Centering Patterns

[jimmyG]

I'm old and my hands aren't that steady so it's always a challenge to try and get a pattern applied correctly/straight..
I thought about applying the pattern to over sized material then cutting it to size before I scroll it.

Is there a right or wrong way to do it??

[scrollerpete]

Whatever way that works for you is the right way.

[Wichman]

Jimmy, 

     There is no "right" or "wrong" way. it's just what will work for you and your abilities.

As I get older (64 now) it gets more difficult to align things by hand/eye. So I "cheat" and use the computer.

In the example below I used the computer (inkscape) to resize the fox (slightly) and position it within the plaque, adjusting until it pleased my eye. I then printed it and applied it to a slightly oversize board. After I finish the internal cuts I will laminate the piece to a backer (prepainted) and after the glue cures I will cut the outside.

When I cut the fancy Welcome sign (see my gallery) I used the same technique.

   

 

Occasionally, if I need to center a pattern on a pre-sized board I will use "tick marks" to allow alignment 

[kmmcrafts]

Working with vinyl graphics with cars etc we wet the car down with a light soapy water... While thin paper wouldn't probably work very well.. I have wondered if it'd work with the spray glue or not.. I print most my patterns on full sheet shipping labels and it is a bit heavier paper than just plain paper..

For the most part I do like Wichman however many of my backers I make slightly larger so after cutting the main piece out I take a flat washer and lay the project on top of the backer and place the washer next to the cutout and use the hole in the washer to trace around the cutting to give me a consistent size larger backer.. so long as I can cut it on the line fairly well.. LOL 

[Millwab]

14 hours ago, kmmcrafts said:

Working with vinyl graphics with cars etc we wet the car down with a light soapy water... While thin paper wouldn't probably work very well.. I have wondered if it'd work with the spray glue or not..

They do sell a "repositionable" spray glue that would allow you to get your pattern just where you want it.

https://www.hobbylobby.com/Crafts-Hobbies/Glue-Adhesives/Spray-Adhesive/Easy-Tack-Repositionable-Adhesive-Spray-Paint/p/21926?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIi_yv-sLCggMVTP3ICh14YQJ5EAQYASABEgLWjvD_BwE

[tomsteve]

everything depends on what im scolling. on fretwork portraits, the pattern isnt always centered on the paper. i will find center of the pattern both horizontally and vertically( measuring just the widest and tallest part of the cut area and not the width and height of the paper itself)  then mark center at top and bottom and both sides. then do the same on the wood im going to be cutting out. line pattern marks with marks on wood.

that doesnt always work as planned and I may have to trim some off of the finished piece but the majority of time its dead on.

[FrankEV]

I always use Inkscape to size and center or position the image pattern on the paper where I want it on the cut panel.  I usually like to use a 1" white area around the Image for my Art pieces.  I never try to position the pattern on a panel where the pattern paper is smaller than the panel.  

All my Art type paper patterns are up to a max of 12" x 18". (I can print 13 x 19, but the precut panels I use are only 12" wide x 19.25" long). 

I make my cut panel to suit the overall LxW that matches the LxW of the overall pattern.  That way, at least two edges of the paper match the panel.  I will use the cut panel to trim any excess paper (eg., for an 11x 14 pattern printed on 11x17 paper, I will use a precut 11 x 14 panel to trim off the extra 3" of paper).   

No matter what size the overall project will be, I always print the pattern to match the full size of the panel I cut, even if need to splice multiple sheets of the pattern together.   I did a commisioned 24x36 panel that I had to do that way.

To attach the pattern to the panel, I use blue tape to create a hinge along one edge, so the paper is properly aligned with the panel,  After spraying the paper and panel with adheasive, I roll the paper onto the panel carefully to prevent getting bubbles under, or wrinkles in, the pattern paper.

 

[crupiea]

I cut the outer portion last after all the inner stuff is done.  That way I dont need to worry about centering when I place the pattern.  of course for some of the above examples that method would not work.