Template for Curves?

[MtlBiker]

I'm having some trouble making nice curves on things like pouch flaps.  I have little trouble with round corners, or the actual cutting, but what I'm having trouble with is marking the actual curve that I want to follow.  I have a couple of plastic template thingies but they're inadequate for the majority of what I need.  I also have one of those flexible curve things and that also is probably not the best for this.  I do use that to make nice flowing curves on things like apron sides, etc. but pouch flaps have always given me trouble.

The best solution I have found so far is to use a design program on the computer (bezier curves) and drag out the shape of the curve I like, print it out and trace it on my leather.

How do you folks do it?  Have you a better way, or are you just so good at eyeballing the curve that you don't need any aids?  Here is a little pouch I'm currently working on and I'm really not happy with the curve on the flap.  I'd like to refine it before finishing the edge and installing the snap.

[Cattledude]

You can fold a piece of paper in half, draw one side of the curve, cut it and unfold the paper. That will give you a pattern.

[TomE]

I like tracing from a printed page as you're doing.  I don't cut out the pattern.  Just sketch over the printed pattern on lightly cased leather then clean up the lines with a pen or pencil before cutting.  I usually do a bit of shaping with a drum sander to fix my mistakes.

[tsunkasapa]

I lay my curves out with dividers and French Curves.

 

[PastorBob]

+1 for french curve templates.

[chuck123wapati]

i use a compass. And sometimes french curves and sometimes paper folded in half or sometimes something round like a coin, jar lid.  or even a ruler lol

[Samalan]

the way to make a curve keep your wrist on the table forget the French curve stuff keep the wrist and forearm on the table using only your wrist to make the line this is the best way to make a curve practice it and you'll see . 

[Samalan]

and yes fold the paper in half to make both sides even 

[Dwight]

I have a plastic french curve thingy hanging with my other tools.  Haven't ever needed or used it yet.

Have always been fortunate enough to find a jar lid . . . coffee can . . . outlet cover . . .  bean can . . . or something else round . . . that will always work.

Plus I built strap end cutters for 3/4 inch, 1 inch, and 1 1/2 inch out of pipes I cut off half of them . . .  sharpened the other half . . . one whack with the mallet . . . I have a perfect round end on my strap.

May God bless,

Dwight

[MtlBiker]

3 hours ago, Samalan said:

the way to make a curve keep your wrist on the table forget the French curve stuff keep the wrist and forearm on the table using only your wrist to make the line this is the best way to make a curve practice it and you'll see . 

What I ended up doing (again) is using a graphics program to draw my curve using bezier curves.  That made it perfectly symmetrical and I was able to control the amount of the curve.  I printed that out, and used it as a template on my pouch flap to cut it.  Came out pretty darn well if I say so myself.