Surface projection for apparel in an apparel design system

A method comprising:

• providing a garment previewing tool that allows previewing on a computer screen of a garment base customized by a user with a finishing pattern, wherein the garment previewing tool includes
• providing an option for the user to select the garment base and upon the user's selection, showing a first garment preview image on the computer screen comprising a jeans base image for the selected garment base,
• providing an option for the user to select a wear pattern from a menu of wear patterns, wherein each wear pattern is associated with a laser input file to be used by a laser to produce that wear pattern onto a jeans garment,
• after the wear pattern is selected, showing a second garment preview image on the computer screen comprising the selected wear pattern in combination with the jeans base image, wherein the second garment preview image replaces the first garment preview image,
• in the second garment preview image, allowing the user to select the wear pattern and modify a sizing of the wear pattern relative to the jeans base image, wherein as the user makes changes, the modified sizing of the wear pattern is displayed to the user in response to selecting the wear pattern,
• in the second garment preview image, allowing the user to select the wear pattern and modify a position of the wear pattern relative to the jeans base image, wherein as the user makes changes, the modified positioning of the wear pattern is displayed to the user in response to modifying the position of the wear pattern, and
• showing a third garment preview image on the computer screen comprising the jeans base image and selected wear pattern, with modified sizing or modified positioning, or a combination;
• applying a distortion to the third garment preview image, wherein the distortion approximates how the jeans base image and selected wear pattern, with modified sizing or modified positioning, or a combination, needs to be modified to appear on a three-dimensional mannequin;
• projecting, using a light projector, onto the three-dimensional mannequin the distorted garment preview image;
• receiving a first captured image of the distorted garment preview image as projected onto the three-dimensional mannequin;
• refining, based on the first captured image, the distorted garment preview image;
• providing a target garment corresponding to the garment base selected by the user;
• and
• based on a laser input file associated with a selected wear pattern with modified sizing or modified positioning, or a combination, using a laser to create a finishing pattern on an outer surface of the target garment.