A scroll saw is not an everyday tool, but it’s great to have around if you want to turn a mundane, basic wood project into something special.We found some simple pattern projects you can make with your scroll saw right now, as well as some advanced patterns for experienced users. Many of these patterns are available in PDF files, so you can print them and get started today!
Here are our 36 Favorite Scroll Saw Patterns:
1. Colors and Shapes Puzzle from My Scroll Saw Projects
This shapes puzzle from My Scroll Saw Projects is a perfect first project with a scroll saw. It involves cutting very basic lines and curves to create a great puzzle for small children. You can either place backing on the puzzle to hold the pieces in place or leave them open. It doesn’t take very long, so it’s an easy pattern to learn on. A printable version is available.
2. Santa Mobile from Craft Ideas
If you get your scroll saw as a Christmas gift, one way you could break it in is by making a Santa mobile. It involves basic shapes from a pattern you can download and print from Craft Ideas. Because this project involves shaping the exterior of wood, as opposed to making simple internal cuts, it’s a great pattern to develop some advanced scroll sawing skills.
3. Cutting Board from Steve Good
A cutting board based on this printable pattern from Steve Good is another effective way to get used to making cuts. It also comes with a couple of curves, so you can practice cutting soft, rounded edges. The best part is that it’ll make very little difference if you screw up. It’s just a cutting board, after all.
4. Bear Puzzle from Wooden Toy Plans
Once you’ve mastered following patterns to make straight cuts, you can try your hand at more difficult curved cuts. A scroll saw’s blade is small enough to make this pattern for this bear puzzle from Wooden Toy Plans, but it might also be intimidating enough to make it a challenge. The end product is a delightful toy for the kids.
5. Autumn Coasters by Scroll Sawer
At first, the detailed and involved coaster instructions from Scroll Sawer might be a bit intimidating. However, the printable patterns are very precise, and the project itself offers a challenge that looks more difficult than it is. Once you get the hang of it, you can figure out how to draw other shapes and make coasters for every season.
6. Family Sign from Dreamingindiy
Now that you’re used to making curves, you can try your hand at something to hang on the wall to show off your skills. This simple cut sign with printable patterns at Dreamingindiy will take time and give you a chance to sharpen your skills.
7. Perpetual Calendar from Craftsmanspace
This perpetual calendar with full downloadable plans at Craftsmanspace is a much more advanced project involving several pieces of wood. It’ll take some time, but it’s a great way to build skills or work off some nervous energy between major projects. It also makes a great gift.
8. Geometric Square from Craftsmanspace
This geometric square from Craftsmanspace is more of an opportunity for you to fool around with your scroll saw without a clear-cut objective. This square isn’t doing anything special on its own, but it’s a shape that might be worth incorporating into other projects.
9. Sheet Music Rest from Craftsmanspace
The precise curves and interior cuts on this sheet music rest might seem pretty intimidating. It’s a great way to test your ability to follow the fully printable pattern at Craftsmanspace to turn out something that looks elegant.
10. Dual Shade Whale Pattern from Protoolguide
As another project that looks a lot harder than it is, this dual-shade whale is a quick project for intermediate scroll saw users. The downloadable, printable plans available at Shopify make it a stone-cold snap.
11. Name Plaques from Jaimecostiglio
If you want to decorate your walls with something to personalize a room, try a name plaque. This allows you to create something with your saw that takes on three dimensions. The plans are downloadable and printable from Jaimecostiglio.
12. Filigree Fretwork Pumpkins from Scrollsawer
Your scroll saw can help you make a perfect Halloween decoration with these printable pumpkin patterns from Scrollsawer. The intricate designs pose a good challenge after you have some experience, and they can lead you to make all kinds of holiday-related decorations.
- Related Read:14 DIY Halloween Tree Plans You Can Make Today (with Pictures)
13. Noah’s Ark Puzzle Pattern from Scrollsawer
You can challenge yourself with this self-contained puzzle of Noah’s Ark. It’s not just a challenge for you to put back together, but making sure that it all fits together will test whether you’ve mastered your scroll saw. The printable pattern is available at Scrollsawer.
14. Freestanding VW Beetle Puzzle from Scrollsawer
Another pattern from Scrollsawer worth downloading, printing, and using is a freestanding VW Beetle puzzle. It’s one part decoration and one part quick workout for the mind. The great thing is that no one will notice if you screw something up. It’s a puzzle, after all.
15. Christmas Tree Ornaments from Scrollsawworkshop
Surprisingly, we’ve gotten this far into this list without touching on Christmas tree ornaments. Say hello to these printable patterns from Scrollsawworkshop. Once you get the hang of them, if you have sketching skills, you can probably freelance from the basic patterns.
16. Filigree Fretwork Hearts from Scrollsawer
As another in our line of holiday-inspired scroll saw projects, these filigree hearts will give you something to make your Valentine’s Day memorable. Or, with a little fake blood, maybe you’ll have a super-macabre Halloween decoration. Plans at Scrollsawer are downloadable and printable.
17. Single Board Basket from TheKimSixFix
You can start getting into three-dimensional projects with single-board baskets. These plans from TheKimSixFix, printable and downloadable, show you how to turn a single board into a basket or bowl capable of holding fruit.
18. Scroll Saw Box from Craftsmanspace
Making a box with a scroll saw is as simple as cutting out the four sides and then the top and bottom. These plans, downloadable from Craftsmanspace, give you the template for one that looks pretty complicated but is generally easy to make.
19. Colorful Butterfly Magnets from Scrollsawer
These butterfly magnets take the little scraps you have lying around your woodpile and turn them into something that looks pretty sophisticated. These printable plans from Scrollsawer will help you make the leap into spring with just a little work.
20. Bookends by Steve Good
Add a little class to your mantel or standalone shelf with these bookends to keep a few old-looking tomes in place. Detailed instructions that you can print and use your scroll saw to cut are available from Steve Good. They even tell you which wood to use and how thick to make it.
21. Table Marquetry Decoration from Craftsmanspace
If you’re into making your own furniture and want something other than a normal flat top for a table, this marquetry decoration pattern, downloadable and printable from Craftsmanspace, is a great option.
22. Scroll Saw Coaster Patterns from Craftsmanspace
One fun thing you can do with your scroll saw is to make coasters to protect your wooden tables from water stains. You could spend a little money and get something that looks like what everyone else has, or you could practice with your saw and these downloadable, printable plans from Craftsmanspace.
23. Switch Topper from Steve Good
Why bore yourself whenever you turn your lights on or off? These downloadable, printable frog-based switch topper plans from Steve Good can add a little bit of whimsy to the mundane. The best thing is that after you’ve mastered this and have the general idea down, you can freelance your own designs.
24. Halloween Plaques from Scrollsawer
Here’s a spooktacular little project for your scroll saw: decorative downloadable plaques from Scrollsawer. Stained black and backed by a smoky-looking dark wood, they add a touch of rustic charm that goes perfectly with chilly autumn nights.
25. Intarsia Butterfly from Scroll Saw Paradise
As a project as intricate and delicate as the insect itself, this intarsia butterfly is a good way to challenge your skills in handling a scroll saw and your ability to stay on task. The downloadable, printable instructions from Scroll Saw Paradise make it as simple as following a pattern.
26. Tool Patterns from SunCatcherStudio
If you like to keep close track of your tools, you might have them hanging from pegboards. It might also drive you just a little bonkers when they’re out of place. Using your scroll saw to cut patterns, downloadable from SunCatcherStudio, is a great way to stay on top of things.
26. Shelf Bracket Patterns from Craftsmanspace
Why settle for boring shelf brackets when you can cut your own? This assortment of patterns, available for download and print from Craftsmanspace, gives you a wide variety. They range from simple ones based on an L-support to downright complex ones that’ll have your guests wondering how they work.
27. Welcome Cat Plaque from Saw4Fun
Your cat won’t be able to read this plaque, but anyone who stops by your house will know that it’s feline-friendly after seeing it. The plans are downloadable and printable at Saw4Fun and require making some interior cuts, which can offer an interesting challenge.
28. Old Car Patterns from Craftsmanspace
These four patterns of classic automobiles are perfect to make decorations for your garage. The plans are downloadable from Craftsmanspace, and you can print them off for free. They require some highly detailed work—perfect to hone your skills in making delicate cuts.
29. Fancy Alphabet Monographs from SunCatcherStudio
SunCatcherStudio has patterns for fancy alphabet monograms that you can adapt for just about any purpose that requires big, flowery lettering reminiscent of the first word of an old book. The plans are available for download and printing for free here.
30. Clock Hands from Craftsmanspace
These aren’t for actual clocks, which require carefully machined, precise clock hands to stay accurate, but they make great components for other woodworking projects like models. They also make nice little accents to put on top of shelves. Plans are available for printing from Craftsmanspace.
31. Make Tea Not War Sign from Baggetta
This decoration might look simple, but with its many curves and angles and its internal cuts, it can pose a challenge for even a hobbyist who knows how to use a scroll saw. The pattern is downloadable and printable for free at Baggetta.
32. Lattice Picture Frame from Saw4Fun
If you’re in between major projects, a lattice picture frame is a great way to pass some time while making something that looks complicated. The plans are available for free from Saw4Fun and are printable.
33. 12 Days of Christmas Ornaments from SunCatcherStudio
Are you finding it difficult to get into the holiday spirit during a long, dark December? These ornaments from SunCatcherStudio are just the thing to help pass the time, make something great, and get into the holiday spirit. An entire set would even make a great gift.
34. Teacher Apple Pattern from Baggetta
It’s not the most complicated pattern, but is there any better way to let your kid’s teacher know they’re the apple of your eye than with this simple gift? The pattern is available for free download and printing from Baggetta.
35. Stars from Knowledge of Axminster
These stars are more a learning pattern than anything; you can develop and hone your skills by making basic curved cuts and transitioning into patterns. They’re a great way to use up little pieces of scrap wood sitting around the shop while making shapes you can hang on to until you find a use for them. The pattern is free to print from Knowledge of Axminster.
36. Circular Pattern from Craftsmanspace
When cut, this intricate circular pattern can be used for many things, from coasters to a trivet in your kitchen. In the meantime, it offers a challenging pattern to cut with internal cuts and shapes. The pattern is available for free at Craftsmanspace.
Featured Image Credit: Tony Wear, Shutterstock
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