Sketch vs. Feature Patterns | Which One Should You Choose? | Pros vs Cons of Patterns in

In this video we are going to take a look at Sketch vs Feature patterns. This will not be an all encompassing video but try to answer some basics around why you would lean towards a feature pattern over a sketch pattern.
The main takeaway is that a feature pattern is more robust when it comes to making model edits. Changing a sketch level pattern means that selections often break in features and generally more time is spent repairing models.
If you have any instances where you think a sketch pattern was the better option let me know in the comments.

[@CayceBalara]

I had seen an offhand comment somewhere about "feature patterns are better than sketch patterns" and I went looking for an explanation of why. Found this, super helpful, thank you.

[@LearnEverythingAboutDesign]

Very welcome!

[@vernonleeper]

I liked this, it explained what happened to my model. I had sketched in some detail and later added more. When I changed it, some of the model disappeared. I know why now and I don’t have to panic and stress over it. Thanks 🙏

[@LearnEverythingAboutDesign]

Glad it helped! and that you figured out what happened on your design!

[@zachcarrizales5038]

Only problem with patterning sometimes is modifying constraints with the goofy ux that get lost and stacked nearly on top of each other.

[@LearnEverythingAboutDesign]

Yup especially a circular pattern. always hidden under something....

[@emanggitulah4319]

Very good video. Yes I try to use the feature pattern as often as possible. One of the greatest benefits is that it remains as one body and is therefore very useful for parametric design.

[@randywetzler5976]

I also prefer using feature patterns over sketch ones. I find it keeps most sketches very simple and less cluttered, in addition it faster to make a simple change or update later. Another small tip is I prefer to use the hole command vs. extruding a circle and then patterning as needed. Main reason, it is easy to spot a hole command in time line if you later decide to change the size, etc. and seems a bit faster.

[@emanggitulah4319]

If you use hole it's also nicer when you do the drawing. You can automatically dimension it using the note leader

[@autofctrl]

What a great Video! Thank you.

[@LearnEverythingAboutDesign]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@trunkerdixon]

i'll use sketches over patterns for example if i want control over the basic shape but it's parameter driven. Imagine your typical gasket or flange - the inside, outside, thickness, size of holes or number thereof changes. Fast as typing 5 numbers and i can mess about with fillets later.
But generally i agree with you and roll with patterning features - they are also easier to find in the timeline.
Interesting video as usual - when it ripped that entire racetrack out! Whoa!
T

[@LearnEverythingAboutDesign]

thanks for the comment! And yeah it can do some weird stuff :)

[@nicolasgiudizio5595]

Hi.. Great vid, very clear.. I have sort of an adjacent question because I tried to make a similar pattern, only with one difference. I would like to make, lets say the pattern with 13 instances, only every instance that is made should be 2 mm smaller than the previous one. Do you have any idea is that is possible to do?
Kind regards

[@LearnEverythingAboutDesign]

yeah that is a tough one! So it Solidworks there is an option for the pattern called Vary Sketch which lets you do something like that. But really what you would need to do is either make a script to make the pattern you want or to model each instance of the pattern and use configurations (if you aren't on a hobby license)

[@nicolasgiudizio5595]

Thanks for the quick reply m8. Too bad for me.. I am on a hobby license@@LearnEverythingAboutDesign

[@tonysmith7702]

Nice lesson!.

[@LearnEverythingAboutDesign]

Thanks! 😃