As I’m a bit of a non-conventional shape, I’ve been creating my own basic “patterns which fit”, so I can use them as a hackable resource. However I’m scared that something might happen to my paper copies ( 
) and want to make digital copies which I can save in the cloud as backup. Has anyone done this or have suggestions?
I don’t have Adobe Illustrator (and don’t want to buy this) and I’m not planning to use them for anyone other than myself. My best guess is to make copies of the pattern pieces divided into A4 pages and scan them to pdf. Then I could at least print them out again, in case of disasters!
Any other suggestions?
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@ElizabethW I’ve done this myself (digitise paper sewing patterns into a vector-based programme file, then saved as a printable 
PDF file).
It’s a lengthy process, but worth it IMHO 
.
Below is the simplified version of what I personally do.
But, this YouTube video tutorial seems goid too Tricks to Digitizing Paper Patterns Without Fancy Equipment!
I used my scanner, my windows laptop 
+ imported the scans (pixelated) images into my *software (*I use a home edition of CorelDRAW - it’s vector based, similar to Adobe Illustrator, but you could use 
Inkscape software).
Scanning…
- I draw a grid of (smaller than A4) rectangles in light pencil grid over my paper pattern (if you don’t want to do this to your original pattern then trace a fresh copy and make a grid onto the new copy
).
- I use a post-it-note with an accurately drawn 10 x 10cm square to place in the centre of each A4-scanned image. (This helps me later on with checking fir and correcting horizontal + vertical distortions in scale during scanning.) I can re-position & reuse the post-it-note over n over during the scanning
.
- Scan each rectangle in the grid - ensuring a) the orientation remains the same throughout the entire pattern, + b) the boundaries of the rectangular grid lines are within the scanners margins.
- Scan at 300dpi resolution or higher (any lower and you can miss details/accuracy).
- TIP: The paper should be ironed flat before you start.
Then, in CorelDRAW software I…
- Import x1 scanned image.
- I draw an accurate 10x10cm digital square and lay it over the area of the image where my 10x10cm square on the post-it-note shows.
- I rotate the scanned image until the 2x squares both align at one corner.
- I increase/decrease the % scale of the scanned image until it precisely matches the digital square.
I note down the % changes made to the scanned image 
vertically + horizontally.
Save 
the changes to my file before I loose them 
.
- I import each of the other scanned images x1 by x1.
- First, I correct any distortion in scale by adjusting the % vertical + horizontal scale according to my notes (see above).
- Then, I use the boundaries visible in the scanned image of the rectangular grid lines to rotate the image so that it is lying straight on my screen.
- Keeping the latest imported image on the top layer - I turn it semi-transparent (so I can see the older/first image underneath it).
- Then, using the grud lines as landmarks I align the semi-transparent image with the older, opaque image beneath it.
- Once accurately aligned I turn the semi-transparency OFF then I “Group” the images together so I do not accidentally shift them apart.
- Repeat the process with the remaining images.
- Re-assemble all the multiple scans into 1-giant image.
- I digitally trace over all the pattern pieces, notches, grainlines etc.
- Save my file frequently (I’ve found it creates very large file sizes).
- Copy the end digitally traced pattern file to a 2nd file name + in the
file delete all the scanned “background” images… Save again! The file is now much smaller.
- Save a 3rd file copy + digitally chop
the 3rd copy up into A4 sized page pieces to export to a printable PDF.
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@ElizabethW here’s some other tutorials…
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Wow, thank you @ClaireSews ! I was thinking of something a bit more rough and ready but I’m going to have to have a go at doing it properly now 
. I think as a start I’ll transfer my patterns on to dot and cross pattern paper - that will give a grid to work/measure to.
I’ll also have a look at some of the other resources you’ve mentioned and investigate which other drawing packages I’ve got access to, or look at Inkscape. Many thanks.
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I make my blocks out of cardboard (more like really stiff paper) which I bought a roll on-line a few years ago. They last a long time, and if they start to deteriorate, I make new ones.
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Smart idea - I’ve used thick wallpaper lining paper before but was introduced to manila card by a sewing tutor - a bit more upmarket! However, I still worry about flood/fire damage. Ok, my patterns would probably be the least of my worries initially, but I’d be devastated if I had to start from scratch again, hence wanting to digitise them. Maybe it’s just my way of feeling more in control in an increasingly erratic world!
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Wow that does sound complicated 
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@Jax yeah it is the first few times, but I’ve done it so many times over several years that it’s very straightforward to me now
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