Choosing a Pattern for Your First Stained Glass Project

If you've already grasped the fundamentals of safety, scoring, breaking, and grinding stained glass, this article aims to help you in choosing a pattern for your first stained glass project. There are several factors to think about, so let’s explore this subject and hopefully it will offer some guidance as you make your choice.

Determining Project Size: Start Small, Think Smart

A good beginner pattern

When you're just getting started, it's best to keep things manageable. Aim for a pattern that fits within a 8" x 11" panel or smaller. This size gives you enough space to practice various techniques without being too large to handle. Larger projects can quickly become overwhelming, requiring more materials, time, and patience. By working within a smaller panel, you’ll gain a sense of accomplishment sooner and develop a clearer understanding of how stained glass fits together.

Complexity of the Pattern: Less Is More

As a beginner, it's wise to select a pattern with no more than 45 individual glass pieces. Keep an eye out for designs with larger, easy-to-handle shapes—ones that feature mostly straight lines or slightly curved edges. These are easier to cut and fit, which means less frustration and better results as you practice. Avoid being tempted by intricate designs just yet; building your skill with simpler patterns will prepare you for those complex creations down the road.

In my view, most mentors in the glass art field tend to steer their students towards making tiny creations, such as sun catchers or decorative trinkets for tables. This method allows for quick project completion but falls short in teaching the proper techniques for fitting glass into a design. I believe that working on a panel project enables students to develop a wide range of skills and deepens their comprehension of stained glass art creation. You can search the net for patterns or you can view our article in Free Stained Glass Patterns and Tips for Making Your Own.

Patterns to Avoid: Know the Red Flags

It’s just as important to know what to avoid as it is to know what to choose. For your first pattern, steer clear of any designs that include:

• Tight or sharp curves

• Thin, narrow pieces that are difficult to cut or break cleanly

• Pointed ends that can chip easily or lead to injury

• Small circles or detailed shapes that require either advanced cutting techniques a whole lot of grinding

Stained Glass by Kate Grady

Creating these type pattern pieces can be challenging, even for seasoned artists, often resulting in wasted glass, frustration, and incomplete projects. It's best to keep things simple and concentrate on mastering the basics first.

Once You Choose Your Pattern: Re-Evaluate with Confidence

If a pattern stands out to you, take a moment to step back and look at it again with a practical approach. Tally the pieces, pay attention to the curves of each segment, and consider the overall design. 

Ask yourself:

• Are there too many small or complex shapes?

• Do any of the cuts seem too advanced for my current skills?

• Will this design help me hone in on my skills, build confidence, or leave me feeling defeated with an unfinished project?

  
  

Taking a moment to reconsider ensures you're not jumping into a project that’s too advanced. Remember, your first goal is to complete your project successfully and enjoy the process. There's plenty of time for challenging pieces later!

Final Thoughts

Picking your first stained glass pattern is more than just selecting something visually appealing—it's about setting yourself up for a successful project. Go for a small, simple design that includes larger pieces and straightforward cuts. Stay away from tricky curves and tiny sections. Most importantly, take the time to carefully examine your pattern before you get started.

Every advanced stained glass artist started somewhere, and with the right pattern, your journey can begin on a high note. Happy crafting from all of us at Caveman Glassworks! 🧡

Articles to consider reading:

Stained glass safety gear

Types of Stained Glass

Selecting Colors for My Stained Glass Project