Today there are thousands of patterns available. To get started, you
will need to make two copies of the pattern; tagboard to use as a
template and vellum for design layout. Save your original pattern for
reference.
Stack the papers on a smooth surface in the following order from
bottom to top: Tagboard, carbon paper (face down), vellum, carbon paper
(face down), and the full-size pattern. Secure these pieces with pins or
tape. Pressing firmly with a pencil, trace over the pattern lines. When
tracing is completed, number all of the pattern pieces and draw in
arrows to indicate the direction your glass pieces should flow. To
determine if all of the pieces have been traced and numbered, lift one
corner of the pattern and check tagboard copy. Remove pins/tape and set
aside all the sheets except for the tagboard copy.
How are you going to assemble your panel; using lead or copper foil?
The easiest way to cut your pattern pieces apart and allow enough space
for your lead or copper foil is to use pattern shears. Pattern shears
are scissors that have three blades; one on the top and two side by side
on the bottom that have a gap between them which is equal to the space
between your glass pieces. Lead shears remove a 5/64" strip of
paper and Foil shears remove 1/32". Following your pattern lines,
cut your pieces apart from the tagboard sheet. It is not necessary to
use pattern shears to cut around the outer edge of your pattern; regular
scissors may be used.
TIP: Separate your pattern pieces
by type or color and store in individual envelopes. Example: All pieces
that will be the same color of green.
