Abstract: The present invention is directed to a water-soluble pattern material for an investment casting process, and methods of using same. In one illustrative embodiment, the method involves providing a master die with an interior cavity defining exterior surfaces of the water-soluble pattern, mixing granular sugar and a non-water-soluble binder material to form a pattern material, introducing the pattern material into the interior cavity of the master die, allowing the pattern material to cure within the master die to thereby define the water-soluble pattern comprised of the pattern material, and removing the water-soluble pattern from the master die. In another illustrative embodiment, the present invention is directed to a water-soluble pattern for use in investment casting processes wherein the pattern is comprised of a granular sugar and a non-water-soluble binder material.