How to Design a Stained Glass Pattern
Want to design your own stained glass pattern? Here is how to make one today, what to watch for so it can really be cut, and where to find free patterns, SVG files and STL files.
Our in-browser drawing tool is still in progress. You can already make a pattern with the steps below and color, resize and print it in the free studio.
Open the free studioBrowse free patternsHow to make a stained glass pattern today
- Sketch the design. Draw on paper or in any drawing program. Use large, simple shapes. Every shape will become one piece of glass.
- Close every shape. Use dark lines on a light background. A single gap in a line merges two pieces into one.
- Save it as a file. SVG is best. A sharp PNG or JPG also works. If you drew on paper, take a clear, well-lit photo or scan of the dark outlines.
- Upload it to the studio. Each closed area becomes a glass piece. Use Detect from outlines if your SVG has open lines, and Delete piece for empty areas.
- Color, resize and print. Try glass colors and textures, set the size in inches or centimeters, check the cut list, and print the pieces at actual size.
The full walkthrough is in How to use the pattern tool.
Stained glass pattern design rules
A pattern can look good on screen and still be hard to build. Check these points before you cut any glass.
Draw closed shapes
Every piece needs a closed outline. Open lines stay as lead lines and do not become glass.
Avoid tiny pieces
Pieces under about 1/2 inch (12 mm) across are hard to cut and grind. Number the pieces and look at the smallest ones.
Keep curves gentle
Sharp inside corners and tight inside curves are hard to cut. Rounded, gentle shapes are easier for a first project.
Plan for the lead or foil
The lines you see are a preview. Compare them with the real came or foil width, and add your own allowance.
Think about the size
Shrinking a pattern shrinks every piece. Set the finished size first, then check the pieces. See how to resize a pattern.
Test the colors
Try a few color schemes in the studio. The textures are a preview, so look at real glass samples before you buy.
What the drawing tool will do
The planned pattern maker lets you draw or open a template, edit lines and curves, check your glass pieces, and export SVG or PNG. Features may change before release.
Free stained glass patterns, SVG files and STL files
Stained glass pattern maker FAQ
Is there a free stained glass pattern maker?
Yes. The free studio lets you upload your own pattern, color every glass piece, try glass types and lead lines, resize it, and print the pieces. The in-browser drawing tool on this page is coming soon. Until then, draw your pattern on paper or in any drawing program and upload it to the studio.
When will the drawing tool be ready?
There is no release date yet. This page will be updated when the tool is available.
How do I make a stained glass pattern from a drawing?
Draw every glass piece as a closed shape with dark lines. Save the drawing as an SVG, PNG or JPG and upload it to the studio, which turns each closed area into a glass piece. Use Delete piece for areas that should not be glass. See SVG, PNG and JPG patterns.
Can I turn a picture or photo into a stained glass pattern?
The studio does not convert a photo into a pattern by itself. First trace the picture into a simple line drawing with large closed shapes and dark outlines, then upload that drawing. Simple shapes give pieces that are easier to cut.
Which file format is best for a stained glass pattern?
SVG is the best format, because every glass piece can be its own closed shape. PNG and JPG work when the outlines are dark, the background is light, and there are no gaps in the lines. Files can be up to 5 MB.
How small can a piece in my pattern be?
Many makers avoid pieces smaller than about 1/2 inch (12 mm) across, because they are hard to cut and grind. After you resize a pattern, turn on piece numbers and check the smallest pieces.
Can I print my own pattern at full size?
Yes. Open Cut-out pieces, download the PDF, and print it at 100% (Actual size) with margins set to None. See how to print and cut pattern pieces.
Where can I find free stained glass patterns and STL files?
Browse the free stained glass patterns on this site and open any of them in the studio. For 3D printable files, see the free 3D models (STL files) page.
Do I need to install any software?
No. The studio runs in your browser, and your files are not uploaded to a server.