Can I return or get a refund on a digital download?

Since digital files are delivered instantly after payment, refunds are generally not possible. However, if you encounter a technical issue — contact us and we'll help. Full terms: Refund Returns

Can I share the pattern file with a friend?

Pattern files are licensed for personal use by one buyer and may not be shared. If your friend wants to work with this pattern — she can purchase her own copy. Full terms: LICENSE-TO-USE.pdf

Stained Glass Patterns PDF & SVG Download: Complete FAQ Guide

Answers to every question — from your first download to selling finished pieces

Find quick answers to the most common questions about stained glass patterns download — PDF, SVG & PNG formats, printing settings, account access, Cricut compatibility, and licensing. Browse by topic or jump directly to any section below.

Downloading Your Pattern Files

How do I access / download my files after purchase?

After payment, a Thank You page will appear with direct download links to your patterns. You will also receive an email with the download link. If you have an account — all purchased patterns are available anytime in My Account → Orders.

What file formats are included in the download?

Each pattern download includes three formats: PDF, SVG, and PNG. You can download each file separately or all at once as a ZIP archive from the cloud. Every pattern has at least 3 links:

1. All files from Cloud ☁ — all files in one ZIP from Google Drive
2. [Pattern name] PDF
3. [Pattern name] PNG

Note: SVG is only available via the first (cloud) link. On Apple devices it may not download due to iOS security policy.

Which file format should I choose?

PDF — for printing and working with a paper template
SVG — for Cricut / Silhouette plotters or editing in a vector editor
PNG — for on-screen viewing or digital collages

Learn more in the Pattern File Formats: PDF & SVG section below.

Can I download the pattern on my phone or tablet?

Yes. If the file downloaded but you can't find it — check the Downloads folder on your device. See our post: Why Files Won't Download or Just Disappear? →

How many times can I print the pattern?

You can print the pattern an unlimited number of times for personal use. The only restriction is reselling the pattern files themselves. Full terms: LICENSE-TO-USE.pdf

Troubleshooting & Support

My download link is not working. What should I do?

Try one of these two options:

1. Log into your account and download from My Account → Orders.
2. Contact support with the email used at checkout or your order number. Contact Support →

I didn't receive my pattern(s) — what should I do?

In most cases (~75%), the reason is a typo in the email address at checkout. Contact support with your email or order number. Contact Support →

Your Account

Can I make a purchase as a guest?

Yes, registration is not required. You can download immediately after payment from the Thank You page or confirmation email. Note: if there's a typo in your email at checkout — the email won't arrive. Contact support in that case.

What are the benefits of an account vs. guest checkout?

1. All purchases stored in one place, accessible at any time.
2. Instant access to any purchased pattern — no inbox searching.
3. Wishlist activated — save patterns you like for later.
4. Full purchase history so you never accidentally buy the same pattern twice.

Advantages of an account over guest access to the stained glass patterns website.

Important: verifying your new account

After registration, a confirmation email is sent automatically. Open it and click the verification button — without this step, login will not be possible.

Important! You must confirm your email to activate your account.

I can't log into my account — what should I do?

Logged in before but can't today — contact support, we'll find your account by email and help.

Just registered but can't log in — you likely haven't verified your account. Search your inbox for "aaglass", open the email, and click the confirmation button.

Printing & Resizing

Can I resize the pattern to a different size?

Yes. Use our free online tool: Free Stained Glass Pattern Resizer →

What paper size should I print on — Letter or A4?

Our PDF files work with both Letter (USA) and A4 (Europe). Select the correct format in your printer settings before printing.

Can I print the pattern at a print shop (Staples, FedEx)?

Yes. Bring the PDF on a USB drive or email it to the shop. Ask the operator to print at "Actual size" — no scaling.

The PDF pattern printed too small — how do I fix it?

Open in Adobe Acrobat Reader → print dialog → "Page Sizing" → select "Actual size" or set scale to 100%. Check orientation: Landscape for horizontal patterns, Portrait for vertical.

Adobe Acrobat Reader print settings for a stained glass pattern file at 100% size

Pattern File Formats: PDF & SVG

What is an SVG file and do I need it?

SVG is a vector format. You need it when:

1. You use a plotter (Cricut, Silhouette) to cut vinyl pieces for glass transfer.
2. You want to resize without quality loss using a vector editor (e.g., free Inkscape).
3. You want to edit the pattern — add or remove lines.

I purchased a pattern but can't find the SVG file in the download

SVG is only available via the first link — "1. All files from Cloud ☁". Google Drive creates a ZIP named "drive-download-[number]". On some Apple devices the SVG may not be included — this is an iOS security limitation. Android is not affected.

Can I use the SVG file with a Cricut or Silhouette machine?

Yes, fully compatible. Since mid-2025, all new SVGs are optimized for 11.82" (300 mm) vinyl width with pressure roller clearance and ultra-thin cutting lines. Have an older pattern that doesn't fit? Contact us — we'll adapt it for free.

What is a PDF pattern and how do I use it?

PDF is the simplest way to get the pattern exactly as designed. Print the file and use the pages as templates to mark your glass. Multi-page PDFs let you print large patterns: print all pages and tape them together to get a full-size template.

Stained Glass Beginners & DIY

What tools and supplies do I need to get started?

For copper foil (Tiffany) technique: glass cutter + oil, glass grinder, copper foil tape, soldering iron (80W min, 100W ideal), flux, solder, and optional patina. Complete Soldering Guide →

What technique should I use — copper foil (Tiffany) or lead came?

Copper foil is best for small patterns, curved shapes, and decorative panels — more flexible and beginner-friendly. Lead came is for large windows with geometric elements. If you're just starting — begin with copper foil.

How many glass pieces does this pattern have?

The piece count is always listed in the product description. Use catalog filters to find patterns at the right difficulty level. 5 Simple Patterns for Beginners →

What is the finished size of the piece?

The finished size is listed in each product description. Need a different size? Use our free Pattern Resizer →

How do I transfer the pattern onto glass?

Most common method: print the PDF, cut out each piece template, and trace onto glass with a marker. Alternative: tape the full sheet under the glass and score directly over the lines showing through.

What glass colors should I use? Is a color guide included?

Color recommendations are included in most pattern descriptions. If no guide is provided — color choices are entirely yours. Check our product photos to see which glass and colors we used.

Do I need to cut the pattern pieces apart before tracing?

Traditionally, cut each piece using double-blade pattern shears (they leave the correct gap for foil or lead). Regular scissors also work. Alternative: tape the whole sheet under the glass and cut following the lines showing through.

What type of wire or chain should I use to hang a suncatcher?

Use copper or brass wire (0.8–1 mm), a thin decorative chain, or clear nylon line. Wire is convenient to twist into a loop directly during soldering.

License & Commercial Use

Can I sell the finished stained glass pieces I make?

Yes. The basic license included with every pattern allows you to make and sell finished pieces. You cannot sell or share the pattern files themselves. Full details: LICENSE-TO-USE.pdf

Can I sell my work at craft fairs or on Etsy?

Yes — craft fairs, Etsy, and any other platform. The only restriction is that you cannot sell or share the pattern files themselves.

Is the commercial license included or purchased separately?

The commercial license is included in the price of every pattern — no separate purchase needed. Special agreements only for mass production or publishing use. Non-standard request? Contact us.

Can I modify or alter the pattern design?

Minor personal adaptation is allowed. Creating derivative works for resale or publication requires written permission. Full terms: aaglassstudio.com/LICENSE-TO-USE.pdf

Can I use this pattern to teach a stained glass class?

Yes. Each participant must have their own purchased copy. One license does not cover multiple people at the same time. Contact us, and we will arrange one copy of the pattern for the entire class, provided you send us photos of the students' completed work and leave a review of the purchased pattern.

Tools & Supplies We Use

Where can I buy this tool?

Use the Google Lens app on your phone, or reverse image search on a computer. The search will show you where to buy it near you.

Tools

Soldering iron

We use the StarTec Professional Line soldering iron.

Power: 100W | Tip: 5/16" (8 mm) | Voltage: 220–230V
Temp range: 482–842°F (250–450°C) | No temp control | Made in Germany

We used to work with the Weller Profikit 100, but its price — and the cost of its consumables — is literally 10× higher than StarTec's, with no difference in soldering quality. StarTec was designed specifically for stained glass artists. We've been using it since 2014.

See also: Stained Glass How To Solder: A Complete Guide →

Soldering iron tip (flattened tip)

The curved (chisel tip curved) or straight flattened tip you see in our videos are consumables made for the StarTec iron.

Curved chisel soldering tip for stained glass

Where can I buy a curved soldering tip?

We haven't found this tip available in the US — so far it's only sold in Europe. By the time you read this, that may have changed, so it's worth searching for.

What permanent marker do you use on glass?

We use permanent markers in black, blue, and red. The reason for different colors: each gives a contrasting line on different-colored glass.

Permanent markers for marking stained glass

What ruler do you use for cutting glass?

GEDORE Cutting Guide 70 cm (2¾"). Product number from the Provetro Gruppe catalog: #36 423 00.

GEDORE Cutting Guide 70cm for glass cutting

Breaking and grozing pliers

We use several pairs with different jaw widths. Narrow jaws work well for snapping off small pieces; wide jaws handle larger ones. For simple straight cuts, we also break the glass by hand to save time.

Oil glass cutter

We use a standard pencil-grip metal shaft oil glass cutter. We only replace the cutting head — the body stays the same. We've also added a custom-made handle to it.

Zag-Zag pliers

Zag-Zag pliers are great for nibbling away small pieces of glass. We use them mainly on fusing glass projects.

Do you use Ring Saws?

No, we don't use Ring Saws — neither in our production work nor in our personal projects.

Short Video How to do it ...

How I Attached a Stained Glass Butterfly Without a Hinge Point

2-minute video

▶ Watch the video

Consumables

Glass cutter replacement heads

Our preferred options for best price-to-quality ratio:

• Narrow head Silberschnitt (Germany)
• or narrow head TOYO TC 10 (Japan)

Silberschnitt and TOYO TC10 replacement cutter heads

Solder

We use 60/40 or 63/37 solder in wire form, 1/8" (3 mm) in diameter. For more details, see: Stained Glass How To Solder: A Complete Guide →

Soldering flux (flux water)

Why this one? It produces no fumes, contains no acids, rinses off easily, solders well, and the solder flows smoothly with no bubbles. The label on the bottle will help you identify it — see the photo.

Soldering flux for stained glass — bottle label

Patina finishing compound (antioxidant)

A patina finishing compound is applied to completed stained glass to protect and enhance the solder seams.

Used for:
• Protecting seams from oxidation
• Adding shine to the solder lines
• Preserving long-term appearance of the seams

Applied directly onto bare solder or over patina. Non-toxic — does not damage any materials.

Copper foil

We use copper foil with a black backing. Our go-to widths for suncatchers: 3/16" (4.8 mm) and 13/64" (5.2 mm). For larger panels: 7/32" (5.7 mm) and 1/4" (6.4 mm).

What is re-strip and what is it used for?

Re-strip is used for hidden structural reinforcement of stained glass panels, soldered directly into the seam between glass pieces.

Main purposes:
• Adding rigidity: acts as an internal structural rib, preventing warping and eliminating hinge joints.
• Invisible reinforcement: placed on its edge between glass pieces — once filled with solder, completely invisible.

Coming soon: a post on 10 ways to use re-strip.

Re-strip for structural reinforcement of stained glass

Types of re-strip

Re-strip comes in two forms: flexible and rigid (Strong Line). Flexible is ideal for internal seams — bends easily to follow any curve. Rigid is soldered onto panel edges to reinforce the perimeter. We most often work with flexible re-strip, both for structural support and decorative projects.

Flexible and rigid re-strip types for stained glass

How do you use re-strip?

How I Attached a Stained Glass Butterfly Without a Hinge Point

▶ Watch the video

Glass grinder diamond bits and their sizes

We use two sizes: the standard 1" (25 mm) bit and the thin 1/4" (6 mm) bit. The thin bit is essential for grinding tight internal curves, deep arcs, and precise fitting of small pieces. Between the two, all our needs are covered.

Glass grinder diamond bits 1 inch and 1/4 inch

Glass grinder diamond bits and their grit

We use three grit types:

• Standard — suits 90% of all tasks. Best balance of removal speed and edge quality. (used constantly)
• Coarse / Turbo — fast, aggressive removal of large amounts of glass. (used rarely)
• Fine / Extra Fine — delicate finishing grind; for thin, dichroic, or mirror glass. (used occasionally)

Diamond grinder bit grit types: standard, coarse, fine

Our glass grinder

We use the Kristall 2000S — we have two of them. Both have automatic water feed, so no sponge needed.

• Grinder #1: standard 1" (25 mm) diamond bit
• Grinder #2: 1" Fine + 1/4" Standard — yes, two bits on a single shaft

Two diamond bits on one grinder — how does that work?

The grinder's shaft is long enough to mount two bits at once. Since the automatic water feed doesn't reach the upper bit, we keep a wet sponge nearby to lubricate it during use.