Is there a way I can take a shape and convert it to a pattern, fill another shape with that pattern, and then convert the fill pattern just applied back to a path? When I go to Object>Pattern>Pattern to Path, it gives me the original paths of the pattern to edit when I am wanting the paths of the pattern fill. I hope that makes sense.

I have tried the object to path action with no luck. I have also tried to do a search for it as well as read up the section on the manual about patterns. I have found the pattern along path and how to make patterns, but nothing involving how to make a fill pattern become a path again and be editable. It may be that it just can't yet be done - any thoughts would be appreciated!

Yes, I understand what you're saying. When you apply Pattern to Object to your newly applied pattern, it does convert the pattern back to objects. But because the objects are no longer a pattern, they no longer can fill the shape.

Unfortunately, there is no way to convert a pattern to a path (other than its original path). But there may still be a way to get the result you're after. Actually I'm not sure what your goal is, but here's what I'm thinking.

Create the shape(s) that you want to use as a pattern, but do not apply Object to pattern. Instead, duplicate the shape(s) as many times as you would need to fill the shape. Enable snapping to bounding box corners, then snap all your shape(s) together at their corners. Now, if they are not already paths, you can apply Object to Path (select them all at once of course, to save time). You might choose to Group them, to prevent inadvertently messing them up.

Would that get you where you're going?

Yeah - thanks, Brynn. I really appreciate the ideas. I ended up just taking my pattern, stamping it over my image, combining the paths, and then doing a path>interesection. That seemed to work okay.

I actually wanted to convert the pattern to path because I use Inkscape with cutting machines, and those need to have a defined path to cut out. Patterns offer some easy linked features that are fast and easy to adjust or change.

Oh nice, I'm glad you found a solution