There are actually two different ways to do this: using the Fill Patterns tool or using the crop tool in the Modify tool panel.
What you need before you start
You need two things: a shape (which can be anything - a letter, a basic shape from the shape library, or a design you've imported) and a digital pattern. The method we're going to walk through below works even if you don't have a Silhouette Studio upgrade which is needed to import custom patterns into the Patterns folder.If you don't have a pattern file yet, So Fontsy has a huge selection of digital patterns that work perfectly for this.
Getting your Pattern into the Free Silhouette Studio
Make sure your shape is already in the work area before you bring in the pattern file.
Then, drag and drop your pattern file onto the same work area or go to File > Merge to bring it in. Once it's in the work area, resize it so it's larger than the shape you want to fill. You'll need the pattern to completely cover the shape with room to spare on all sides.
Layer Order Matters
This is the step that trips people up most. Your shape needs to be in front of the pattern, not behind it. In Silhouette Studio, the object on top in the layers order is the one visually in front.At this point, since you brought the shape in first, it's the BACK layer or "behind" the pattern.
To bring it to the front, select the shape only > right click > select Bring to Front.
Now move the shape over the pattern and position exactly how you want it to look when cropped.
Using the Modify Panel to Fill the Shape
Select both the shape and the pattern. You can click one, then hold Shift and click the other, or drag your mouse across everything to select both.Once selected, open the Modify panel from the right sidebar and click Crop. Not sure what all those options in the Modify Panel do, check out this blog post where the modify panel is explained in detail.
The pattern will be cropped to the exact shape of whatever is on top. What you're left with is your shape, filled with the pattern. This works in both Silhouette Studio V4 and V5.
Once you click Crop the pattern is permanently trimmed to the shape. If you want to try a different scale or position, use Ctrl+Z to undo and reposition the pattern before cropping again.
If you want more controls over the pattern including scaling or rotating the pattern itself - this is where using the other method with custom patterns and the Fill pattern tool is ideal.
Another Way to Use Crop
There is actually a second - very difficult way - to crop in Studio and that is to crop a photo or image. Remove unwanted edges and area or crop a photo to focus on a specific part by cropping using edit points.
Both methods are covered in the latest Silhouette U beginner video. If you're already a member, watch the cropping video here. If you're not yet a member, Silhouette U is where you get step-by-step tutorials for every skill level, same-day support from me (Melissa) and no more piecing together answers from outdated tutorials. Learn more here.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing products through my links, I receive a small commission. That's what helps fund Silhouette School so I can keep buying new Silhouette-related products to show you how to get the most out of your machine!
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing products through my links, I receive a small commission. That's what helps fund Silhouette School so I can keep buying new Silhouette-related products to show you how to get the most out of your machine!
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