Scrollsaw Pattern Books for All Skill Levels

Quick answer

For most scrollsaw users, start with Simple Scrollsaw Projects for easy wins, then graduate to Practical Scrollsaw Patterns for technique. If you want decorative 3-D work, Intarsia- 30 Patterns is your book.

How to choose your scrollsaw pattern book

• If you are new to scrollsaw or want quick, satisfying projects: Choose Simple Scrollsaw Projects. Its 50+ projects start at very easy and include children's jigsaw patterns and animal plaques. You'll get immediate results without specialized tools. Buy this first, then upgrade.
• If you have basic sawing experience and want functional items: Pick Practical Scrollsaw Patterns. The 31 patterns cover shelves, brackets, caskets, and garden items. The included advice on tools, materials, and safety fills gaps that beginners often overlook. Use this to build technique and avoid common mistakes.
• If you are ready for decorative 3-D intarsia work: Go with Intarsia- 30 Patterns for the Scrollsaw. It focuses exclusively on the Italian Renaissance technique of layering wood to create depth. Projects include coat racks, mirror frames, and clock faces. Only buy this if you already know basic scrollsawing.

Product facts at a glance

• Simple Scrollsaw Projects: Over 50 projects from The Scrollsaw magazine, ranging from very easy to intermediate level. You get a large variety of beginner-friendly projects like jigsaw puzzles and wall plaques, so you can build confidence before moving to harder work.

  

• Practical Scrollsaw Patterns: 31 patterns for shelves, brackets, caskets, toys, and games, with advice on tools, equipment, materials, and safety. The safety and materials guidance makes this a practical next step for intermediate users who want to expand into functional items without guesswork.

  

• Intarsia- 30 Patterns for the Scrollsaw: 30 patterns for intarsia 3-D designs including coat racks, mirror frames, clock faces, and decorative plaques. If you want to create dimensional, Renaissance-style art pieces, this book provides the specialized patterns and techniques that general scrollsaw books omit.

Which book fits you?

Best for

• Beginners who want fast success with simple projects
• Intermediate users who want to build functional items with safety guidance
• Advanced hobbyists who want to learn intarsia 3-D techniques

Not for

• Users who only want free single-use patterns (buying a book is overkill)
• Advanced woodworkers seeking ultra-complex segmented turning patterns (look for specialized turning books instead)