In clothing and pattern making, CF stands for Centre Front. It represents the exact middle vertical line of the front section of a garment.
Understanding Centre Front (CF)
Based on the provided reference, CF is precisely what its name suggests:
- It marks the very centre of the front of a garment.
- The CF line is typically straight.
- It usually aligns with the fabric's grainline, which helps ensure the garment hangs correctly.
Think of the Centre Front as the imaginary or marked line that divides the front of a shirt, dress, or pair of trousers perfectly in half, from top to bottom.
Why is CF Important?
The Centre Front line is crucial in clothing design and construction for several reasons:
- Pattern Making: It's a key reference point for drafting patterns, ensuring symmetry and proper fit.
- Fabric Cutting: Patterns are often placed on the fabric relative to the CF line (or the fold of the fabric representing the CF).
- Garment Construction: Many garment components, such as button plackets, zippers, and decorative elements, are centered along or positioned relative to the CF line.
- Design Symmetry: It helps designers ensure the left and right sides of the front of a garment are mirror images (unless the design is intentionally asymmetrical).
CF vs. CB
While CF refers to the Centre Front, its counterpart is CB, which stands for Centre Back.
- CF (Centre Front): The middle line on the front of the garment. Usually straight and follows the grainline.
- CB (Centre Back): The middle line on the back of the garment. This line can be straight or incorporate shaping (like curves for waist or back contours).
Understanding CF and CB is fundamental in sewing, pattern making, and fashion design.
