resizing patterns

[Dragons Pearl]

I have the A. S. Belts Galore book and want to make a belt with one of the patterns in it. Only thing is, its a 2" pattern and I need it to be a 1 1/2" pattern. Any ideas on how to shrink the 2" to 1 1/2"? They are both the rose patterns, but I really prefer the 2" one.

[craftsman827]

Paul,

I've had some good results using a copy machine.You could try that.Reduce it to 75% or 80%. That should help.Good luck & Happy Toolin

[SmokinP]

Might take it to a copy shop or even use the copier at the library. They have resizing options.

[Beaverslayer]

Paul, You can buy a tool (I'm not sure what it's called) but what it is, is a couple fo pieces of plastic attached together like scissors. You attach a pen or pencil to one end, and the other end has stylus type thingy. By changing the size of the scissor arms, you can trace the pattern and reduce or enlagre it.

I'll try to find a pic of one for you. You can actually make it yourself out of a few pieces of thin wood, and some screws.

Ken

[Beaverslayer]

I found it. It's called a "Pantograph" and if you have a Lee Valley Tools near buy, or want to order via the net they sell them. I've attached a link to them.

Lee Valley Tools

Ken

[Dragons Pearl]

Sweet!! You da man Ken! Thats exactly what I was looking for.

[pete]

forget using a new tool. All that you need to do is take one measurement and divide it by the other to tell you the exact amount.

To make a 2" pattern 1 1/2" just divide 1 1/2 by 2 = .75 Multiply by 100 and you get 75%. Copy the pattern with the machine set at 75% reduction and you've got it.

To make a pattern larger do the opposite. Divide the larger by the smaller, multiply by 100 and enlarge it that amount,

ex. a 1 1/2 pattern that you want to be 2" 1 1/2 into 2 = 1.33 x 100 = 133% enlargement

hope this helps

pete

[Dragons Pearl]

Pete,

True, but my copier does not have a reduce/enlarge feature, so I would have to make a trip down to the local Kinkos, which is across town. Doable, but I would rather do it at home given the choice. Still tho, would work for a more intricate pattern. Less time spent drawing lol.

[Johanna]

Sometimes with patterns like Dragons Pearl describes, you can just make a fancy border and keep the size. It just depends on the style you are looking for, and how much variation you need. A half inch difference is just two quarter inch borders.

Johanna

[pete]

don't forget Johanna

A flute with no holes is not a flute....

and a doughnut with no holes is a danish