AU2017100227A4 - Cutting method for the use of a flexible patchwork template - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is a series of cuts made in line with the corners of the template, depending on the original outer shape of the template. The primary cuts originate from a central circular cut. A series of shorter secondary cuts are made between the primary cuts to increase flexibility and prevent breakage during its use. These cuts do not extend all the way to the edge. The central circular cut is aligned in the centroid of the shape. The diameter of this circle is determined by the overall size of the shape. Cut A is a cut radiating from the central circular cut to coincide with the apex of each point, where applicable, of the template shape. The length of this cut is determined by the overall size of the template. This cut does not extend completely to the edge. Cut B is a cut which radiates from the central circular cut, but does not extend fully to this cut. Cut B is perpendicular to the edge of the shape, where applicable. This cut does not extend completely to the edge. The width of these cuts can be classified as hairline, ie a very thin cut. The drawings represent a small sample of the many shapes that can be designed and is not limited to the shapes shown. / ( I I) C-) K ____ I) _______ N ) / N I )2a <V C- C> p -C-> 0 Cl

Description

2017100227 27 Feb 2017

Editorial Note 2017100227

There are only 3 pages of description. 2017100227 27 Feb 2017 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT

CUTTING METHOD FOR THE USE OF A FLEXIBLE PATCHWORK TEMPLATE

The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it know to me. 2017100227 27 Feb 2017

CUTTING METHOD FOR THE USE OF A FLEXIBLE PATCHWORK TEMPLATE

Description: This invention relates to an improved method of cutting Mylar patchwork templates.

The following discussion of templates refers to the type used in a patchwork method commonly known as English paper piecing. This method of patchwork involves the following steps. 1. Cutting of fabric shapes with a seam allowance to be turned over at the template edges, sometimes ironed to temporarily hold the edge in place and then either tacked or glued to the template. 2. The prepared fabric shapes are then sewn together using hand sewing methods including but not limited to “whip stitching” and “ladder stitching”

It should be noted that the most common template material is card stock. These types of templates have a limited life as they become damaged during use. Having a softer edge than that of plastic makes it more likely to be sewn through at its edges rendering it damaged. The card stock is also easily torn during its removal.

The use of Mylar in patchwork templates is less common. A Mylar template has a much longer life due to its durability. It cannot be sewn through at its edge and does not tear when removed.

The current method of cutting templates involves a single hole in the centre of the template, enabling the user to pin their fabric via the hole, holding the fabric temporarily. This is the only purpose of the centre hole, it does not create any flexibility during sewing at the latter stages of its use.

This old system is only usable by sewers who use ladder stitch to connect the fabric shapes as when sewers use the more common method of whip stitching, the template with the hole does not flex and as such will slip out, or bend so much it will make the template unusable.

The invention is a series of long cuts made in line with the comers of the template, depending on the original outer shape of the template. The primary cuts originate from a centre circle A. They do not extend all the way to the edge. A series of shorter secondary cuts are made between the primary cuts to increase flexibility and prevent breakage during its use.

By creating a series of precise cuts around a centre hole the invention can be used by sewers using either method, as the cuts made in line with the edges make the template far more flexible. 2017100227 27 Feb 2017

The main objective of the invention is to allow sewers to use either method of sewing with the template.

The material used in the invention is a thin plastic that withstands heat.

The invention can be applied to many shapes of template included, but are not limited to the following: hexagons, pentagons, decagons, octagons, triangles, diamonds, stars, wedges, apple cores, circles, ovals, parallelograms, trapezoids, elongated hexagons, kite, Dresden plate, rectangles and squares. These form the most popular shapes in use in the method of English paper piecing. See abstract.

The method of applying the invention to the plastic includes, but is not limited to, laser cutting, die cutting and any precision cutting method.

Claims (5)

1. Claim : The claims defining the invention are as follows

   1. A cutting method for the production of plastic templates for the use of patchwork, where the cuts are placed in such a way as to make the template more flexible.
2. 2. A cutting method as in claim 1 that allows the user to choose either whip or ladder stitch to connect the prepared pieces.
3. 3. A cutting method for the production of plastic templates for the use of patchwork, where the cuts are placed in such a way as to make the template more durable, therefore longer lasting.
4. 4. A cutting method for the production of plastic templates for the use of patchwork, where the cuts are placed in such a way as to make the final patchwork piece more accurate due to the ability to flex the template while sewing the fabric shapes together.
5. 5. A cutting method for the production of plastic templates for the use of patchwork, where the cuts are placed in such a way to increase ease of use.