How to keep the pattern on the pieces when grinding

by Anita
(USA)

Q: continued - They seem to get wet and fall off. I am using double faced tape sheets that I had left from scrapbooking...

A: Note - this is our answer. Be sure to leave your own comment/answer/help also!

Here are some steps that we use to keep the pattern pieces as individual pieces – so we will know where they fit on the pattern.

1. Have the pattern on his work bench- with good lighting to be able to see the pattern through a piece of glass.

2. He uses a permanent marker such as gold or black to trace each pattern piece on the glass. Trace the pattern on the front side of the glass (texture on the front side).

3. Number the piece on the pattern and the piece of glass. Work one piece of the pattern at a time.

4. Cut or break your pattern piece from the backside (smooth side). Cut the pattern on the outside of the trace line.

5. Check for fit on top of the pattern. It should be a bit larger but the next step will solve this issue.
You can always grind smaller but you can’t add glass once cut.

6. Grind the pattern piece to develop the smooth edges on the glass.
If the numbers come off the glass when grinding due to the water from the grinder, you can always re-number the glass pattern piece.

7. Clean off the water from the glass and make sure all the edges are smooth.

8. Put cut piece of glass back onto your pattern and check for fit.

9. With each piece that you cut and grind your pattern will take shape.

We recommend that you watch one of our
stained glass video tutorials on this process.

Or check out our how to grind and foil video course!

One thing we need to mention:

If you are working with opaque glass, and you can’t see through to trace the pattern piece here is what we recommend.

1. Take a piece of tracing paper

2. Place it over your pattern and trace out the pattern piece.

3. Cut the pattern piece (tracing paper) out with a pair of scissors.

4. Place the pattern piece on the glass you wish to cut.

5. Trace along the edges of the tracing paper to outline the pattern onto the glass.

6. Proceed with cutting and breaking the pattern piece.

There are 2 other ways that you can cut out an opaque piece of glass:

1. Instead of using tracing paper, you can make a
2nd copy of your entire design .
On one of the copies you can cut out the pattern pieces to use to trace on the glass.
We recommend that you number your pattern pieces on the entire uncut pattern and the cut pieces.

2. Light box. This is a great tool. A light box can be in any size that you would like.
We would recommend no smaller than 24”x24”. This box can either be purchased or made out of wood. Lights are placed inside the box. Plexi glass or clear glass is on the top of the box.

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