Find where the pattern file is located.

If you received your pattern via e-mail, first download and save it to your hard drive. You need a printer to print patterns. If your computer is not connected to the printer, save the image file on a floppy or a CD-R(w). Then put in a computer that is connected to a printer. You can find these in libraries, at work or in a copy shop-store...

Printing is simple, and here is an example on how to print a single pattern using Windows.

Right click (click on it with the RIGHT mouse button) and open it (select OPEN WITH option) in your favorite imaging program- in this example, I am using Paint program that comes pre-installed on all Windows software. Other programs print using same basic principle. ( Mac "stained glass pattern printing guide for dummies" from downeaststainedglass.com)

You can also open the Paint first and then go to FILE>OPEN

To open Paint go to START (left bottom corner)>ALL PROGRAMS>ACCESSORIES>PAINT

When you open the file inside the PAINT program, click (with left mouse button) on the FILE (highlighted in blue on the picture underneath this text) then go to PRINT PREVIEW

You can now see how many pages your pattern will need to print on.

Make sure you have enough pages in your printer to complete the job.

Use the NEXT PAGE button or the scroll bar on the right to see the rest of the pages that will be printed.

> CLICK on the print button and select the number of copies you need.

Keep in mind that there is a possibility that pattern size may not be exact, for that purpose, and for purpose of saving paper, print one copy, cut of the edges and connect the pattern. After connecting the pieces with scotch tape. MEASURE IT!!! TWICE!!!

You don't want to finish your panels, only to find out they don't fit into frame.

If the size is incorrect, you can use PAINT to resize the pattern.

Or, you could upload your pattern in your private album after registering on stainedglasspatterns.org and resize the image online to the desired size.

To continue with paint however, click on the IMAGE>stretch/skew option (see images below) and adjust.

There are two options under this selection, but in general skewing the picture will mess it up. Stick with stretching the picture.

Example: You want a 60 inch square pattern. You print out one copy, connect the pieces and the printed size comes out to a 42 inches!!! You are a full 12 inches short.

You can change the size to be printed out by using the stretch option for both Height(Vertical) and Widht(Horizontal). The question is, what percentage number should you put in the two boxes?

You can now go back to printing -see picture 2.

You are now ready to get to real work with your project.

What to do next? Click Here