An abrasive material is formed by coating a substrate with an adhesive contacting the substrate with a quantity of hard abrasive particles (12) then removing all the particles not held by the adhesive. The substrate can have an adhesive applied in a pattern, or covering uniformly and masked (13) to cause particles to adhere in certain areas to achieve a desired pattern. While the particles are held on the substrate, physical force can be applied to orient the particles uniformly; then, a powder can be applied, or the substrate can be applied to a preform. Subsequent treatment with heat and/or pressure will complete the abrasive material.