One of the questions I had about doing scrolling designs was; what is the best method for applying the pattern you wanted to cut, to your work piece? After a lot of looking and asking about this, I found out there are several different ways to accomplish this.
The method you choose is entirely up to what you are comfortable with.
My own opinion is that it really depends on the pattern and how I feel is the best way for that particular one.
For instance, if a pattern has a lot of detail I may apply it one way as opposed to a pattern with less detail.
Let's start with the simplest method that is to use carbon paper and tracing the pattern on your work piece.
Once you have completely traced your pattern and completed your cutting, then you will need to sand your scrolling designs work piece to remove any trace of the pattern left on the it.
When sanding your work, if you have used a plywood or veneer, be very careful not to sand so much that you remove the top layer of wood or veneer.
What you will need for the second method is a small applicator, like a sponge brush or a dried out chisel point highlighter, a plastic scraper, like an old credit card or a small plastic trowel and either paint thinner or Xylene.
Make a copy of scrolling designs pattern by using a laser printer or copier, an inkjet will not work, to make a copy.
You then place the pattern on the work piece face down and use the applicator to apply the paint thinner or Xylene on the pattern, then use the plastic scraper and rub the pattern with it.
This will help transfer the ink from the paper to the work piece.
After making the cut, then a light sanding will remove any trace of the pattern that is left.
This was the first way that I was taught.
The third method I will talk about is to spray the back of your scrolling designs pattern with spray glue, let it set to get tacky and then apply to your work piece.
Let it set for a few minutes to dry and start cutting your scrolling designs.
3M, Elmer's and Krylon all make a spray on tacky glue and are available at your local hobby or home improvement store.
Once your cutting is complete, wipe with alcohol to remove any glue residue before applying the finish.
During my searching for this information, I found that a lot of scrollers will first wrap their work piece with painters tape and then apply the pattern to the tape.
This allows for even less preparation before applying the finish since the tacky glue residue is on the painters tape instead of your work piece.
A fourth method is to use the clear packing tape and tape your pattern to your work piece.
This helps in a couple of ways, the clear tape acts as a lubricant for the blade plus there is no glue residue left on you work piece.
When cutting scrolling designs in hardwood, this method is very helpful because it will act as a blade lubricant and help keep the blade cooler which helps it last longer.
Some scrollers wrap their work piece with packing tape after they have applied their patterns regardless of how they have applied the pattern.
There is also a product called "Wonder Paper by Jason".
This paper is useable in a printer or copier and is a peel and stick type of paper.
You can copy or print your pattern on it then, peel the back off and stick it to your work piece you are going to cut.
They advertise that it sticks to almost anything, wood, glass, metal, plastic, cloth, and much more.
I have not used this product but I am mentioning it here as something you may want to investigate it.
What it comes down to is that everyone will have their own preference and comfort zone for doing scrolling designs.
There is not a set way of doing this; it is just what you are comfortable with.