jgowrie

Appears to be linked to mitre setting? Moving line allows it to work. Strange.
9344E3DF-5FD6-4479-90F3-13263902671A.MP4

Vector Masking means using a vector shape, or a hand drawn path, to make a pixel selection. Using that to mask the image.
That's why you have to go to the Pixel Persona, because you are ultimately making a pixel selection.
This is not the same as using a clipping path, where you can use a shape to 'clip' the image inside a vector shape or hand drawn path.
Adjustment layer masking means there is a mask built in to each adjustment layer. So if you applied a black and white adjustment, by painting on the adjustment layer with black paint, it masks the adjustment where you paint, creating a Colour Splash effect.
You need to clip your stuff inside a rectangle. Drag it all to the middle of the rectangle until a horizontal bar appears. That clips everything into the boundaries of the rectangle. Do that in the Vector persona.

Hi jgowrie and Welcome to the Forums,
This post has the steps needed to create a brush:
https://forum.affinity.serif.com/index.php?/topic/29696-image-brush-affinity-designer/&tab=comments#comment-144073
You'll need a PNG of part of the rope, which you could create by tracing the shape with then Pen tool, exporting as a PNG. You could even switch to the Pixel Persona and use the selection tools to select the shape, copy the selection and then click File>New From Clipboard, then export this as a PNG.  You can then use that as the base of the brush and if you follow the steps on the above link.

Hi, jgowrie,
 
I came at this from a different direction. I've been working w. image brushes, but what I've learned so far is not enough yet to let me make a brush that would always give exactly 70 sections of pattern.
I messed w. the problem a few times, trying to find a way to power duplicate the motif in a circle. Ended up making 2 70 section polygons, and drawing the form starting from a shape defined by the 1st section of the outer poly, and extending to over the next in the inner. Then moving the rotation center of the drawn form to the center of the outer poly. Then power duplicating it 5.143 angle X 69.
Had a number of problems. My shape, based on the very pixelated and distorted image you posted didn't work quite right. So I changed the shape to a symbol, so I could tweak the nodes, and get a reasonably even set of sections around the periphery.
Put some fx on the symbol group to make it look a little more photo like.
If you like, examine and use the included file as you like.
RopeBorder.afdesign

That is a great resource page!  Thank you for the link.  No, haven't tried making one.  I guess I could but my skills are very basic using AD.. 
Downloaded and thank you so much!  I have seen some of you Youtube tutorials and I always get something new from watching.  

I whipped up a couple of rope brushes for yah. Hopefully, this will work for you.
 
1. Click to download the Mixmediasalad.com Rope Brush
 
2.Unzip the file.
 
3. Open Affinity Designer.
 
4. Open the brush palette in the Draw Persona 
 
5. Click the options icon in the top right corner of the palette.
 
6. Select import brushes from the drop down.
 
7. Navigate to where you saved the brush file.
 
8. enjoy 
 
Cheers,
 
Ronnie 
 
#Affinitybrushes

I did a quick test to look at the feasibility and look of what I recommended.
 
Here is the screen shot.
 
And here is the Affinity Designer file, so you can analyze it.  Took about 5-10 minutes for this, so it isn't perfect.  It is pretty rough.
 
 
 
 

I am no expert.  But here is my opinion.
I would bring the file into Affinity Designer, and use the pen tool (primarily) to trace the patch and make it into a vector drawing.
Use primarily the ellipse tool, constrained to a circle, and the donut object or option. Depending on what you start with.
Have the text follow a path and adjust.
Use the gear object to make the checkerboard pattern, maybe.
Which is what you mean, I am assuming.

Hi jgowrie,
Welcome to Affinity Forums :)
The only way to do this is using some guides to help create slices that you can print individually as single pages.
Here's a related thread that may help. Let me know if you still have problems.

This video will show you one solution to adding a text to a path in Affinity Designer. This is a temporary solution that will not work for everyone but might work for your particular situation. Click here to view the video on Youtube Don't forget to Subscribe. :)