Flying_V_Goddess

I'm new to quilting and I have found that when cutting out the fabric its easier for me to use templates instead of cutting strips of fabric and cutting off the amount I need (I waste less fabric this way). But those templates I bought at Hancocks can only go so far.

I've heard of quilters making plastic templates for their quilt blocks, but I haven't found a process for doing so. Could anyone enlighten me?

triciasquilts

You can actually purchase template plastic in most craft stores, like Joanns. I don't use alot of it, but always have some on hand just in case. Its pretty inexpensive.
Also you could use the lids of things like your butter bowls when you are done with the butter!!!

Tricia

Flying_V_Goddess

Don't suppose you could purchase this template plastic at Wal-Mart? (the nearest fabric or craft store is an hour away). And how would I go about transfering the design onto the plastic?

triciasquilts

I haven't seen it at WM, but that doesn't mean they don't have it.
I draw directly on the plastic and then just cut it out. Hope this helps.

vicki reno

If you have a paper pattern, you could glue it to a manilla folder. then trace around that. I have done that before. Or if you do find the plastic, place it over the printed [pattern and trace your shape onto the plastic. Maybe if fabrics doesn't have it, they might have it in the office supply section, wher they would keep stencils & such. Hope this helps a little.
vicki

Debbie Murry

Any food that comes in a box will do. Cereal, oatmeal, mac-n-cheese, hamburger helper, rice-a-roni, butter. You get the idea. Even plastic like milk, juice, butter bowl lids, sour cream. When ever you go to throw something away (other than wet things like coffee grounds save them for your plants) stop and think for a minute Can this be cut for a template. Cut the box so you have flat pieces. Glue or tape a picture of the pattern you want on it and cut. Real easy.

ceannastahr

They do have it at WM I usualy get the heavier one. They also have one with a grid on it. I think the last time I got some it was about $4 and had 5 or 6 sheets in it

PJ

If you are really desparate you can use the plastic insert that comes in bacon pkgs. I use that when I want to make a stencil. It can be seen through if you hold it up to a window and you can use a fine shartpie to make your pattern. Then you can make more than one when you accidently cut your pattern with your rotary cutter like I did. Cheap Cheap Cheap.

3incollege

If you use cardbroad for a template try not to use it over and over,because everytime you trace around it,it will get smaller. and then you might not be happy with the size. so be carefull. try to use the heavier plastic if you can. when using the plastic i also use an emery file to smooth the edges.

zyxquilts

If you know anyone in the medical profession, used Xray film works too! We used to have a nurse in my quilt class that would bring the class sheets of it once in a while.

sue