When I draw a new pattern (the red path containing a thinner yellow path), I cannot attach this to the path properly. The alternating red and yellow squares are taken from the aforementioned link and attach nicely to any path. However, when I try to do this with a pattern that only varies radially (not longitudinally), it doesn't attach properly to the path (using the Extensions -> Generate from Path -> Pattern along Path option). So far, I've been following the discussion at:, where it is shown that a pattern can be applied to a path. Under the Page tab, navigate down to where it says Custom Size. The Page tab is where you’ll be able to define the size of the canvas. This is shown (for drawing pipes) nicely in an Illustrator here, although I'm having difficulty recreating this effect in Inkscape. Once you have the Document Properties menu opened, you should be on the Page tab by default, but if not then click on the tab to open that menu. After I resumed the program, my previous work did not show up.

I chose the third one, and Inkscape closed with my word unsaved. Inkscapes main strength is drawing complex vector graphics that can be scaled to any size. I think this can be achieved by drawing a path and shading the edges of the path to be darker than the centre. 'Last night, I was in the middle of drawing a picture, and Inkscape crashed all of a sudden, only giving me three options: search for a solution to the crash and close Inkscape, close Inkscape and determine the solution.

I'm trying to create a '3d shaded look' for drawing cables and wires with a plastic coating on them.

Inkscape drawing