How I Learned to Make SVG Patterns for my Putz Houses

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One thing I struggled with when I first started writing this blog was figuring out how to make patterns. I know how to draw them by hand, but I didn’t know how to draw them so they would look nice on the computer. I needed to learn how to make SVGs – Scalable Vector Graphics.

The initial hand drawn sketch and pattern for Easy Paper Houses.

And how do you make SVGs – scalable vector graphics? If you have an automatic cutting machine, SVGs are the best patterns to work with them.

Here is the Irish Cottage pattern template, my very first hand drawn PDF pattern. I had to erase 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.

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.

Main Illustration Software Programs for SVG patterns

The 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 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.

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 X11. 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 there?

Yes, that’s the real issue. Where do you go from there? 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 or 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 some real skills it would take me weeks to learn how to make little house patterns with the 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.

Solution? JenniferMaker’s A Cut Above Design Course

That information 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

Now, I’ve only been making SVG patterns for about 6 months. But in that time 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.

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 make 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 – in your time and some 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.

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