Classic Chip Carving Patterns to Learn in Order
These patterns progress from the simplest geometric units to more complex combinations. Master each before moving to the next.
Simple Triangle Field
The foundational pattern — an equilateral triangle grid, every other triangle carved.
Simple Triangle Field
Draw a field of equilateral triangles across the board. Carve every other triangle (in alternating rows), leaving the remaining triangles as raised surface. This produces a striking two-texture pattern and lets you practice the three-cut chip on every triangle before moving to more complex arrangements. Vary which triangles you remove and which you leave to create different visual effects.
Six-Triangle Rosette
Six triangles meeting at a center point forming a hexagonal star unit.
Six-Triangle Rosette
Draw a hexagonal rosette by placing 6 equilateral triangles around a center point. Carve all 6 chips to produce a six-pointed star in relief. The precision required for a clean center point improves rapidly with practice. Arrange rosette units in a repeating field and leave rows of uncarved wood between them for a classic chip carving border.
Circle and Free-Form Chips
Curved chips using the stab knife require a pulling, rocking motion.
Circle and Free-Form Chips
Free-form and circular patterns require a stab knife rather than the standard chip carving knife. Insert the tip at the deepest point of the curved chip and pull while rocking the blade through the curve. Circle chips use a two-cut system: one curved stab along the arc, one angled cut to undercut and release. Practice on scrap before committing to a project.
Print Pattern Templates to Exact Scale Geometric chip carving patterns require precise angles and equal distances. Print a template on paper, tape it to the wood, and transfer the grid by pressing a sharp pencil or stylus through the paper. This produces a perfect pattern grid in a fraction of the time it takes to draw one freehand.