Welcome to the Cake Decorators Q&A

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asked February 26th 2016

Patchwork covered cake

Hi, can anyone advise the best way to cover a cake in a patchwork of sugarpaste please? I have to create a multi-coloured patchwork as seen on some cakes based on Nightmare before Christmas with Jack Skellington and other characters. I’m not sure whether the best way is to cut out different coloured pieces and try and fit them together like a jigsaw puzzle, but getting sharp lines and edges could be tricky. I’m thinking that airbrushing would be extremely difficult and painting would give patchy colours. Many thanks 🙂

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Hi, can anyone advise the best way to cover a cake in a patchwork of sugarpaste please? I have to create a multi-coloured patchwork as seen on some cakes based on Nightmare before Christmas with Jack Skellington and other characters. I’m not sure whether the best way is to cut out different coloured pieces and try and fit them together like a jigsaw puzzle, but getting sharp lines and edges could be tricky. I’m thinking that airbrushing would be extremely difficult and painting would give patchy colours. Many thanks 🙂

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Hi suzyq

You could would draw the design on parchment paper the same dimensions as the cake to serve as a template. Pin the template onto iced cake. Etch round the the pattern fairly firmly so the imprint is clearly visible. Cut out each section of the template to use for cutting around different coloured fondants for making the patches. Roll out all the patches the same depth so they butt together properly. Stick corresponding patches to the etched design on the cake and add stitching with either royal icing/melted chocolate/ edible marker pens. Alternatively, hand paint the etched design and finish off with stitiching details. If you use either of these techniques allow the sugarpaste to dry off a little so it doesn’t tear from the pressure of the etching. Cake can be iced in a neutral colour first, brand of your own choice. If you cut out sections of patches, let them set up a little first before handling to prevent stretching.
Have a look also at Paul’s baby in the cradle tutorial:

Baby in Cradle

Hope this helps.

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Thanks so much for your suggestions, I will take a look at Paul’s tutorial as well so I can get my head around it properly. As I shall be ganaching the cake first, would it work if I etched the pattern on to that before adding the sugarpaste pieces separately without covering it with a layer of sugarpaste first? Many thanks.

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Personally I wouldn’t etch the ganache but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. I’ve used the sugarpaste method to keep a nice smooth surface. The cuts outs can be rolled out quite thin so you’re not getting a double dollop of sugarpaste to eat. Try it with the ganache on a trial cake or even a dummy. It doesn’t have to be big. If you want to etch directly onto the ganache I would suggest giving a slightly thicker crumbcoat.

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