Any suggestions about modelling a tufted futon matress?

[anstvam]

I need to give this sofa a try, but cannot think where to start with the futon. On top of all, there's a tufted section, and I've never managed to model a remotely good looking tuft...
Any suggestions how i could start with it? I reckon it's rectangles, push-pulled to ,say, 10cm of height, then I suppose I need a plugin to give them the organic shape needed, as for the tufted cushion I reckon it's the Sandbox that does the trick... But then there might be a better way to do this... Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks, Anastassis

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[Rich O Brien]

Thomthom's Vertex Tools on a Subdivided mesh. Or wait for SDS2 as it's got sculpting capabilities. They would be the quickest.

Or use Blender sculpt tools then export to SU maybe.

Have you tried the 3DWH? Might save you the hassle

[anstvam]

Thanks Rich, I'm not terribly happy with what I came up with on the warehouse...
Anyway I think it's a good time I sat down and learnt how to do this, it's something I need so much for my job...
So you're suggesting subdivide and smooth, then vertex tools... I'll give it a try, thanks again!

[shura]

Gia sou Anastassis,

Your futon has something in common with the Yellow Diva sofa from Erics thread - maybe you get some inspiration there. I would recommend Subdivide and Smoothe to do the tufting.
http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?f=81&t=33367

If you are going for realistic draping it can get tricky, maybe use Sculpt Tools plugin to refine the results from SDS. In case you have a bit more time it would be a nice excursion to have a try with Sculptris, see this thread: http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?f=81&t=34288
...or have a look at how Michalis is taking simple geometry from SU to an organic modeler:
http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?f=81&t=34574
...but this only makes sense when your futon is the headliner and thus good details make sense.

cheers
alex

[anstvam]

Thanks alexander, it does have a lot in common with the yellow diva indeed...
Will give it a try..

[mac1]

anstvam
I have a folder of how to,s I've collected for a while. This from the 4 09 time frame. I don't have the author info and maybe dated but perhaps it will give you some ideas. http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=f48b65c28d87667427d16763a0ff49
Update 0201 2011, found the author while looking for something else. It is catamountainThis is some data she has in the sage site.Here is a better link http://groups.google.com/group/Sketchup-Pro/browse_thread/thread/b97e3d2cb4fe0a75/117b0f68b52ee3f3