How to Use Silhouette Studio to Create Scroll Saw Patterns

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Are you looking for an easy and affordable way to design your own scroll saw patterns? If so, you might be surprised to learn that Silhouette Studio—the software often used with Silhouette cutting machines—is also a powerful tool for scroll saw enthusiasts. Whether you’re just getting started or already creating your own projects, Silhouette Studio can help you bring your scroll saw ideas to life.

Why Use Silhouette Studio for Scroll Saw Pattern Design?

Not long ago, I came across a discussion in an online woodworking group. Someone asked about the best software for making custom scroll saw patterns. People suggested a variety of programs: Inkscape, Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, GIMP—even PowerPoint.

While those are all great options, Silhouette Studio deserves a place on that list, too—especially if you’re already familiar with it or want something more user-friendly. If programs like Illustrator and Inkscape can be used for scroll saw patterns, then Silhouette Studio certainly can be as well!

My Experience Using Silhouette Studio for Scroll Saw Projects

I’ve been designing my own craft templates and tracers using Silhouette Studio for years. Here’s one of my early projects:

I drew a simple mitten design directly in Silhouette Studio. I didn’t mark the drill holes at the time (though that would have been easy to do), then traced the design onto a piece of craft wood. The result? A charming mitten ornament that still hangs on our Christmas tree.

Silhouette Studio gives you powerful design tools:

  • Draw and edit custom shapes
  • Add and format text
  • Adjust line styles for cutting or tracing

These features make it ideal for scroll saw artists who want to sketch out ideas before heading to the shop.

Shown below if my basic mitten scroll saw pattern created in Silhouette Studio without markups. Because you can add text, and change line styles, it would be easy to use the program to create your own scroll saw pattern.

Silhouette Studio is a creator’s dream!

Basic mitten scroll saw pattern created in Silhouette Studio without markups
Image of mitten
Mitten Ornament

Beginner-Friendly Scroll Saw Project: Scrap Wood Trees

Here’s another example. I wanted to create some whimsical wooden trees, so I used Silhouette Studio to sketch and size the design. I then printed and traced it onto wood. This pair of trees sold the very next day after displaying them in a local craft booth!

They were simple to make—perfect for beginners—and proof that custom designs can turn into marketable products.

Handmade whimsical wooden trees created from a custom scroll saw design

Can I Create a PDF of my Scroll Saw Pattern with Silhouette Studio?

Can You Save Scroll Saw Patterns as a PDF in Silhouette Studio?

Yes—if you have the Business Edition of Silhouette Studio, you can export your design as a PDF or SVG file. This is perfect if you want to:

  • Create downloadable scroll saw patterns
  • Share instructions and templates
  • Add photos for step-by-step tutorials

You can even use Silhouette Studio to create sewing patterns, vinyl projects, or craft printables—all from the same software.

More Project Ideas Designed in Silhouette Studio

  • A scroll saw pumpkin perfect for fall decor
  • A nativity scene made from reclaimed pallets (I saved this one as an SVG—let me know if you’d like to see it as a scroll saw pattern!)
  • Another mitten pattern

Whether you’re working with reclaimed wood, scrap lumber, or just sketching out ideas, Silhouette Studio makes it easy to prototype and plan your projects.

Rustic wooden pumpkin decor made from scroll saw project designed in Silhouette Studio
Handcrafted nativity silhouette scroll saw project designed in Silhouette Studio
Whimsical painted wooden mittens cut with a scroll saw, based on Silhouette Studio design

Final Thoughts: Why Scroll Saw Artists Should Try Silhouette Studio

Even if you don’t own a Silhouette cutting machine, you can download the basic version of Silhouette Studio for free. It’s a great way to explore your creativity and design patterns before committing to the saw. If you’re planning to sell or share your patterns, upgrading to the Business Edition gives you the ability to export to PDF and SVG formats.

So if you’ve been thinking about making your own scroll saw patterns, give Silhouette Studio a try. It might just become your favorite design tool.

Have you created a scroll saw pattern with Silhouette Studio? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about your projects!

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Create Scrap Wood Hearts

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