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Home » Tutorial » How I Learned to Make SVG Patterns for my Paper Houses

How I Learned to Make SVG Patterns for my Paper Houses

April 24, 2019 by Lucy 15 Comments

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Want to learn how to make SVG cut files? Want to learn how to better express your creativity? Or even learn how to make your own patterns to sell?

Do you want to make your own personal patterns and designs for your cutting machine? Have you wanted to learn how to create your very own SVG cut files? Cut files that are specific and exactly what you envision. Or do you want to make designs, patterns, and printables that you can share or sell? Here's my journey and the solution I found so I could express my creative side more effectively. It will work for you too.

Learn to make SVG and PDF patterns

 

One major thing I struggled with when I first started writing this blog was figuring out how to make patterns. I knew how to draw them by hand, but I didn't know how to draw them so they would look nice when people downloaded them from their computer. What I needed to learn was how to make SVGs - Scalable Vector Graphics.

First, I made hand-drawn patterns

Here's an example of an early pattern - the initial hand drawn sketch and pattern for Easy Paper Houses.

Little paper houses all in a row ready to be packed for a trip

Easy House Pattern | Free Printable Pattern | How to Make a simple paper house | House template

Here is the first drawing of the house where I decide how steep to make the gable. There is an SVG version available now in my free library.

So what do you need to do to make patterns on your computer?

You need to be able to make SVGs - Scalable Vector Graphics. And what does that mean? SVGs have the advantage of being scalable, meaning you can make them larger or smaller without losing details because they are based on mathematical formulas rather than individual pixels. That's a big deal when you are making patterns because people can choose the size they want.

If you have an automatic cutting machine, SVGs are the best files that you can upload and share.

Here is the Irish Cottage pattern template, my very first hand-drawn PDF pattern. I imported the hand-drawn pattern into Photoshop elements. Then I erased pixels around the pencil lines to make them sharper. It took forever!! After I learned how to make computerized SVG patterns, I've updated this pattern for one of my most popular little houses.

Irish-Cottage-pattern-paperglitterglue

 

 

Front view Irish Stone Cottage Putz house

Front view of the Irish Stone Cottage

What Illustration Software Programs Make SVG patterns and cut files?

The two main illustration software programs for drawing SVG patterns are Adobe Illustrator which is pretty pricey per month (ranging from about $20/month to over $50/month) and Inkscape - a free open source program that you can download for free online.

One of my online buddies makes patterns using a program called QCAD which is has a free version and an inexpensive professional version for about $40. Yes, $40 for the entire program - not per month. As I understand it, you can export the pattern in SVG format as well, but I've never tried to use it.

For my graphic design goals Inkscape is the way to go.

So how do you get Inkscape? It is surprisingly easy. Even on a Mac. Inkscape is designed to work with Windows-based computers so if you have a Mac, you have to download a windows-based framework called XQuartz. That has to be open first before you can run Inkscape. Here's the Inkscape download.

Now that you have Inkscape or another Illustration software, where do you go from here?

Yes, that's the real issue. Where do you go from this point? How do you learn to use your software without going bald from pulling your hair out? We are all busy and we want to get things done quickly. We want to start crafting, not just sit around figuring out the nuances of computer program.

First, I tried Inkscape tutorials which are nice and somewhat helpful. Truthfully, I got tired of learning to draw a snowman. But to get real skills it would take me weeks to learn how to make little house patterns with these online tutorials. WEEKS! Also the specific skills I was looking for really weren't online. Most of the tutorials are for making either graphics or flat patterns for vinyl cut outs or printables. I needed to learn how to make 3-D patterns and templates that can be uploaded to cutting machines.

Learn to make SVG files with A Cut Above course

What is the Solution? JenniferMaker's A Cut Above Design Course

The information I needed was impossible for me to find until I found JenniferMaker's A Cut Above Design Course.

What is remarkable about this course is how fast it gets you up to speed on making your own real designs. That is exactly what I needed to get started on my templates for my little houses and other paper crafts.

How is the course organized?

Welcome Sequence

First, you get a 163 page downloadable binder with all the information you need to design your own SVG cut files for sharing or selling.

And second, you get access to Jennifer's private Facebook group exclusively for A Cut Above students. Another remarkable aspect to this Facebook group is that Jennifer actually goes in and answers questions. She even researches the questions she does not know the answer to so she can help each and every student. I've taken classes which have an associated Facebook group, but the teacher is rarely there to answer questions. That is not true for Jennifer. In addition she has experienced alumni of the course ready to help as well.

You'll find useful information in the welcome section such as supplies needed and definitions of design terms.

The Joys of SVGs

Then there is a section devoted to helping you understand how to use SVGs and how to upload them to Cricut Design Space. Jennifer is a devoted fan of Cricut so most of her designs she uploads to Cricut Design Space. Based on her experience I bought a Cricut to test my patterns and templates.

Then you get into the real work of the course

Starting with Unit One where Jennifer gives you an easy introduction to both Adobe Illustrator and Inkscape and how to install them. How nice is that? Sometimes the first step using a new program is the worst. I often ask myself how to get the program up and running. But there is no problem with that here.

The course starts with simple projects, manipulating shapes into functional things like cards or cut outs.  Then it moves to more complicated projects such as a pop-up card and more complicated drawings.

And the last project? A paper house. I was so excited to see that as the finale of the course. Truthfully, at first I skipped a couple of sections just to get to the last one.

The Major Advantage to the Course?

Really, it's that you are making projects as you go along. And if crafting is what you love to do, this is the way to learn. Instead of watching tedious video after video, you get a gentle, interesting, and very informative introduction to the techniques of making SVGs.

My current level of Expertise

Since I've taken Jennifer's course I have progressed from my first simple SVG house pattern to my most complicated design, the Faded Mansion (7 pages of patterns).

Below are two photos of the Faded Mansion PDF patterns just to show the complexity of the pattern.

Faded Mansion pattern made with Inkscape

Faded Mansion tower and windows inkscape pattern

I'm not a pro by any means, but I sure have improved. And now I can serve you, my readers, better.

Why am I telling you all this?

If you want to learn to design and make your own SVG cut files, then this is THE COURSE. So if you are interested in taking a course to learn how to make your own SVG cut files and patterns, now is the time to enroll in the CUT ABOVE SVG Design Course. 

The course requires an investment - both in your time and money. That's true, but it has been a game changer for me. I cannot thank Jennifer enough for making this course and her individualized help in her private Facebook group. You'll enjoy the same benefits when you take this course.

How to make SVG cut files

Learn to design your own SVG Cut Files

 

How I learned to make patterns made with Inkscape

 

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Helen J Roberts

    August 16, 2019 at 9:30 am

    Your work is always so good, Lucy, and I love trying out your patterns. I am glad you take the time to share.
    I love Jennifer Maker Marx's course. It has been a real help and is easy to follow. She also offers more advance steps in her gold and platinum courses.
    Keep up the great work!

    Reply
  2. Misty Valestin

    September 28, 2019 at 11:48 pm

    I have recently started Jennifer's SVC course and I love it. I have just completed Unit 2 and I am going to try to cut it out on my cricut maker. I am excited to play with the extra assignment files. My Aunt has been telling me for years that I should start my own blog and teach my crafting. Up until now, I have been too scared to even consider it. But thanks to Jennifer and you, as well as some other students, I think I will be good at it. Thank you for your inspiration.

    Reply
    • Lucy

      September 29, 2019 at 1:03 am

      Thank you so much for your kind words. I hope you are a member of Jennifer's Blog What You Love Group. It is a wealth of information on how build a blog.

      Reply
  3. Kimber

    October 20, 2019 at 5:55 am

    I just wanted to say your work is amazing! I’m going to make several of your items in the stone because we own a masonry company! I’m going to check into Jennifer’s class as well. I can make my own svgs but not a 3D! I’m on Jennifer’s blog for a long time but never thought about the class til now! Is there a way I can let her know so you get credit?!? I just love your stuff!

    Reply
    • Lucy

      October 20, 2019 at 10:59 am

      Yes, if you want to take Jennifer's class, just click on the link in my blog and I will get credit for it. That is so nice. And if you take the class and have questions, just tag me in her A Cut Above Facebook group and I will make a special effort to help you.

      Thank you so much for your kind words.

      Reply
  4. Beth Chapman

    May 08, 2020 at 6:41 pm

    Thank you so much for pointing me to Jennifer's course (and your amazing and inspirational designs!). This is exactly what I've been looking for - I've been struggling to teach myself to create my ideas in Illustrator and with uni, kids, etc. I just keep giving up! Now I have hope that I will be able to get those ideas out on paper!

    Reply
    • Lucy

      May 08, 2020 at 7:20 pm

      Beth,

      This is the only real true SVG course that I've found. It has helped me so much. Now I can design almost anything I imagine. Thank you so much for your kind words. And yes, get your creative ideas into the world. We need them at this time.

      Lucy

      Reply
  5. Larsen

    June 10, 2020 at 4:58 pm

    Are any of your Christmas Houses in SVG format? I would love to do all of them on the Cricut it does such a nice job.
    Just absolutely love your houses. You are so talented. Thank you for sharing them with you readers.

    Yvonne

    Reply
    • Lucy

      June 10, 2020 at 6:05 pm

      Yvonne, I think there are 2-3 2018 Christmas houses that are in an SVG format. The following have SVG versions: The Spun Sugar church, Snowy Church, and the Log Cabin.

      I will make them all into SVGs, but I have not done that yet. And before December I am going to compile them into a book just to make it easier to do the whole collection.

      Reply
  6. Catherine

    July 21, 2020 at 9:18 pm

    I love your designs! How long did it take you to go through the cut above course?

    Reply
    • Lucy

      July 21, 2020 at 9:24 pm

      It took me about 2-3 months. I didn't work on it consistently. Mostly I worked on it when I had a deadline to make a series of house patterns. Then I learned things fast.

      Reply
  7. Avionne

    February 23, 2021 at 7:54 am

    Thank you so much for recommending this course & for showing your own design process. I love your creations, they're so whimsical & creative. I would like to ask, does Jennifer's course only teach the construction of houses/ buildings, or does it apply to most 3d objects?
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Lucy

      February 23, 2021 at 1:42 pm

      Jennifer's course is quite amazing in that she covers SVG files in general including text, placing text on a curve, eventually making snowflake cut files and a lantern. The very last lesson (lesson 8) includes a final project is about making a little house. So it is very comprehensive. In general though, it is not specifically for 3-D projects.

      I am working on a 3D SVG course that I hope to have available within a month (March 2021).

      And thank you for your kind words about my designs. I do owe my ability to make SVG cut files all to Jennifer.

      Lucy

      Reply
  8. Helenmary Meyer

    March 17, 2021 at 10:55 pm

    I have Loved your Houses for years. I live in southern California, all Cooky Cutter Houses and they all look the same. "Little Boxes "

    Reply
    • Lucy

      March 18, 2021 at 12:47 am

      Thank you for the kind words.

      I intend to keep developing new houses so I hope you will like the new patterns.

      Lucy

      Reply

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Lucy author of paperglitterglue blog

I'm Lucy - the crafter behind Paper Glitter Glue. I just love to make things - mostly from paper or cardboard. I hope to inspire you to make fun stuff too. So look around and find something to MAKE. You can read more about me here.

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