How to Use Templates in Quilting



With the recent increased interest in quilting and other crafts, manufacturers are constantly searching for new products to make quilting easier for busy modern crafters. One of the innovations that has become a necessity is quilting templates. Usually made from sturdy clear acrylic, and designed to be used over and over again, templates make marking and cutting pieces for a quilt block a breeze.

Templates generally have seam line and other markings on them for the convenience of quilters. The best templates are laser cut to ensure exact precision for measurement. With quilting templates, a rotary cutter, and a mat, you can cut the pieces for numerous blocks at one time. Before templates and the use of rotary cutters, a quilter used paper patterns and cut block pieces with scissors, in much the same way that dressmakers cut patterns. For quilters who are often cutting small pieces for blocks, cutting in this manner meant precision in measuring was very difficult. In quilting, accuracy is crucial. One of the frustrations of quilting was making sure the pieces of the quilt block fit together, and with the old-fashioned style of cutting, it was a constant problem. But with templates all such worries are a thing of the past.

Quilting templates are available in every size and shape imaginable. Every geometric shape is represented, and you can buy a set of basic templates for squares and circles and rectangles so you always have them on hand. You can also buy sets of templates for a specific quilt block. For instance, if your daughter is getting married and you want to make her a Double Wedding Ring quilt, you can buy a set of templates for that pattern. Or perhaps your best friend is having her first baby, a son. You want to make a quilt for him, and so you choose a set of templates for a square that looks like an airplane. The options are truly unlimited.

Beginning quilters will want to start with simple shapes such as rectangles, squares and circles. The process is simple-lay your neatly ironed fabric on the rotary mat, place the acrylic template atop it, hold it firmly and use the rotary cutter to trim around the edges. Once you get the hang of it, you can cut several layers of fabric at once. Using templates, you can spend an hour or two cutting pieces for quilt blocks, and get to the actual sewing and quilting so much faster.

Quilters may also want to take the time to browse the web or go to the library or local bookstore for books. Many quilting sites and books contain useful information about using templates, with tips and techniques listed that will make the process even easier. The quilting sites contain are often also laden with photos showing the use of templates in a step-by-step manner, which can be very helpful. Although the process of using templates is simple, there are always trade secrets that can make it even easier.

Investigate the use of templates in quilting today, and you'll find renewed pleasure in your craft.


Patricia Thomasson, EdD; YLC Associates; Yorba Linda, California

Join Our Community

To receive updates, interesting information, and free gifts, become a member of our Hobbies and Recreation Community by entering your first name and email address in the boxes provided and click submit.  

 
Name:
Email:
We hate spam as much as you do and will not share your information.

Great Quilting Books

Get 206 Vintage Quilt Patterns
Step-by-Step Instructions from America’s Foremost Quilt Designers
One Hundred and One Patchwork Patterns…
Quilt name stories, cutting designs, material suggestions,
Yardage estimates, definite instructions for every step of quilt making - by Ruby Short McKim...
plus a FREE bonus of 24 Bird Life McKim patterns, Ruby’s 48 state flower patterns,
19 Eveline Foland patterns and 14 other vintage 1930’s patterns!

Click Here!


Straight talk on how to quickly and easily
Make your own unique patchwork quilt -
It really is EasyAs!
I love to quilt and learning from my 'EasyAs Method' -
You can learn specific steps and strategies
To quickly boost your skills quilting and confidence.
You get expert teaching for a fraction of the cost of attending classes.
107 pages of info-packed reading

Click Here!


"Learn the Secrets of Making Money with Your Quilting Passion,
Either Selling Your Own Quilts or Offering Quilting Services to Others...
from the Internet's Leading Quilting Business Expert"
This helpful guide will show you how to start, run, and market
a successful quilting business that will allow you
To earn a healthy part-time or full-time income...
Discover the Joys of Quilting!
New Hands-On Guide Provides You With Everything
You Need to Know to Become an Expert Quilter!
Step by Step Techniques that will Astonish and Amaze Your Friends!

Click Here!


"Want to Quilt up a Storm and Make Money While You Do It?"
Let me show you the easy steps to creating an income from your quilting hobby!

Click Here!




Comments

*Name:
*Email:
Website URL:
Title / Subject:
Hide my email
*Comments:
*
 



Translate Page Into English Translate Page Into Spanish Translate Page Into French Translate Page Into German Translate Page Into Portuguese Translate Page Into Korean Translate Page Into Japanese Translate Page Into Italian

Menu


My Articles

Discovering RJR Fabrics
How To Use Stencils For Quilting
Best Books For Quilting
Quilting Is A Hot D.I.Y. Craft!
Choosing Quilt Fabric
Where To Find Free Quilt Patterns
Making Sense OF Quilt Patterns
Add Life To Your Quilting With Embroidery
All About Thread For Quilting
Patchwork Techniques
Sewing Tips For Beginning Quilters
The Best Quilting Pattern ForYour Needs
How To Choose The Right Batting
Quilting 101
All About Appliqué
Moda
How To Use Templates In Quilting
Essential Supplies For Quilting
Choosing Fabrics For Quilting
Choosing And Preparing Fabric
What Are Quilts?
All About Hoffman Fabrics
So You Want To Make A Quilt
All About Quilting






My Articles


Best Books For Quilting Whether you are a beginning quilter, or an advanced practitioner of the..


The Best Quilting Pattern ForYour Needs Quilting has enjoyed an incredible upsurge in popularity..


A Notion About Notions When you take up quilting, there are many notions, or items that will make..


Patchwork Techniques When many people hear the word quilt they think of many colorful..



Related Videos:

Related News:

 
Quilting isn't just for old ladies: Hobby becomes business opportunity - Osakis Review

    

PRLog.Org (press release)

Quilting isn't just for old ladies: Hobby becomes business opportunity
Osakis Review
An Osakis quilter can thank a bunch of gracious old ladies and her husband's bad knees for her quilting business. Osakis Review photo by Greta Petrich This ...
State Park to Host 22nd Annual Quilt Show and SaleFirst Coast News
Quilting Daily Offers Free eBook of Memory Quilt IdeasPRLog.Org (press release)
Stitching memories & beautyBandera County Courier
Cedar Valley Daily Times
all 7 news articles »



Quilter's Corner - Johnson City Record Courier, TX

    

Quilter's Corner
Johnson City Record Courier, TX
My new found cousin and some of her quilting friends were staying at the Quilt Retreat there. I had been invited before to check it out and did not make it, ...