Get Started with Stained Glass: Tips & Supplies

A Complete Beginner's Journey

There’s something magical about stained glass. The way it catches the light, the blend of colors, the feeling of having created something beautiful with your own hands. If you’re curious about getting started, this guide will walk you through not just the tools and materials, but the entire experience of making your first piece of stained glass art.

Where to Start

Before anything else, I asked myself one simple question: what do I want to make? It could be a small suncatcher, a leaf, or even just a few geometric shapes. Start small. Trust me. Your first piece won’t be perfect, and it shouldn’t be. This is where you get your hands dirty, learn from mistakes, and fall in love with the craft.

Once you’ve got an idea, print out your design using waterproof sticker paper — it sticks well to glass and won’t slide while you work. Then grab a pair of basic scissors to cut your pattern, and mark your glass pieces with black or white permanent markers depending on the color of your glass. These small tools make a big difference when you’re just starting.

Get inspired: Check out our Patterns or get inspiration from Instagram, stained glass Facebook groups — they’re full of ideas.
But don’t overcomplicate your first project. Keep it under 10 pieces if you can.

Creating Your Pattern

Once you’ve got an idea, print out your design using waterproof sticker paper — it sticks well to glass and won’t slide while you work. Then grab a pair of basic scissors to cut your pattern, and mark your glass pieces with black or white permanent markers depending on the color of your glass. These small tools make a big difference when you’re just starting.

If you don't have a printer avialable: Start by sketching it on paper using simple shapes. Then trace over it with a black permanent marker to make the lines clear. Next, photocopy it twice: one copy to cut apart for glass shapes, and one to use as a layout guide while building.

If you plan to make a lot of stained glass pieces or just want to improve quality, the Cricut Explore Air 2 saves a ton of time by cutting out your templates perfectly for you.
I recently ordered one myself.

Choosing the Right Glass

This was where I fell down the rabbit hole. There are so many kinds of glass—smooth, textured, transparent, opalescent. I started with cathedral glass because it’s easier to cut and looks amazing in the light.

Avoid the really thick or textured stuff for now. You’ll get there later.

Buy small sheets or even scrap packs from online shops or local studios. Hold each piece up to the light and imagine it in your final work—it helps a lot.

Here are some of my recommended glass

Glass Cutting Tools

I bought an oil-fed glass cutter with a pistol grip—a total game changer for my beginner hands. Make sure it’s sharp and rolls smoothly. I also used running pliers (for breaking the scored line) and grozing pliers (to nibble away small bits).

Cut slowly, with even pressure. You don’t need to push hard. It should sound like a zipper when scoring.

Tip: practice on scrap glass first. You will break a lot. That’s normal.

Glass Grinding

After cutting, the edges are sharp and usually uneven. This is where the grinder comes in.

I used a small Inland grinder with a sponge to keep the bit wet. Go slow, and always wear goggles.

Grind just enough to smooth and fit. Don’t over-grind, or the pieces won’t match the pattern anymore.

Copper Foiling

Once everything fit, I wrapped each piece with copper foil tape (3/16" wide). The glass must be totally clean and dry first.

I centered the foil on the edge and used a fid (plastic burnisher) to smooth and press it down tightly.

You can also get Silver-backed foil and Black-backed foil, depending on colors.

Soldering

This part scared me at first, but it’s honestly kind of fun. I used a 60W soldering iron with a chisel tip, 60/40 solder, and liquid flux.

I fluxed the foil, then "tack soldered" a few joints to hold everything in place. Then I ran a smooth bead across each seam.

Use heat-resisting pad, ventilation and wear a mask or fume extractor if indoors.

Patina and Cleaning

If you want your solder lines to be black or copper, apply patina with a cotton swab or brush. Rinse immediately after.

Then use flux remover or glass cleaner to polish everything. I usually go over it with soft cloth and wax for a professional shine.

Hanging Your Piece

I added copper loops using thin wire and soldered them directly into the edge. Then I attached chain or transparent wire.

Hang it in a sunny window—and smile. You did it.

Tutorials & Learning More

I learned almost everything from YouTube and local community art groups.

Also check out online courses, community art centers, or Facebook groups. The stained glass community is incredibly helpful.

Making stained glass isn’t just a hobby—it’s therapy. It teaches patience, problem-solving, and the joy of turning shards into beauty. And the best part? Every single piece is unique.

So go for it. Break some glass. And make something beautiful.

This list will always be updated with new finds, tips and tricks.

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them — at no additional cost to you. I only recommend tools and supplies that I personally use and trust.