Quilting Templates are used to mark and cut fabric into units to be pieced together into quilt blocks.? These blocks are then sewn together to make up the quilt top.? It is essential to use only quilting templates which are 100% precise to ensure that the units will line up correctly when pieced together.? Nothing is more frustrating than cutting all the units for a quilt block and when pinning or basting them together discovering that they do not line up properly!? Imagine how nearly impossible it would be to measure out several hundred 12 inch by 12 inch squares with a ruler onto your fabric and have every one of those squares come out to be exactly 12 inches by 12 inches when cut.? Even more impossible would be to measure several hundred 12 inch curved patterns free hand.? As you can see, the use of quilting templates is absolutely essential!
You can make your own quilting templates from paper, cardboard, poster board or flexible plastic, which is sold in many quilt and craft shops specifically for use in making templates.? To make the template you must first choose the quilt block pattern you are going to use.? There are many free patterns available online or you may choose to buy a quilting book which will many times have not only different quilt patterns but instructions on what shape and size templates will be needed to make up the quilt blocks along with guidelines on how much fabric to purchase.?? These books often have drawings of the quilting templates in various shapes and sizes that you can trace to make your templates.
Once you have selected your quilt block pattern and located the quilting templates needed, place the template material over the diagram of the template and trace the outline using the thinnest possible drawing pen.? If you are not using clear template material, it is helpful to place the diagram and the template material over a lightbox so that you can see the outline of the diagram. ?If you do not have a lightbox, you can tape the diagram with the template material placed on top of it onto a sunny window so that the light behind it will enable you to accurately trace the diagram of the template.
If you have used flexible plastic to make your quilting template, it should hold up for multiple uses.? However, if you have used paper or cardboard or any such material whose edges will wear out quickly, be sure to replace these templates very frequently.? Paper templates are good for one use only whereas cardboard or posterboard templates can be used several times before becoming worn out and unusable.? Remember, precision when marking and cutting your units is crucial to the successful piecing together of the quilt block.? It is best not to try to save time and money by reusing slightly worn templates - they will only result in inaccuracy which will produce disappointing results.
You can also purchase premade templates.? When purchasing ready-made quilting templates it is best to select those made of sturdy acrylic that have been laser cut which ensures precision.? ?These premade templates are available in many shapes and sizes both online and in quilt and craft shops.? They will save you a great deal of time over using homemade quilting templates, will be 100% accurate and will last for a very long time.
To mark and cut your fabric into units lay the well-ironed fabric on a flat surface wrong side up and place the template on top of the fabric being sure that the template grain line lies parallel to either the lengthwise or crosswise grain of the fabric.? If using a scissors, trace the outline of the template onto the fabric, using a pencil or fabric marker that makes a very thin line.? Then cut out the units, being sure to use very sharp scissors that you? have reserved for use only with fabric.
To save time and eliminate the need for tracing the template over and over, use a rotary cutter and mat.? Rotary cutters come in various sizes.? The small ones are good to use when cutting curved patterns whereas the large ones are excellent for cutting large, straight lines and for cutting through several layers of fabric simultaneously.? Once again, lay your well-ironed fabric wrong side up on a flat surface on top of a rotary mat to protect the surface, place the template on top of the fabric, and proceed to cut using the rotary cutter.? No need to trace around the template.? All you need do is cut around the edges of the template with the cutter.
Once you have all your units cut you are ready to begin sewing.? If you have used precise quilting templates and have carefully marked and cut your fabric, you should have no trouble piecing together units and having them line up 100% accurately to produce beautiful quilt blocks.
Patricia is an avid crafter and has made a number of quilts and quilted pillows over the years. She enjoys writing about and sharing her knowledge of quilting with interested others. Whether you are an avid quilter or new to the craft, visit her blog at http://www.quiltingtemplates.org for more tidbits of info on quilting.
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