Pattern Maker Software

[Chavez]

Gimp is good for graphics but I think what you really want for patterns is a vector graphics editor. There's a great open source programme calle inkscape. I use linux and it works really well, but I don't know if its gonna perform well in windows.

[mrdabeetle]

Here are a couple of good free ones.

http://www.serif.com/free-graphic-design-software/?MC=FSSDRAWPLUS

http://www.koffice.org/artwork/

You can also look for free cad software. With cad, you can have the pattern laser cut onto several types of material for permanent patterns, or you can even have the leather cut by laser.

[Ryan Barto]

Like Iron Pounder suggested, I also suggest trying Inkscape. It took me about 4 hours to get through the learning curve, but now I am designing wallet patterns with it. I absolutely love it, and I can print them out, tape down the paper to my leather and cut along the line. Its working really well for me, especially when prototyping a new design. I build a paper version of the item before I try cutting the leather. The link is: Inkscape.org

-Ryan

[NewYorkerInSydney]

Hello everyone,

Thanks to you all for your great suggestions. I did trial versions of a few, but decided I love Inkscape the most, so I am trying to learn it now. So exciting. I appreciate your help greatly.

Regards,

NYIS

[Vwoodard]

i have recently found myself making alot of debossing dies, and the need to resize and manipulate graphic and pattern pieces lately.

My 2cents on the subject. For the drawing of a pattern (raster/bitmap) or editing, I use Paintshop pro 9 - it tends to be bundled in with alot of different things like memory cards for cameras, but you can usually find it online for under $50 (newer versions are a little more difficult to use, and more expensive).

It has alot of options, and while it's not photoshop, it can do a fair amount of stuff and suits my needs. I have played a little with Gimp, and it does alot of what Paintshop Pro does, but I already know how to use Paintshop pro, so I stay with it.

Once you get your pattern drawn, using something like Inkscape to render it as a Vector image is great because you can resize the pattern without effecting line weight, curves and other factors (and it doesnt pixilate). I use Corel Draw x5 to do my rendering as Adobe Illustrator takes WAY too much effort if you hav to modify it and they REALLY like their software which is why they charge so much for it . When I do need to modify the image, I export from corel draw to a Tiff, edit it in Paint shop pro, then import it back in as a vector to corel again since I havent taken the time to learn how in corel draw. You should be able to use the same process for Inkscape or other Raster 2 Vector programs. I am a firm believer of not overspending on software till you need to

Hope that helps?

vince

Hello everyone,

Thanks to you all for your great suggestions. I did trial versions of a few, but decided I love Inkscape the most, so I am trying to learn it now. So exciting. I appreciate your help greatly.

Regards,

NYIS

[frenchy07]

Try out Inkscape........free!

[TwinOaks]

Try out Inkscape........free!

You did actually read the last post by NYIS, right?

[abn]

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I'm going to try Inkscape, as well. Is the SVG file format a fairly common format? (ie, Can this file type be opened in Illustrator and other programs, or exported to PDF, etc?)

[DtM]

abn, yes, SVG file can be opened and edited in Illustrator. (SVG = Scalable Vector Graphics).

I definitely second the notion that effecient pattern making should be done in a Vector program (Illustrator/Corel Draw) rather than a Pixel based program, like Photoshop.

Assuming your patterns are for cutting your leather peices to a specific shape for production, vector programs allow for the easiest editing of shapes. I use Illustrator for cutting templates on a laser, but also by just printing the design on paper and cutting it out for tracing.

I use Photoshop purely for image manipulation for engraving.

Pixlemator is a good photoshop alternative if you are on a Mac.

That being said, you can use Photoshops vector shape tools to crate vector based patterns, but it's a real pain - extremely inefficianet compared to a vector based program.

Thanks

D

[raysouth]

Wow, it is great to see that so many leatherworkers are into computer thing as well. I feel elated when I can get my email opened. lol. I love technology but want to be one of those that sits at the machine, tells it what to do and it does it. ckl.

I have made, over the years, as far back as the TRS-80 Radio Shack computer, a valid effort to read articles and back then it was not very difficult. All of a sudden the computer thing exploded and zipped right on by this codger.

Purchased several web site building programs, purchased domain names and could never get it put together. Still have some around here and like a foolish old man, which I am, I purchased another web builder program. It sits alone in the corner. Description said something like, build your site in couple of hours and have online today. HUH??????? ckl. Didn't work for me. The lingo is beyond my understanding anymore. No idea what they are talking about when I read the articles. One thing I did learn. When I am having difficulty sleeping, nearly every night, all I have to do is begin reading one of the books about web publishing or other computer topics, and, lo and behold, I become very weary and find that sleep comes easy. Suppose I could give the developers a plug along those lines. ckl. Better than a sleeping pill.

All in good fun and one of lifes adventures. Someday soon, I will be boxing all of those programs and getting rid of them. Keep watching.

God Bless everyone.

Ray

Edited March 27, 2013 by raysouth