Making a Pattern

[Allan]

I want to make some patterns that I can use over and over again

What is the best material to make them from??

I need to be able to trace around these patterns for cutting

Allan

[Thundergrunt]

No expert here, but I took over making motorcyle seat covers from a beer drinking upholsterer and he used Budwieser cardboard cases to make patterns Needless, to say, he bought by the case!  ;D They worked nicely me!  I have also used 1/8" luen and waterboard for permanent patterns.

[hdflame]

Allan,

I'd be interested in answers to this too.  I've just been using 4 mil poly from Lowe's Home Improvement.  I know some on here use clear plastic that is heavier and it would stand up better to continued use.

For some small patterns, I use some plastic sheet material that came from a hobby store.  It is stiff and thicker like poster board and is easy to trace around the edges by running your pencil along the edge, unlike 4 mil poly which is too flimsy.  It is not clear or even easy to see through at all.  It would not be good for making a pattern, but you could trace a pattern on to it and it would work fine.  It comes in sheets the size of poster board.

[SHHR]

I use clear vinyl, It's flexible and takes the shape of your form just like the material used to cover it. It's durable in the fact it doesn't tear or rip. You can mark on it with a marker and it doesn't rub off or transfer to the material being used.
For example on seat foam, I'll draw my design, seams, and reference marks out on th foam, usually only patterning half of the seat, the I'll lay down the clear vinyl and smooth out any wrinkles pulling it snug and then just trace all of my marks from the foam underneath onto the vinyl

  They are pemenant too, If I know I may need it again I'll roll it up and put it in a cabinet untill I do. Two years ago I made seat upholstery, rudder, and skid fin covers, cockpit covers and air intake, and exhaust plugs for a local hydroplane race team (check out missmadison.com sometime) They called up a year later and needed some more covers made, so I just pulled out my old patterns and delivered a finished piece to them ready to go.
Kyle

[Saddleman]

For patterns that I have set up for many repeated uses I have transferred my clear vinyl patterns to hardboard and cut them out on the bandsaw.  Only a little time invested and a 4 x8 sheet of hardboard doesn't cost much.  Using the hardboard patterns then makes for very quick material layout.  

I only do this for work that I'm real sure I will have lots of repeat business on.  

[JuneC]

I think the size of your pieces would determine the best material - also the number of pieces you plan on storing.  My patterns all remain in 4 or 6 mil poly sheeting (they don't make luan in 20 x 30 foot pieces as far as I know).  I think if you have small pieces but plan on storing lots of them, the thickness of the material would have to be considered.  The problem I see with cardboard/posterboard is that the edges will get compressed over time and sharp points or fine details will get bent and distorted unless you handle them with kid gloves. 

[bobbin]

In the "rag biz" the patterns are transferred to "oaktag", a manilla-colored, lightweight cardboard.  Marks that show where adjoining pcs. are to line up are notched in.  Typically, the centre point of any curve or longish stitching run is notched.  "Back pcs." are double notched at the centres.  Patterns are hung on hooks with holes punched through the pcs.. 

Be careful using clear vinyl for patterns (more specifically the clear, rolled plastic used for windows in marine canvas).  It will shrink over time. 

For things like awning sides/returns, by all means fire up the band saw... you know the most commonly used heights and projections are not going to change.  And cut your frill (valence) patterns the same way... they're all based on standard width goods and you can just slap them down and trace them out.  Badabing, badaboom! 

[fragged8]

I use PVC window material and some ladies i have sewing for me
from time to time use the card like bobbin uses.

Rich

[Mojo]

Allan:

If you have a hobby shop close buy, pick up some foam core boards. They are cheap, can be cut easily with an exacto knife and can be used over and over again.

Cheers mate,

Chris

[stitcher_guy]

If I know I'm going to use it a few times, I'll do it in thin chipboard. Then it can be recycled later if I stop using the pattern. My patterns for clear vinyl covers for Ford truck seats (they weren't used in a year or so) are now the side panels in a 32 Ford.

[Peppy]

If I have a pattern that will be used only a couple of times I make it on heavy paper. We do all the upholstery for an amusment park (rollercoaster upholstery! Has it's ups and downs!) and have many many patterns for all the various rides. For the last few years I've been transfering all the old paper/vinyl patterns to HDPE sheets ( high density polyethelyne). It comes in various thicknesses we use about an 1/8".  It cuts easily with a light score and then snaps off cleanly. I write any info on with a sharp awl then rub chalk in the scratches. The board is black and the scratches hold the chalk 'permenantly'.

[hdflame]

If I have a pattern that will be used only a couple of times I make it on heavy paper. We do all the upholstery for an amusment park (rollercoaster upholstery! Has it's ups and downs!) and have many many patterns for all the various rides. For the last few years I've been transfering all the old paper/vinyl patterns to HDPE sheets ( high density polyethelyne). It comes in various thicknesses we use about an 1/8".  It cuts easily with a light score and then snaps off cleanly. I write any info on with a sharp awl then rub chalk in the scratches. The board is black and the scratches hold the chalk 'permenantly'.

Where do HDPE sheets come from?  Never heard of them.  Are they used for something else too?

[scottymc]

I've got alot of patterns for my boardcovers, I use 3mm sheets of craft wood( the stuff on the back of most modern cupboards) If you go to your local hardware, they use the 3mm sheets as cover sheets to protect a pack of sheets, they charge me $5 for a 2400mmx1200mm sheet usually in near perfect condition

[fragged8]

HDPE is High density Polyethylene

or polythene.

Rich

[Peppy]

http://www.roechling-plastics.us/rochling.asp?id=268&category=6

I think it's what they make yogurt containers out of. I use it for all kinds of things, jigs, gauges, guides, templates and what not. We also make bellows for stone quarry saws with it, and it's why we have it laying around. It's hugely useful, though and I couldn't do without it.