Pattern Making

[mtroyalguy]

I want to do some wet forming, but not the standard geometric shapes that the wet forming tutorials demonstrate.

How do I make a pattern for the pieces before I wet them? I tried paper but it doesn't form around the items the way wet leather would. The fabric I have around for buffing and stuff if too thin.

Any suggestions? Please?

[DoubleC]

If I understand you want to wet form leather but not squares, etc? You can wet form around most of the stuff in your house, like a wooden box, or even a spoon. If you want to make something specific I suggest you make the mold out of wood. That is the best thing to form around. Or an actual item like a knife. Cheryl

[mtroyalguy]

I am try to determine the shapes I need to cut for arcs and odd shapes before I wet them. Also to perhaps determine where I might need to cut darts or other adjustments.

I guess I am hoping to save a bit of leather by not wetting a piece hugely larger than the amount needed.

[jfdavis58]

Practice, lots of it. Eventually you develop a feel for what will be about right. You might also try some fun-foam from the local craft store. Pins, staples and glue will hold it in about the right shape; remove them and cutting through the glue yields an approximate pattern. It comes in thin and thick sheets.

[Dwight]

My "go to" material for mock ups comes from Joann Fabric shop. Get their 40 or 50% off one item coupon, . . . go buy a yard of their really heavy, fabric backed vinyl, . . . it mimics leather in many ways, . . . sloppy wet is just one of them.

New chap ideas, . . . radical holster ideas, . . . etc, . . . all get the vinyl before the cowhide.

May God bless,

Dwight

[19klf80]

I use foam craft paper. It has a thickness to it to give you a general idea of your pattern will lay out with forms and folds. Added bonus, it's dirt cheap and readily available at Walmart and craft stores.