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.
Delphi Expert