What Do You Use For Pattern Material?

[Windrider30]

I use bag stiffner from tandy...if its just something I am messing with i just use tracing paper or normal paper from my printer

[mlapaglia]

I use file folders, basically poster board. I get tons of it for free at work.

But you also asked the best way. Draw them on a cad program and burn them with a laser. Perfect transfers.

Same here. File folders.

[ChriJ]

I make patterns for woodworking out of 1/8" or 1/4 hardboard like they use to make pegboard but without the holes. I assume it would work for leather too.

Chris

[JLSleather]

I make patterns for woodworking out of 1/8" or 1/4 hardboard like they use to make pegboard but without the holes. I assume it would work for leather too.

Chris

Masonite will work -- I used it 100 years ago. Changed to plexiglass about the same thickness after that, though, so I could see the leather under the pattern. Alternately, I have been known to mark the pattern, cut it out (band saw), and then keep the OUTSIDE, so that you lay it on teh leather and teh part you're cutting out is the part that's visible. Makes a bigger piece to store, otherwise it does work.

[Colt W Knight]

I make patterns for woodworking out of 1/8" or 1/4 hardboard like they use to make pegboard but without the holes. I assume it would work for leather too.

Chris

Masonite will work -- I used it 100 years ago. Changed to plexiglass about the same thickness after that, though, so I could see the leather under the pattern. Alternately, I have been known to mark the pattern, cut it out (band saw), and then keep the OUTSIDE, so that you lay it on teh leather and teh part you're cutting out is the part that's visible. Makes a bigger piece to store, otherwise it does work.

I use hardboard/masonite for guitar building templates. I tried acrylic but the router bearings somtimes got hot and melted the acrylic, but I bet for leather working it is the way to go. The downside to masonite/hardboard templates is the edges begin to crumble in humid climates. So I always had a master template I kept in my sock drawer to remake the working templates every so often.

I use manilla folders for my leather patterns now. If i had a pattern I used a lot, I would either make acrylic patterns or have a clicker die made.

Edited August 9, 2015 by Colt W Knight

[SmokeyPoint]

For flat templates, go to Costco and look for the non-corrugated cardboard they use to separate layers of Gatorade cases on the pallet. They'll let you take them home for free, and they're almost as stiff as bag stiffener.

[failghe]

I use my empty cardboard beer cases. Drink beer, recycle the cans, use the box for templates. Waste not.

[Mhicks]

I'm just getting started and have been laying out templates for things I want to make using Bristol paper. It is 100lb paper, it takes pencil very well and erases clean when you want it to. Its a little pricey but I just picked up a 19"x24" booklet with 15 pages for $15 at hobby lobby.

[JLSleather]

I'm just getting started and have been laying out templates for things I want to make using Bristol paper. It is 100lb paper, it takes pencil very well and erases clean when you want it to. Its a little pricey but I just picked up a 19"x24" booklet with 15 pages for $15 at hobby lobby.

Bristol board works great. Just a tip.. you can probably get that same stuff at a print shop for less money -- just won't be paying for the packaging and a middle man.

[chiefjason]

For flat templates, go to Costco and look for the non-corrugated cardboard they use to separate layers of Gatorade cases on the pallet. They'll let you take them home for free, and they're almost as stiff as bag stiffener.

If it's the same style board they cover our pallets with at work it's fantastic. I keep a few every couple months. Bought time to grab a couple more. Just heavier than poster board but easy to cu with a razor knife. Stiff enough to hold up for a good bit of use too.