Pattern making

[AzShooter]

I use 110 pound card stock.  I can put it in my printer as well and copy templates.  The card stock really helps.  I even found some for A4 size patterns.

I was at Tandy today and found some heavy duty cardboard that is perfect for templates.  One roll will last me years.

[RockyAussie]

19 hours ago, Heapsofstitchin said:

Hi,

first post

how do you guys make patterns, I’ve used paper but i feel its a bit flimsy for making larger bag patterns. And the cereal boxes aren’t big enough to make the panel size I want, any recommendations for a sturdy card like material (preferably with guidelines on it) or any tips? 

 

Also, I have this notion I could draw my pattern on the computer, or iPad, and then print it out to scale. Is there a programme anybody uses to do this? 
 

Thanks,

 

C 
 

 

I am going say that I would recommend learning to use a decent CAD type of drawing program as I did many years ago. I have for many years used AutoCad  but there are a ton of free and very cheap alternative programs to choose from nowadays. The reason I say this is I can get a correct to size print straight out of my A3 printer straight down onto some decent cardstock which I mostly use for my pattern work. Another advantage comes that if you progress onto laser cutting you can from the same drawing get them cut out on a laser or sometimes even the leather itself. Another feature about this is you can also go on to drawing in 3D and this allows 3D printing to be done which is a feature I use every week if not every day. If you want to see a little on how I have used all of these CAD features have a look at my profile and in the about me section you'll see a fair few examples like this one below -

 

Edited June 6, 2020 by RockyAussie

[Spyros]

Ι've only made one.   Did it on paper, assembled it with bulldog clips to make sure it works, then stuck it with spray glue on masonite and cut it on the bandsaw and scroll saw.  Done.

I could do it on sketchup I guess, my problem is that I'm in front of the computer all day for work, so when I finally get some workshop time last thing I want to do is sit on the computer again.

I was thinking if I make something multiple times it's not hard for me to make the pattern pieces out of 18mm MDF and add some actual handles on them so I can push down and hold steady while cutting, and it will probably last for years.  Then again that's the beauty and the curse of being an amateur:  I've never had to make the same thing twice.

[AzShooter]

The cardboard I found at Tandy is actually bag stiffener.  It was $ 8.99 for the sheet, enough for years and cuts easily with a utility knife.

[Handstitched]

@Spyros Thats pretty much what I did. I 'll make  a paper template, clamp it together for a bag for example,  make any adjustments until everything works  or fits  right. I too use MDF, very versatile stuff. Nearly all of my templates are MDF, although I haven't put handles on mine. I guess you'd need to glue them on, don't want any screws poking out the other side ...   

You're not an amateur, you're a  professional in training   

HS 

[Spyros]

2 hours ago, Handstitched said:

Nearly all of my templates are MDF, although I haven't put handles on mine. I guess you'd need to glue them on, don't want any screws poking out the other side ...   

 

Countersink the screw 

[BlakesBlades]

For small projects I use translucent, thin cutting boards from the dollar store, Come 3 to a package and 11x14 1/8