How to create leather-goods patterns in VLOTHO CAD

Step-by-step work with a model, saving a project, exporting PDF, SVG and DXF, and checking the scale before cutting.

What VLOTHO CAD does

VLOTHO CAD — an online leather-goods designer with parametric models, 3D viewing and pattern export. It runs in a browser: choose a shape, enter dimensions and get the corresponding flat pieces. Dimensions are entered in millimeters.

The main constructor and manual editor are available without signing in. In the “From photo” section, the terms of free recognition are shown before launch. To save photo-based projects in the personal account, sign in.

From dimensions to patterns

Choose a model based on the product construction. The catalog includes parameters and sample files.
Set the width, height, depth and other available dimensions. Settings for different models are saved separately in this browser.
Specify the material, seam allowance and sewing method. For hand stitching, set the stitch spacing and hole diameter; for machine stitching, set the stitch parameters.
Switch between 3D Model, Patterns and Together views. Selecting a piece helps match its shape and dimensions.
Save the project with the Save button. JSON lets you transfer your work to another browser using the Open button.
Select Export Patterns and the required format. Before cutting, make a layout and check the assembly.

PDF, SVG and DXF: how to check the 1:1 scale

Exports use dimensions in millimeters. In the main designer, PDF A4 immediately splits pieces across sheets with a 10 mm overlap and alignment marks. A regular PDF contains one piece per page; the page size matches the piece. When printing, select Actual Size or 100% and disable fit to page. Print the ready PDF A4 one-sided with automatic page orientation; join sheets by row and column numbers. For a regular PDF, use a suitable plotter or poster printing.

SVG examples include a 100 mm reference line. Measure it after printing. In DXF, check the import units and the size of a known piece: the units are millimeters. Changing the scale in the viewer must not change the size of the finished pattern.

A repeatable example

Bag with flap: the page contains the original parameters, piece list and SVG, DXF and JSON files. Open the example with the button on the model page, change one dimension and compare the new export with the original. The example confirms that the geometry works, but making the product requires a separate layout check.

When a manual editor is needed

Pattern editor allows you to change nodes, Bézier curves and the dimensions of individual pieces. Manual edits do not automatically rebuild the original 3D model, seam allowances or seam joins. Manual editing guide.

Photo-based construction and material measurement

Construction from a photo creates a trial construction with dimensions and patterns. Unknown dimensions are estimated and require verification. How to prepare photos.

Hide area measurer calculates the area of the visible flat projection from a photo with a rectangular reference area of known size. Accuracy guide and verification.

Where data is stored

The main designer and manual patterns are automatically saved on the device. For a backup, download JSON. Clearing browser data may delete local work. Projects in the By Photo section can be saved in an account; the processing mode determines whether the construction is available. Completed hide measurements, together with photos, are saved in the VLOTHO CRM and are available to site staff. Details are shown in each tool before use.

Construction limitations

The application builds a geometric prototype. Thickness is visible in 3D, but technological adjustments for bending, skiving and assembly must be selected based on the actual material. Check mating edges and hardware placement. Start with paper, then test a leather sample.

JavaScript is required for the interactive editor. WebGL is required for 3D; if 3D is unavailable, use the flat pattern view. On a phone, the interface adapts to the screen width.