There are actually four types of Unimold patterns but in this guide we are excluding the Unimolds complete lamp patterns which has its own guide.

The first type of Unimold pattern is the same as everyone else’s patterns. It is a flat pattern the exact size of the panel you want.

Depending on whether if you are foiling or using lead, you take the foil or lead shears and cut down the center of the lines of the pattern. This keeps the glass from spreading because of the foil or lead between the glass pieces. If a core isn’t cut out of the pattern large gaps will be unavoidable and the outside dimensions of the window will be larger then you want.

Unimolds patterns are lamp and mold based designs since we specialize in products that open new possibilities and opportunities for stained glass lamp making.  However we realize that some of the designs will make great sun catchers or windows and not everyone wants to build lamps so some traditional flat patterns will be available.

The second type of Unimold pattern uses a three dimensional mold that takes advantage of the spreading process that happens if a core isn’t removed from the pattern. By putting the template pattern on the inside of the mold you trace a pattern on the surface of the mold so you know where the glass pieces go. You then cut the template pattern into individual pattern pieces with regular scissors.  There is more on how this is done in the guide to Unimold lamp building.

Between the glass and the mold is placed a soft pliable putty like material. This rises the glass to a larger radius then the mold eliminating the need to cut a core from the template pattern

If you want to draw everything from scratch the method is similar except you draw your desired design on the outside of the mold and then use clear Mylar (use the Mylar that is foggy on one side so your pencil line will take) and trace your pattern on the plastic.

This guide is just an overview of the different pattern methods so again the method is explained in better detail in guide on Unimolds pattern method.

The summery of the second pattern method is a Unimolds template pattern (or a pattern you draw on the mold and trace) that spreads to a larger radius because the glass is raised from the mold with the soft putty.

The third pattern type is a fusing pattern. I like fusing because of its spontaneity and the individually of each fused piece. However it is nice to have a pattern or a least some idea of a design that you are working towards.

Fusing patterns give the outline of the design and some details of the shapes that might be used on the inside of the design.

In fact since the drawings are mostly computer drawings and they are made to be scaled up to any size; there will likely be more design inside the pattern then you can cut pieces small enough for.  This detail is made up with frit, confetti, or stringers of glass. You use your own creativity to make a work of art that is your own.

Plus the bonus is that if you use the available Unimolds slumping molds your fusing can be combined into a Tiffany style lamp! Think of the possibilities that lamps can give to your fusing.

One additional thing about Unimold patterns. Except for the complete lamp patterns, there are intentional opportunities to mix and match the template patterns on your lamp. And there is no technical reason why a window or sun catcher can’t be made from the pattern design elements.

Copyright in stained glass is a difficult subject and probably should have its own guide! So to simply things, except for the complete Unimolds patterns and - short of taking Unimold designs and making a pattern book from them to sell - the patterns are for the use of stained glass artists.

An example: If Unimolds sees a pattern book with our patterns or unauthorized complete patterns that fit Unimolds shapes for sale on eBay or somewhere else we will be annoyed into action. However if we see sun catchers, windows, or lamps for sale on eBay or somewhere else using Unimold patterns or design elements we will be flattered not annoyed.

PS. If you want to be involved in making complete Unimold lamp patterns check that guide we would love to have more artists involved.