Pattern as template? If it is template, I used Fusion 360 (free for none business usage). All the measurements is down to mm. I also calculate stitching size so every stitch holes matches the size. So, Its super easy to have number of different stitching needs. Lets say you already a have 3 SPI setup and want maybe 3.85 SPI or even 4 SPI or 5 SPI. This could be easily done with a few clicks. I could also turn everything into 3D to get a feel and might 3d print it out if it is small. I usually print the template out in papers and glue them together to get a 3D feel though. For a briefcase, I think thats important.
What an amazing tip. Thank you so much. I will definitely look into this software. I'm mostly drawing on my Ipad and then making the pattern by hand, but that just looks perfect!
I think I do know what you mean ...... but let me assure you the leather we have in the floors of the medical schools is not exotic at all. You need to look in a better place.
As for patterns, most folk here will make them up as the projects come unless one has some degree of mass production going on. Projects, commissions and prototyping will draw on a general pattern in mind and likely be subject to alteration and adaptation. It’s not really a one-size-fits-all. There are some companies selling vinyl stencils and the like, if that suits. Pinterest also has some blown up patterns that one could adapt for a project. As dismissive at this may sound, for myself, it generally starts with a pencil and a blank page in a sketch book. How I‘m inspired to make something comes from the strangest, subtlest and sometimes the most overt stimuli - could be a trip to Hermès, could be the interior of a Lamborghini. I live in the Middle East, so there’s no shortage of that sort of thing. If you’re a subscriber to Phil’s @Leathercraft Masterclass you’ll see patterns particular to each course. If you’re not, I’d suggest you do - it’ll save a lot of time while you’re not in lectures, office hours, research and practice.
Pattern as template? If it is template, I used Fusion 360 (free for none business usage). All the measurements is down to mm. I also calculate stitching size so every stitch holes matches the size. So, Its super easy to have number of different stitching needs. Lets say you already a have 3 SPI setup and want maybe 3.85 SPI or even 4 SPI or 5 SPI. This could be easily done with a few clicks. I could also turn everything into 3D to get a feel and might 3d print it out if it is small. I usually print the template out in papers and glue them together to get a 3D feel though. For a briefcase, I think thats important.
Can you source us some “exotic” leather? If you know what I mean? 😉