• Often comes in newsprint roll or brown kraft paper roll for economical use.

• Smooth surface for easy marking and erasing.

When to Use Pattern Paper:

• Drafting new garment patterns or making alterations.

• Tracing and storing master patterns in fashion pattern making.

• Creating templates for pattern cutting paper roll applications.

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3. Underlayer Paper (Underlay Paper): The Unsung Hero in Fabric Cutting

Underlayer paper (also called underlay paper, lay paper, or kraft underlay paper) is placed beneath fabric layers during cutting to prevent marking, snagging, and to aid in smooth fabric movement.

Key Features:

• Comes as kraft paper roll, brown paper roll, or underlay kraft paper.

• Available as perforated paper, punched paper, perforated lay paper, punched underlay paper, holed underlay paper, and vacuum assisted underlay paper for CNC and auto-cutters.

• Kraft paper with hole or paper with evenly spaced holes is essential for vacuum-assisted fabric cutting, allowing air to pass and hold fabric firmly in place.

When to Use Underlayer Paper:

• In CNC garment and auto-cutter setups for precise, high-speed cutting.

• When using vacuum assisted underlay paper to stabilize multiple fabric layers.

• For manual spreads, kraft underlay paper or lay paper ensures clean cuts and protects cutting surfaces.

4. Polyfilm: The Modern Solution for Fabric Spreading and Cutting

Polyfilm (including poly overlay film, hdpe cover film, film hdpe, plastic film, polythene film, polyethylene film roll) is a thin, durable plastic film used in automated and manual fabric spreading and cutting.

Key Features:

• Made from high-quality HDPE or PE, available in various thicknesses (e.g., 20 micron).

• Used as auto cutter hdpe cover film or garment cnc polyfilm.

• Ensures smooth fabric layering, prevents static, and enhances vacuum efficiency in CNC and auto-cutting machines.

• Available in wide rolls for compatibility with all major spreaders and cutters.

When to Use Polyfilm:

• For CNC garment and garment cnc polyfilm operations where static and fabric shifting are concerns.

• As an overlay in high-volume, automated cutting lines to maximize efficiency and minimize waste.

• When using poly overlay film or hdpe film for clean, static-free fabric handling.

Comparison Table: Plotter Paper vs Pattern Paper vs Underlayer Paper vs Polyfilm

Feature/Use Case	Plotter Paper / Marker Paper	Pattern Paper/ Kraft Paper	Underlayer Paper	Polyfilm / HDPE Film
Main Function	Printing markers, patterns	Drafting, tracing	Underlay for cutting, vacuum	Overlay for spreading/cutting
Typical Form	Marker paper roll, CAD paper	Pattern paper roll	Kraft paper roll, perforated	Polyethylene film roll
Used In	Plotter machine, CAD system	Fashion pattern making	CNC garment, auto cutter	CNC garment, auto cutter
Special Types	White plotter paper, newsprint roll	Brown kraft paper roll, newsprint paper	Punched underlay paper, vacuum assisted underlay paper	HDPE cover film, poly overlay film
Key Benefit	Sharp print, efficient layout	Easy drafting, reusable	Smooth cut, vacuum efficiency	Static-free, smooth layering

Choosing the Right Paper or Film for Your Garment Workflow

• For digital pattern printing and marker creation: Use CAD plotter paper, marker paper roll, or white plotter paper for clarity and precision.

• For drafting and storing patterns: Choose pattern paper roll, sewing pattern paper roll, or brown kraft paper roll for flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

• For underlay in cutting rooms: Opt for kraft paper with hole, perforated lay paper, or punched underlay paper for vacuum-assisted or CNC cutting.

• For overlay and fabric spreading: Select poly film, hdpe cover film, or polyethylene film roll for smooth, static-free fabric handling in automated setups.

Conclusion

Selecting the right consumable—whether it’s plotter paper, pattern paper, underlayer paper, or polyfilm—can make a significant difference in your garment or apparel production process. By understanding the unique properties and best-use scenarios for each, you’ll optimize your workflow, reduce waste, and ensure high-quality results in every stage of fashion pattern making and garment manufacturing.

Maximize your productivity and precision by using the right pap roll, pattern printing paper, or plastic film for your specific needs—whether you’re running a manual cutting table or a state-of-the-art CNC garment production line.

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