Merge and Unmerge Patterns

Created by Sunny Hart, Modified on Tue, 3 Mar at 9:08 AM by Sunny Hart

STEK EDGE • Canvas

Merge (Weld): Combine Pattern into One Shape

Merge (weld) two or more pattern pieces into a single shape, and unmerge when you need to edit pieces again.

Purpose: Merge (weld) two or more pattern pieces into a single shape, and unmerge when you need to edit pieces again.

Tool to: Canvas → Merge / Unmerge (Weld)

Important: Merge/Weld is a destructive change. Verify alignment and overlap before plotting. Keep a backup copy before welding if you may need to revert.

Why this matters

Problem: Symmetrical edits (like hoods) are slow if you repeat the same modifications on both sides manually.
What EDGE improves: Edit one half, duplicate, flip, align, then merge to produce one continuous pattern.
Result: Faster custom pattern work, consistent symmetry, and fewer repeat edits.

What this feature does

What it is: A canvas tool that combines overlapping shapes into one (Merge/Weld) and can separate them (Unmerge) depending on the object state.
What it helps you do: Build a single final pattern from multiple parts, mirrored halves, or combined custom shapes.
What it does not do (optional): It does not automatically align or mirror shapes. You must place them correctly before merging.

Videos

Video

Video — Merge / Unmerge (Weld)

Covers: Preparing shapes, overlapping edges, merging, and unmerging.

When to use: When you want a single combined pattern after splitting/editing, or when building custom shapes from multiple parts.

Before you start

You need: Two or more pattern pieces on the canvas.
Recommended: Use this workflow for symmetry jobs where matching both sides matters.
Terms used (optional): Merge/Weld = combine; Overlap = shared area (recommended ≥ 1 mm); Destructive edit = permanently alters geometry.

How to use it

Workflow

Workflow A — Recommended (mirror one edited half, then merge)

Split the pattern
Where: Canvas → Split tool
Do: Split vertically (or as needed) to create two halves.
Expected result: Two separate pieces are created.
Modify one half
Where: Canvas editing tools
Do: Apply your changes to one half only.
Expected result: One “master” edited half.
Duplicate and flip
Where: Canvas → duplicate + flip/mirror tools
Do: Duplicate the edited piece, then flip it to the opposite side.
Expected result: A mirrored half that matches your edits.
Align and overlap edges
Where: Canvas layout
Do: Align both halves and overlap the seam by at least 1 mm (or inch equivalent).
Expected result: A small overlap exists where the weld will be created.
Select both pieces
Where: Canvas
Do: Select both overlapping shapes.
Expected result: Both pieces are selected (the UI may show a warning state due to overlap).
Merge (Weld)
Where: Canvas → Merge
Do: Click Merge.
Expected result: One combined shape is created.

Workflow

Workflow B — Merge custom shapes (advanced use)

Create or place shapes
Where: Canvas
Do: Place multiple parts (or simple shapes if your workflow uses them).
Expected result: Multiple objects exist on the canvas.
Overlap then merge
Where: Canvas + Merge tool
Do: Overlap the areas you want welded, select all, then merge.
Expected result: A single combined outline is created.

Workflow

Workflow C — Unmerge (when you need to edit parts again)

Select the merged shape
Where: Canvas
Do: Click the merged result.
Expected result: The merged object is selected.
Unmerge
Where: Canvas → Unmerge
Do: Click Unmerge (if available).
Expected result: The object separates back into parts for individual edits.

Note: Unmerge availability depends on edit history. Treat Merge as final whenever possible.

Tips

Use a real overlap (recommended ≥ 1 mm) so the weld creates a clean seam.
Zoom in and confirm alignment before merging. Tiny misalignments become permanent.
For symmetry jobs, edit one side only, then mirror it.

Common mistakes

Mistake: Merging without overlap (edges only touch) → Fix: Create a small overlap before merging.
Mistake: Merging with misalignment → Fix: Use zoom and guides to align, then merge.
Mistake: Assuming unmerge always restores the original perfectly → Fix: Keep a backup before welding.

Troubleshooting

Issue: Selection turns red when objects overlap
Cause: Overlap triggers a visual warning state
Fix: If overlap and selection are correct, proceed with Merge.

Issue: Final outline changed more than expected
Cause: Overlap size, alignment, or geometry differences
Fix: Undo, correct alignment, reduce excessive overlap, then merge again.

Issue: Unmerge is unavailable
Cause: Edit history prevents clean separation
Fix: Undo to pre-merge if possible, or keep an unmerged copy next time.

Wrap-up

You merged (welded) pieces into one continuous pattern—ideal for symmetry workflows like hoods. Because merging is destructive, verify overlap, alignment, and the final outline before plotting.