One of the first questions every scroll sawyer asks isn't about blades or wood. It's much simpler. "How do I get the pattern onto the wood?" After all, even the best pattern in the world won't do much good if it's constantly peeling off, smearing, or impossible to remove when the project is finished. Over the years, scroll sawyers have developed dozens of methods for attaching patterns. Some are quick and easy. Others provide incredible accuracy. Each has its own advantages depending on the project. Let's look at some of the most popular options.

Method #1: Spray Adhesive

For many scroll sawyers, spray adhesive is the gold standard. The process is simple: Print your pattern. Apply a light coat of spray adhesive to the back. Press it onto the wood. Allow it to dry.

"Method 1 and 2 are my main goto, but I have used packaging tape as well."

Pros

• Holds extremely well
• Great for intricate fretwork
• Won't shift during cutting
• Works on large patterns

Cons

• Can leave sticky residue
• Requires cleanup afterward
• Overspray can get messy
• Price, and it is best to use a heat gun afterwards to remove the remaining pattern

Many woodworkers place painter's tape on the wood first and spray the pattern onto the tape. This allows the entire pattern to peel away cleanly when the project is complete.

Method #2: Glue Stick

The humble glue stick is one of the most underrated tools in a scroll saw shop. Simply apply glue to the back of the pattern and stick it to the wood.

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Easy to find
• Less mess than spray adhesive
• Easy cleanup

Cons

• Can leave sticky residue
• Requires cleanup afterward
• May loosen during long projects
• Doesn't always hold well on large patterns

For ornaments, signs, and smaller projects, a glue stick is often all you need.

Method #3: Blue Painter's Tape and Super Glue

This method has become incredibly popular in recent years. Here's how it works: Cover the wood with blue painter's tape. Place painter's tape on the back of the pattern. Use small drops of super glue between the layers. The pattern becomes firmly attached without ever touching the wood itself.

Pros

• No residue on the wood
• Extremely secure
• Easy removal if no glue gets to the wood
• Easy to find

Cons

• Can leave sticky residue
• More preparation time
• Requires tape and super glue
• Dulls blades

Method #4: Carbon Paper Transfer

Before printers became common, many woodworkers relied on carbon paper. Place carbon paper between your pattern and wood and trace the lines.

Pros

• No residue on the wood
• No glue required
• Perfect for reusable patterns
• Won't shift during cutting

Cons

• Easy to miss details
• More preparation time
• Not ideal for highly intricate work
• Price

This method still works wonderfully for signs, lettering, and larger designs.

Method #5: Direct Printing

Some scroll sawyers use printable labels or specialty paper that can be fed directly through a printer. The pattern is printed and then applied like a giant sticker.

Pros

• Extremely accurate
• Fast setup
• Less mess than spray adhesive
• Clean lines

Cons

• More expensive materials
• Not practical for every project
• Price for paper and printer ink
• Some papers will dull bldes faster

For detailed fretwork, however, the precision can be worth the extra cost.

So Which Method is the Best?

The truth is there isn't one perfect answer. Many scroll sawyers use different methods depending on the project. For quick ornaments, a glue stick may be ideal. For heirloom-quality fretwork, spray adhesive and painter's tape might be the better choice. For expensive hardwood projects, the painter's tape and CA glue method offers excellent protection. The best method is the one that keeps your pattern secure and allows you to focus on making accurate cuts.

Final Thoughts

• Attached — Every great scroll saw project starts with a pattern attached to a piece of wood.


• Method — Finding the method that works best for your shop is part of the journey.


• Experiment — Experiment with different techniques. Try new combinations. Ask fellow scroll sawyers what they use.


• Discover - You may discover that the perfect method for a Christmas ornament is completely different from the one you prefer for an intricate portrait.