Create patterns

hi there, i use illustrator to work things out, i am lucky where i work that we have printers over 1m wide, so i will print out patterns here to make mock ups. the final patterns i make are all done by hand on card. not sure why, just prefer to do it that way.

For me, it really depends on the size and purpose of the project

- If it is something that I intend to make a lot of (a wallet for example), i draw it digitally using Autocad, print, paste on cardboard, cut and use them. I use this process because it allows me to quickly modify dimensions and get a better product after making the first few prototypes. Once i am completly satisfied with the results, I have them laser cut from Acrylic.

- If it is a one off project, then I draw everything by hand on a mm sheet pasted on cardboard.

- For large projects, like bags, I design using Autocad, but then rehand draw everything on cardboard and cut. Mostly because it is a hassle to print everything on A2 or A1 sheets and paste, or assemble 4 different A4 sheets into a single pattern piece.

- Annnnnnd, the crazy part, I sometimes pattern directly on the leather (usually when it is an idea that just popped into my head and i have to get it out). I love this as it forces me to really think and examine something in my head from all angles before commiting it to leather (which is a very handy skill to learn)

@Konstantinos If I'm making patterns for myself rather than the courses then I will make them by hand using card.

I do it with illustrator, then print it on paper and do the construction with painter tape and start the iteration…