Preparing the model image

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Typically a weave pattern as applied to a fishing rod begins life with a photograph of a fish or other object which the rod builder wishes to reproduce onto the surface of the rod they are building.

Before being suitable for the design of a weave pattern, the image invariably needs some modification. These modifications should be carried out by using a dedicated graphics tool or program.

The modifications usually required are.

1. Cropping all of the background and other extraneous parts of the photo, so that all that is left is the portion of interest.

2. Re sizing the image so that it's length and width are in proportion to the area on the rod where the weave will appear. This should be taken into account when "cropping" the image also.
If your original image is square (say 600 x 600 pixels) and the grid you have set up for your weave is rectangular (say 12mm high x 24mm long), then your background image will be stretched to fit the grid and will look out of proportion.

3. Re sampling, or changing the resolution of the image.
Typically, images taken from the internet, or digital cameras are low resolution images designed for displaying on a computer screen. When such an image is enlarged to a useable size by PicToWeave for use as a background image, it will usually become pixelated or "blocky" looking. Images should have a minimum resolution of 300 DPI.

4. Converting the image to a useable format.
PicToWeave can only recognize some file formats. They are .BMP and .JPG, however for best results, we recommend only .BMP files be used.

5. Rotating the image.
The design grid in PicToWeave is orientated such the all weaves will be orientated as if you were holding the rod with the handle in you left hand with the tip of the rod facing to your right side.
Should you wish to produce a weave that is viewed down the rod as if you were fishing with it, then you need to rotate your background image and design 90 degrees clockwise.