Although we sell quilt templates (at cheap prices), many of our readers have shown an interest in making their own. (See all our quilting supplies in the links at right - read on to learn how to make your own template.)

 

Templates are little more than a pattern of any imaginable size and shape, that you would use to cut the material required from strong quilting fabric.

 

When you create or use a template, you are making the quilt making process easier and more time effiicent. Surface patterns flow consistently and you can use your self-created templates to trace along your pattern pieces instead of pinning graph paper to your quilt material.

 

As we've said, you can purchase a ready-made template, but creating your own makes your finished quilt more personal. Use any template material you like but if you choose plastic, you will need to individually trace your pattern, leaving an allowance for seams. Plastic templates are ideal for making the larger sized quilts.

 

Keep in mind when creating templates and moving onto the cutting stage that straight grains are the basis of any woven textile you might use to make your project. These grains run comparably along the edges of the non-fraying edge (salvage). Across the “straight grain,” is another line known as the cross grain. Crafters use this term to define the lines, such as "fabric on the grain". You will need to eliminate the edges, by cutting it off if you have them.

 

Creating templates is as simple as tracing your footprints on paper. Once you make your shape decision you will need to trace your template to paper, add a few permitted seams, and then use adhesive to add your trace to a clip of hard copy, i.e. cardboard or plastic, cutout your templates.

 

Before you cut your templates, first make copies and play with the pattern layout. Next, cut your pattern parts out, using common scissors. Cut the outside areas only at the edges.

 

Next, trace your patterns, tracing the parts onto your plastic and/or paper. Space the parts once inch in all directions, and away from the other. Use a ruler (if appropriate) to draw ¼-inch line at the outer outline. On your templates, create a dot. You want the dots to meet two seams per count. The dots are important to mark your stitching areas.

 

Next, use your direction of textile thread lines (Grain line) and convey the arrows you have created from your model parts and relocate it to your template. You have made basic templates; however, there is a variety to choose from.