Using Pattern Along Path
We have already used the Pattern Along Path effect without even knowing it by choosing a shape in the Shape: option of the Pen and Pencil tools (we told you LPEs are ubiqitous!). This LPE takes a path and applies it along another one, like a reverse Bend LPE. In this recipe we will learn another method to widen the outline of a tree trunk created using Spiro Spline and explore some other options of this LPE.
How to do it...
The following steps will show how to widen an outline using Pattern Along Path:
1. Create a tree trunk using the Spiro spline mode with the Pencil (F6 or P) tool. Set the Smoothing: to 34 and the Shape: to Triangle in.
2. Open the Path Effect Editor by using Shift + Ctrl + 7 or by going to Path | Path Effect Editor....You will see two LPEs listed: Spiro spline and Pattern Along Path.
3. Select the Pattern Along Path by clicking on it to get to its options.
4. Use the arrow handles to widen the shape. Notice how this affects only the skeleton path...
