Scroll saw patterns: how to choose the right ones (and is a paid collection worth it?)
A good pattern makes the difference between a relaxing evening at the scroll saw and a pile of broken blades. This guide explains how to pick patterns that match your skill and wood, where to find free ones, and when a paid collection such as 101 Easy Scroll Saw Patterns makes sense.
How this page was written
The general tips below come from common scroll saw practice. The overview of 101 Easy Scroll Saw Patterns is based on the seller's own sales page: we have not cut these patterns ourselves, and this is not a personal review. We earn a commission if you buy through our link.
1. Match the pattern to your skill level
Most frustration with scrolling comes from starting with a pattern that is too detailed. When you look at a pattern, check these four things:
| What to look at | Beginner-friendly | Harder |
|---|---|---|
| Line shapes | Gentle curves, few sharp corners | Tight curves, many sharp turns |
| Inside cuts | None or only a few | Dozens of small openings (fretwork) |
| Thin "bridges" of wood | Wide, sturdy connections | Very thin parts that can snap |
| Size | Medium to large pieces | Small, delicate pieces |
Inside cuts are openings inside the design. For each one you drill a small hole, unclip the blade, thread it through and re-attach it. They are not difficult, but they take time, so patterns with fewer of them are a better place to start.
2. Think about the wood and blade
- Wood: many hobbyists start with 1/4" (about 6 mm) plywood or softwood, which cuts easily. Thicker hardwood is slower and less forgiving.
- Blade: a finer blade handles tight curves and small details; a coarser blade cuts thicker wood faster. If a pattern has very fine detail, check that your saw and blades can handle it.
- Grain: thin parts that run across the grain break more easily. Plywood helps with delicate designs.
3. Transfer the pattern cleanly
A common method is to cover the wood with painter's tape, then glue the printed pattern on top with a light spray adhesive or a glue stick. The tape makes it easy to peel the paper off afterwards and can reduce burning. Print at 100% scale unless you want to resize the project on purpose.
4. Free patterns vs. a paid collection
Free patterns
- Cost nothing, great for practice
- Plenty available on hobby blogs, forums and in library books and magazines
- Quality and difficulty vary a lot
- Time spent searching and sorting
- Licence for selling finished pieces is often unclear
Paid collection
- Many designs in one consistent style
- Clear terms on what you may do with them
- Useful if you sell your work at craft fairs or online
- Upfront cost
- You may not like every design
If you scroll occasionally, free patterns are usually enough. A paid collection starts to make sense when you scroll often, want a steady supply of projects, or plan to sell finished pieces.
Overview: 101 Easy Scroll Saw Patterns
According to its sales page, this collection is sold by Richard Myrchak, a scroll saw artist based in Manitoba, Canada.
| What you get | A digital download (zip file) with 101 scroll saw patterns as printable PDFs. Some Christmas ornament designs come grouped several per PDF. |
|---|---|
| Style | Original, hand-drawn designs; the seller states that none of the sample pieces were made with a CNC or laser cutter |
| Format | Digital only; you print the patterns at home. Nothing is shipped. |
| Price (at time of writing) | US$99.99 plus applicable taxes, which the seller presents as about US$0.99 per pattern |
| Refunds | 60-day money-back guarantee, according to the sales page |
| Usage terms | Patterns are for personal use and may not be shared or resold, but you may sell the finished wooden pieces you make |
| Sold through | Digistore24, an online reseller that handles payment and refunds |
Who it is likely to suit
Probably a good fit
- You scroll regularly and want a large library of projects
- You like easier designs you can finish in a session or two
- You make pieces for gifts, craft fairs or online sales
- You prefer hand-drawn designs to computer-generated ones
Probably not for you
- You only scroll a few times a year
- You want highly detailed, advanced fretwork or portraits
- You want to resell or share the pattern files themselves
- You would rather see every design before paying
Things to keep in mind
- The sales page does not show a full list of all 101 designs, so you cannot preview every pattern before buying.
- "Easy" is relative: if you are brand new to the scroll saw, practise basic straight and curved cuts on scrap wood first.
- US$99.99 is a real investment for a hobby. The 60-day refund guarantee lowers the risk, but check the terms on the order page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I get physical patterns in the mail?
No. According to the sales page, it is a digital download of PDF files that you print yourself.
Can I sell what I make from these patterns?
The sales page says you may sell the finished wooden art, but not the patterns themselves. Check the current terms before buying.
Is there a refund policy?
The sales page states a 60-day money-back guarantee. Payment and refunds are handled by Digistore24.
Are these patterns suitable for complete beginners?
The collection is marketed as easy patterns. Beginners should still start with the simplest designs, use thin, easy-to-cut wood, and practise on scrap first.
Is this site connected to the seller?
No. Scroll Saw Hobbyist is independent. We do not sell the patterns directly; we may earn a commission if you buy through our link.