Tip for doing pattern with backer

[don in brooklin on]

I recently made the Steve Good's scarecrow below.  (it is not in the catalogue but link is https://www.stevedgood.com/scarecrow2025.pdf

The original pattern has a backer and the coat, hat and pumpkin are overlays.

If you are careful and cut exactly they will match but if you go off the the line a bit the glue up will be off.

So when ever I can, I cut the outline of the overlays at the same time as the backer.

This is how I did it.  

1. Import into Inkscape the pdf (pages 6 - 7 for the larger version.)

 

2. Set snapping on and move the overlays to the appropriate locations.

3. Select the background only, I change the stroke from black to red with a width of 2 px.

4. Stack -(I tape edges)  add pattern to 1/8 in and stack with 1/4in. Now cut the red line and separate.   ,

5 Cut the 1/8 on black stroke.  When you glue up it will match

 

 

Edited September 20, 2025 by don in brooklin on

[Dan]

Good details. I've seen where someone would cut put the pattern on the 1/8", cut just the interior cuts (eyes, mouth, etc.) then glue the 1/8" to the 1/4" and cut the outline. Either way would get the job done. 

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

I  have always cut both same time. That is a scrollers tip that has been passed down for many ages. Seen that when I started some 40 years ago and it works well. Always good to repeat some of these type tips.

Edited September 21, 2025 by JTTHECLOCKMAN

[BadBob]

9 hours ago, JTTHECLOCKMAN said:

I  have always cut both same time.

I was wondering why he didn't do that.

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

4 hours ago, BadBob said:

I was wondering why he didn't do that.

I do not know. It just makes sense. 

[rjweb]

Don, thx for the tip, RJ

[Hudson River Rick]

@don in brooklin on GREAT tip Don.  Thanks for sharing.

Rick

[Denny Knappen]

When the backer is the same as the pattern, I cut the interior cuts of the pattern, glue it onto the backer, then cut the perimeter.