How to create a pattern

[Topplestack]

So this has always been the hardest part for me. I put together a design for something, then I need to make a pattern in order to cut the fabric. Most of my designs are done digitally, then printed.

For all you gear designers out there. I know there are alot of you on here. What is the best way you have found to make your full size pattern?

I'm also looking for a good method to store my patterns. I usually will only use one design once or twice as I am constantly tweaking the design a little each time.

[Coffee]

Newspaper taped together worked for me if it was going to be a one time deal. I head of others using wood or cardboard if it was going to be a lot of something.

I was able to make my tarp with only a narrow pattern of the cat cut. I cut everything else straight and only had to line up the cat cut.

[Perkolady]

I've used newspaper (it can be ironed if it get's too wrinkled in storage), plastic painter's drop cloths, cardboard, and even cheapy fabric. For some smaller pieces, I've used Tyvek scraps, 'recycled' old pack covers, large cereal boxes, whatever works for the size.

[Merganser]

For the UQ I just finished I made a pattern using some landscaping fabric I had. This was a fibrous type, not woven or anything and you could see through it. It was flexible with a slightly stiff hand. I would probably use it again.

[sclittlefield]

In the Painting section of Lowe's (and I"m sure somewhere in Home Depot, probably same place) you can get a large roll of brown paper. It's thick, plentiful, and cheap.

If I'm using material that is transparent enough (silnylon) I'll just draw the design on the paper, pin it, and cut. If not I cut out the design. It's worked great, and it's no biggie if I only use it for one project since there's so much on a roll and it's so cheap.

[headchange4u]

I use Tyvek. You can get is in widths of 10' and with it being white, marks show up well.

[Cannibal]

I use the brown packaging paper. It's fairly stiff and heavy so it lays flat and since it's paper it's very easy to mark and cut.

[Topplestack]

Thanks everyone.

Lately, I have been using a large roll of tracing paper with the pattern cut out and lacing it over the fabric. I've also used the brown paper method. Haven't tried newspaper since I don't read them.

I like the tyvek idea. For the that would create the best lasting pattern.

What about getting the pattern onto the tyvek? This is the bigger issue with me. Does anyone have any suggestions? What I have been doing lately is using Adobe Illustrator (I'm a Graphic/Web Designer) in a multi-page layout so that when all the pages are tapped together, I have my pattern. This is hard to use with the fabric so I've been transfering it to a wide roll of tracing paper.

While this method works, I am looking for something that works a little better. I've asked the local fabric stores, but none of them deal with anything nearly as big as we do.

I've also seen actual pattern material available at various places, but still the issue is getting the pattern on to it.

[Knotty]

How about hanging the tyvek, brown paper, etc. on the wall and projecting the pattern with a computer projector (hi-tech) or overhead projector (low-tech). I don't know if they still make overhead slides that you can print on since these projectors have become antiquated.

[Topplestack]

How about hanging the tyvek, brown paper, etc. on the wall and projecting the pattern with a computer projector (hi-tech) or overhead projector (low-tech). I don't know if they still make overhead slides that you can print on since these projectors have become antiquated.

That actually sounds like it might work. I had not thought about projecting it. I wonder if the projector I've got here in the conference room will project that large of an image. (Cheap Dell Projector).

Any one have any other ideas?