Scroll saws are a fantastic tool for creating intricate, detailed woodworking projects, from ornaments to functional home decor. If you’re looking to dive into this rewarding craft without spending a dime on patterns, you’re in luck—there are numerous free resources online offering high-quality, printable scroll saw patterns. This article highlights 12 free scroll saw patterns you can download today, catering to beginners and advanced woodworkers alike. Each pattern is available from reputable sources, ensuring you have the tools to create stunning projects for your home, gifts, or craft sales.
1. Christmas Ornaments: Festive Fun
These classic Christmas ornament patterns are perfect for holiday decorating or gifts. Featuring simple shapes like stars, bells, and snowflakes, they’re great for beginners looking to practice basic cuts.
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Best For: Holiday decorations, tree ornaments, or gift tags.
- Download Source: Available on Scroll Saw Workshop and Northern Nester, with clear, printable PDFs.
- Design Tip: Use thin plywood or basswood (1/8 to 1/4 inch thick) for crisp cuts, and paint or stain for a festive finish.
- Project Idea: Create a set of matching ornaments for a cohesive tree theme, adding ribbons for hanging.
2. Animal Puzzles: Engaging Toys
Animal puzzle patterns, such as bears, foxes, or birds, are ideal for kids or collectors. These designs feature interlocking pieces that form a complete picture, making them both fun to make and play with.
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Best For: Children’s toys, educational crafts, or decorative pieces.
- Download Source: Found on Craftsman Space and Scroll Sawer, with detailed instructions.
- Design Tip: Sand edges smooth for safety, and use a light wood like birch for ease of cutting.
- Project Idea: Package multiple animal puzzles as a gift set for young woodworkers or kids.
3. Wooden Coasters: Practical Decor
Coaster patterns allow you to create functional, decorative pieces for your home or as gifts. These designs often include simple curves and straight lines, making them a great practice project.
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Best For: Kitchen or living room decor, hostess gifts.
- Download Source: Available on Scroll Sawer and Steve Good’s Scroll Saw Workshop, with printable templates.
- Design Tip: Use a 1/4-inch thick wood and seal with polyurethane for durability against moisture.
- Project Idea: Design a set of four coasters with matching patterns, like geometric shapes or floral motifs.
4. Name Plaques: Personalized Touches
Name plaque patterns let you create custom signs for doors, walls, or desks. These are excellent for personalizing gifts or home decor, with simple lettering and decorative borders.
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Best For: Gifts, home labeling, or nursery decor.
- Download Source: Offered by Jaime Costiglio and Scroll Saw Workshop, with easy-to-follow PDFs.
- Design Tip: Use a font size that’s legible (at least 1 inch high) and sand edges for a smooth finish.
- Project Idea: Make a family name sign for the front door, staining it to match your home’s exterior.
5. Fretwork Wall Art: Delicate Designs
Fretwork patterns create intricate, open designs perfect for wall hangings or decorative panels. These projects test your precision but offer stunning results for any room.
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Best For: Wall decor, room dividers, or craft show pieces.
- Download Source: Available on Suncatcher Studio and Scroll Saw Artist, with downloadable SVG and PDF options.
- Design Tip: Use thin wood (1/8 inch) and a fine blade (#2/0 or #1) for detailed cuts, finishing with a clear coat.
- Project Idea: Frame a fretwork design as wall art, pairing it with modern or vintage decor.
6. Birdhouse Ornaments: Nature-Inspired
Birdhouse patterns are charming additions to any home, whether as ornaments or small decorative items. These designs are simple yet effective, appealing to nature lovers.
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Best For: Outdoor decor, holiday ornaments, or garden gifts.
- Download Source: Found on Northern Nester and Scroll Saw Workshop, with clear printables.
- Design Tip: Use lightweight wood like cedar and add a small hook or string for hanging.
- Project Idea: Create a set of birdhouse ornaments for a garden party favor, painting them in bright colors.
7. Key Holders: Functional Art
Key holder patterns turn a practical item into a piece of art, featuring slots or hooks for keys, mail, or small items. These are great for entryways or workshops.
- Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Best For: Entryway organization, gift ideas, or workshop tools.
- Download Source: Available on Craftsman Space and Steve Good’s site, with downloadable PDFs.
- Design Tip: Use 1/2-inch thick wood for sturdiness, and finish with a durable varnish.
- Project Idea: Personalize with the homeowner’s initials or a house number for a thoughtful gift.
8. Puzzle Pieces: Creative Challenges
Puzzle piece patterns allow you to create interlocking designs that can be assembled into pictures or shapes, perfect for both decoration and education.
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Best For: Educational toys, decorative wall art, or craft projects.
- Download Source: Offered by Scroll Sawer and Wooden Toy Plans, with printable templates.
- Design Tip: Use plywood or MDF for stability, and sand thoroughly to ensure pieces fit snugly.
- Project Idea: Design a custom puzzle of a family photo silhouette, framing it as a unique gift.
9. Filigree Hearts: Romantic Decor
Filigree heart patterns create delicate, lacy designs perfect for Valentine’s Day, weddings, or romantic home decor. These intricate cuts showcase your scroll saw skills.
- Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Best For: Wall art, gift tags, or wedding favors.
- Download Source: Available on Scrollsaw Workshop and Sheila Landry Designs, with free PDFs.
- Design Tip: Use thin wood (1/8 inch) and a very fine blade (#3/0) for intricate details, finishing with a clear sealer.
- Project Idea: Create a set of filigree hearts for a wedding shower, painting them in soft pastel colors.
10. Clock Faces: Timeless Projects
Clock face patterns allow you to craft functional timepieces with decorative elements, making them a standout piece for any room.
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Best For: Wall decor, gifts, or office accents.
- Download Source: Found on Craftsman Space and Scroll Saw Workshop, with downloadable plans.
- Design Tip: Use 1/4-inch thick wood, add clock mechanisms from craft stores, and seal for durability.
- Project Idea: Design a clock with a nature theme (e.g., leaves or branches) to complement a rustic home.
11. Baskets and Containers: Useful Crafts
Basket and container patterns create functional storage solutions with decorative appeal, perfect for holding small items like keys, crafts, or decor.
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Best For: Home organization, gift baskets, or craft storage.
- Download Source: Available on Suncatcher Studio and Bear Woods Supply, with free PDFs.
- Design Tip: Use 1/4-inch thick wood and assemble with wood glue or small nails, finishing with a protective coat.
- Project Idea: Craft a set of nested baskets for a kitchen counter, staining them to match your decor.
12. 3D Layered Designs: Advanced Art
3D layered patterns push your skills with multi-level cuts that create depth and dimension, ideal for wall art or decorative panels.
- Skill Level: Advanced
- Best For: Wall decor, craft show pieces, or unique gifts.
- Download Source: Offered by Scroll Saw Workshop and Fox Chapel Publishing, with free downloadable templates.
- Design Tip: Use thin layers of wood (1/8 inch each), stacking and gluing carefully, then finish with a clear coat for protection.
- Project Idea: Create a layered landscape scene (e.g., mountains or forests) for a nature-themed room.
Conclusion
These 12 free scroll saw patterns provide a wealth of opportunities to explore your creativity, from simple beginner projects to complex advanced designs. Available for download from trusted sources like Scroll Saw Workshop, Craftsman Space, and Northern Nester, these patterns are ready to print and use, helping you craft everything from holiday decorations to functional home items. Each design comes with tips to ensure success, making it easy to start sawing and creating beautiful woodworking projects.
Consider your skill level, the tools you have, and the intended use of your project when choosing a pattern. Whether you’re making gifts, decor, or personal art, these free resources will keep your scroll saw busy and your creations stunning. Don’t wait—download these patterns today and turn your wood into works of art!