How to make scalloped edge

[kaymommy]

Can some of you Inkscape experts tell me if there is an easy way to make a scalloped edge in Inkscape. I am presuming that you will need to use either the circle tool or the bezier. But to make all the scallops the same size and to connect them end-to-end, I'm seeking some advice.

Any shape, doesn't matter, just looking for the technique.

Thanks,

[wreed06]

There are several scalloped edged shapes on this forum. Would any of those work? Do a search on "scallop" and you should find several.

[lovebeingamom]

Can some of you Inkscape experts tell me if there is an easy way to make a scalloped edge in Inkscape. I am presuming that you will need to use either the circle tool or the bezier. But to make all the scallops the same size and to connect them end-to-end, I'm seeking some advice.

Any shape, doesn't matter, just looking for the technique.

Thanks,

Susanbluerobot had a great tut on them once...go do a search on her blog.

[HeatherM]

The tutorial is here.
http://susanbluerobot.blogspot.com/2008 ... n-003.html

[kaymommy]

I have seen that tutorial before and I will review it again. However, I am not trying to create a scalloped circle. I have an unusual shape for a project and I am trying to scallop some of the edges.

[wreed06]

Here's my thought if you'd like to hear: Open your shape in Inkscape. Click on the circle icon in the left panel and make a circle somewhere in the white area. Click back onto the arrow at the top of the left panel. Move the circle on top of your shape. Drag the circle so that the top portion of the circle is the size that you would want one of the scallops to be. Click on the circle so that it is active. Press down Ctrl and C to copy the circle. Click in a blank place in the white area. Press down Ctrl and V to paste a new circle. Press Ctrl and V as many times as you want circles, one per scallop. Now, move the circles on top of your shape so that just the upper part that you want to show as a scallop peek beyond your shape. After the circles are arranged, click somewhere in the white space beyond your shape and the circles. Press Ctrl and A to select all shapes. Now, from the Inkscape menu, click Path -> Object to Path. Make sure everything is selected, if not press Ctrl and A. From the Inkscape menu, Click Path -> Union.

If my thinking is right and my instructions were clear (enough) I think you would have a scalloped shape. Click View -> Display Mode -> Outline to view your new scalloped shape. If it worked, you should only see a outline of your new scalloped shape. HTH

[kaymommy]

wreed06,

Thanks for the tip! Your instructions were easy to understand. I have been playing around with Inkscape for a couple of weeks now and I am starting to 'get it'! It's very exciting - limited only by your iamagination. I did create my scallops, but it was before I saw your message. I probably could have gotten more precise scallops using your method, but here's how I did it: On my shape, I selected two nodes that were at the beginning and end of the area that I wanted to add scallops. I added new nodes - as many times as it took until I thought the spacing looked about right. The new nodes were all perfectly spaced along this section of the line. I then 'bent' the sections between each node to make the scallops. I did the best I could to keep them all even, and they don't look too bad, but I'm sure they are not precisely the same curve on each one. I will post a picture and svg of my project when it's complete - hint: it's a baby shower invitation.

[wreed06]

Sounds like you have a good handle on Inkscape. I've only begun playing with the besier tool and got introduced to bending lines from Dan's tutorials. Nice work!