Learn the craft

How to Trace Stained Glass Patterns Through Glass (Light Box Method)

Learn how to trace a stained glass pattern directly through the glass, using a light box for darker colors, then cut and sand your pieces. A beginner-friendly, step-by-step guide.

How to Trace Stained Glass Patterns with Marker (Then Cut and Sand Like a Pro)

Learn how to cut apart a stained glass pattern, trace each numbered piece onto glass with marker, cut along the lines, and grind smooth edges. A beginner-friendly, step-by-step guide.

How to Print Stained Glass Patterns on Label Paper (Then Cut and Sand Like a Pro)

Learn how to print stained glass patterns on adhesive label paper, stick them to glass, cut along the numbers, and grind smooth edges. A beginner-friendly, step-by-step guide.

What to Look for in a Beginner Glass Cutter

What to look for in a beginner stained glass cutter, from wheel type to grip style, so your first cuts go as smoothly as possible.

How to Cut Straight Lines in Stained Glass Cleanly

How to cut clean, straight lines in stained glass, including technique for consistent scoring and getting a clean break every time.

How Many Pieces Should a Beginner Stained Glass Pattern Have

How many pieces a beginner stained glass pattern should have, why fewer pieces means an easier build, and how to judge a pattern's difficulty.

What to Do When a Cut Piece Doesn't Fit

What to do when a cut stained glass piece doesn't fit the pattern, including quick fixes with grinding and when it's faster to just recut.

Do You Need a Glass Grinder to Start Stained Glass

Do you need a glass grinder to start stained glass? What it does, when to buy one, and how to get by without one for your first project.

How to Cut Curves in Stained Glass Without Breaking the Piece

Learn how to cut curves in stained glass without cracking the piece, using simple scoring technique and beginner-friendly relief cuts.

While the videos are cooking

Where to learn, in the meantime

I'm working on a set of my own how-to videos for this page. Until they're ready, these YouTube channels are wonderful, generous teachers: the same calm, no-gatekeeping spirit we aim for here. (Sunlit Pane isn't affiliated with any of them; we just think they're worth your time.)

Video thumbnail: how I start a new stained glass piece: my process

Amaya Jade

Gentle, beginner-focused tutorials on the copper foil method: suncatchers, small panels, and the kind of calm, encouraging pacing that makes a first project feel doable.

Stained Glass DIY

Practical how-to videos covering the fundamentals: scoring and breaking glass, grinding a clean edge, foiling, and soldering. Great for filling in the steps between articles.

Art Glass Studio

Process videos and walkthroughs spanning both lead came and copper foil: helpful once you want to see how a whole piece comes together from cartoon to finished panel.

Video thumbnail: 2 Tips for Speedy Stained Glass Cutting

Milly Frances

Clear, cheering instruction from the Everything Stained Glass school: cutting technique, glass choice, and finishing touches, all explained with real beginners in mind.