pattern making

[Big Bear Johnson]

does anyone have a really reference of how to make patterns?
I have a few thing that either are 3d in shape or have contours or things that I need to cut out and the part I have the most problem with is making the original pattern.
For instance, I want to make a leather top for my Fender Strat guitar. It would not only replace the pickguard but go around the bridge, have cutouts for knobs and jacks etc. Doing it in paper doesn't work too well, I never get it really exact. I'm almost thinking some kind of shrink wrap that I could wrap whatever object I want a pattern of, then cut out the necessary parts or trim sections that will then wrap an object correctly.

any ideas?

[Flinch Morningwood]

You could do the same thing with craft paper and clear sealing tape...I would then cut apart along what would be the seam lines and make a second out of craft paper and test fit...if that works, you should be good to go as long as you add a seama llowance for trimming after sewing.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Could you run down to the local guitar shop and find a stripped-down Strat body to make a pattern from? I'd think that a good shop would let you make a pattern on the counter with a piece of butcher paper. Without the neck and all the hardware, it would be flat and you could locate where things go from the mounting holes.

[Big Bear Johnson]

I could strip my guitar down without much problem but this question isn't specific to this project.
What I'm thinking I need is some training in how to make upholstery patterns because there is a lot of the same type of thing going on.

[panhead pete]

Howdy Big Bear,

I used the stock pickguard as a tracing guide.  You will have to glue foil underneath like the stock guard to provide a ground.  I have attached a pic.

Good luck,

Panhead

[cowboywc]

Howdy Big Bear
I too used the old guard as a pattern.
WC

[Big Bear Johnson]

Howdy Big Bear,

I used the stock pickguard as a tracing guide.  You will have to glue foil underneath like the stock guard to provide a ground.  I have attached a pic.

Good luck,

Panhead

Very cool. Love the holster on the guitar. You could make some money by making a strap with a beer holder on it.

[Dr. Bob]

B Bear, I think that you have a great insight!  Most of the bands that follow run on beer!  Couldn't miss with that idea!!

[JD Alan]

Hey Panhead, that gun & holster is a great deterant against complaints about your playing. Who would complain seeing that setup!

[santee]

What a great idea. Makes me smile!