Pattern Advice

[Iamdusty]

As a beginner, I am trying to accumulate some patterns that aren't too complex as well as some that I would anticipate trying not to far down the road.
Are there sources for patterns that go in to more detail as far as some instruction and materials list? I find it a bit intimidating, when all I have is the pattern and in some cases, it is not always clear to me, what material comes out and what stays.
I'm sure most all of you don't need anything but the pattern, but I would like to do some of my learning with some advice or instruction with the pattern.
Thanks for any advice or pointers. I have been getting so much help and information from this "family" forum.

Dale M.

DW788

[Daryl185]

Dale take a look at the free scroll saw patterns offered by or wonderful hosts just use the link to the left http://www.scrollsawer.com/free-scroll-saw-patterns.php
I got many wonderful simple patterns from there including my next 2 projects the Beagle and Collie

[lucky788scroller]

Many pattern designers do have an instruction page with their patterns, and usually do have a materials list with it as well. look through the other great sites link on the leftand browse a few places. I can PM you a few designers to check out as well. Dale

[sheltiecarver]

Dale,
I think this is where patterns from magazines (like Scroll Saw Woodworking and Crafts) and from books really shine. You get the pattern, some step-by-step instruction, and usually at least one colored picture showing one or more possible way the project could come out. Sometimes they even rate the patterns - easy (that's for me! ), intermediate, advanced intermediate, expert, etc. And, considering the cost of many patterns, I feel that the magazines and most of the books are a real bargain.
What sorts of projects do you think you want to do?
And what subjects??
(Of course, you may always change your mind later, as you see what really catches your interest!!)
Sandy

[CanadianScroller]

Hi Dale, welcome to the forum.

There are some wonderful patterns that come complete with instructions out there.
Any of the berrybasket patterns have complete instructions, they even offer a new free download every month when you join their newsletter.
Accents Woodcraft and Water Gardens patterns also have detailed instructions and they to offer free patterns.
One of the best sources has to be the ScrollSaw Woodworking and Crafts magazine, Tons of info in each issue and you can get some patterns and articles free from the pages featured in the Past Features section.

Hope this is what you are looking for.
Hav fun. Carl

[Iamdusty]

Thanks all, for the advice and the links. I have subscribed to the Scroll Saw magazine, but haven't as yet received a copy.
I just received a pattern from Wildwood which with shipping cost $9.00 and it was the bare pattern and no instruction, which I need. That is really part of what prompted my asking for advice here.
Hey Carl, I checked out those sites you provided and even downloaded the free pattern from berrybasket. Those with instructions like that are just what I need. Thanks.
I appreciate you all.

Dale M.

[Rolf]

Dale,

make a few coppies of your pattern and crosshatch ( or a simple x in the area to be cut.)the areas on paper before you do it in wood it will become obvious to you very quickly what should stay and what doesn't.
What Wildwood pattern is it? You can also look at the picture in the catalog and you can see what it should look like.

[morsewk]

Check out your local library. Ours has scroll saw books including patterns and instructions.

[Carter Johnson]

Hey, Dale.....

I made up my mind early on that I was going to stick with jigsaw puzzles because I didn't want to use patterns and I was too lazy to make inside cuts where the blade must be disengaged. So far I have been able to strictly follow both guidelines.

So, therefore......my renegade piece of advice is to be sure you do some practicing without using a pattern. Cut some animals and other familiar shapes to get used to the saw and find the range of your own freehand abilities. It's impossible to make a mistake (by ruining anything) doing this and I'm sure you'll find that you can do a great deal on your own. It will help your confidence and even facilitate your more effective use of patterns.

Good luck....and have phun....

Carter

[Iamdusty]

Rolf,
The pattern is the Arrowhead Cougar pattern. Do you have any suggestion on wood type and thickness?
Thanks, Dale