I’m using libre CAD to make leather patterns for my projects. It works great in most cases, but I have one issue, I found it difficult to find solution to. In leather patterns it’s common to put round marks on a stitching line, where the stitch hole supposed to be.
It’s trivial with straight edge. Somewhat easy with circles or half circles (I use separate tool to compute a 2D points on a circle), a little tedious tho. But I found it impossible to do, for irregular lines (e.g Spline through points). Is there a way to convert an irregular path into a line of circles (0.5mm radius), fixed distance (let’s say 4-5mm) apart?
I have images that should help with understanding, but I can’t upload them (I guess permission issues).
If you do a lot of patterns with complex curves, many leathercrafters use Inkscape alongside LibreCAD just for this step because it features an automated tool for it:
Import your pattern DXF into Inkscape.
Draw your 1mm diameter stitch hole circle (0.5mm radius).
Select both the circle and your irregular path.
Go to Extensions → Generate from Path → Scatter.
Set the spacing to your exact millimetre preference (e.g., 4.0 or 5.0), and it will instantly duplicate the holes flawlessly along the entire irregular spline.
Export back to DXF for LibreCAD
btw, I’ve done a lot of leatherwork and that is not my recollection of line styles. I’m familiar with circles for lacing but exact location is normally deterimined by the tool.
More AI response:
Standard Line Styles & Meanings
Line Style
Primary Meaning
Laser Cutter Action
Purpose in Leatherwork
Solid (Continuous)
Cut Line
Vector Cut (High power)
Defines the external perimeter and internal slot cutouts.
Dashed / Hidden
Stitching Line
Vector Score (Low power)
Marks where your pricking irons or diamond chisels will align.
Dot-Dash (Chain)
Crease / Fold Line
Vector Score (Very low)
Marks where leather needs to be gouged, skived, or folded.
Dotted (Dense)
Hole Placements
Vector Cut or Engrave
Marks hardware (snaps, rivets) or individual stitch holes.
Best Practices for Digital Patterns
Use Colors for Layer Coding: Map your line styles to distinct colors (e.g., Red for cutting, Blue for stitch lines, Black for text/engraving) for easy laser cutter setup.
Establish an Offset Standard: Stitching lines are typically offset exactly 3.0mm to 4.0mm from the cutting edge, depending on your leather thickness and thread size.
Keep Text Separate: Keep dimensions, grain direction arrows, and assembly notes on their own layer so they can be toggled off easily before printing or cutting.
Standard Line Styles & Meanings
Best Practices for Digital Patterns