stefanib123

Do you place you template plastic over the pattern, draw the lines, then cut? And when I draw it with a marker, I get a fat line, and don't know whether I should cut on the inside or outside.

I know this probably sounds stupid, but I haven't made templates with plastic before, just used some paper ones.

I'm making some of the Farmers Wife Sampler templates from plastic, the ones that are used the most, and I want to make sure they are accurate.

ToucanSam

Not sure on the fat line but I would think to cut on the same part every time whether it's the outside or the inside of that fat line.


Sorry I can't help more...but this does seem to make some sense.

Andii

I don't think this is a stupid question at all mainly because it's my question too! I did the same thing with the marker-I wanted to use a permanent one but the one I have has a thicker point and then I wondered. My sister gave me one sheet of template plastic but when I went to cut it because it was thicker I had trouble cutting it accurately on the line. I guess, we'll get better at this the more we do it. Next I am going to try butter lids because they are a bit thinner. I'm trying to work on my Farmer's Wife templates too.

Did you ever hear anything about Duchess? I'm still praying for her.

Good luck on the templates and I'll look forward to the replies from people that have done it before.

bearisgray

If you can, draw a fine line exactly on top of/over what you are tracing.

Then cut in/on the middle of the line.

If it's an applique type thing, it probably wouldn't make a huge difference.

If it's for pieces that will be pieced, it does matter.

Example: If you are making a nine patch for a 6 inch finished block - if the "extra" is only 1/64 inch per edge - that's 12 edges - 12/64 = 3/16 = which is almost 1/4 of an inch.

Do make a test block to check your "personal measurements" -

stefanib123

Andii, if you want I can send you the list I made with how many of each template you need. Some you will used hundreds of times, some you will only use once.

I think I'm going to use a fine point pencil on the plastic, I dont know if it will write on it or not.


About Duchess,Thanks, but no, we still haven't found her. My other dog, Daisy, is so depressed,they had been toghether since they were babies. I'm going to have to get another big dog to play with her, she just can't wrestle with the Chihuahua's. Poor thing, I feel worse for her than I do me, I think, she's pitiful, she just mopes around and now she's taken to carrying around and sleeping with Duchess's favorite stuffed animal. I guess she can smell her on it.

raptureready

You need to get a micro fine sharpie or other permanent marker that makes a really fine line. I think it's a .25

donnajean

I use a marker with a fine point - not sure of the name at the moment. I have not made templates for a while, but I think I trace on top of the lines & then cut the template just outside the drawn line. After cutting the template, put it back on the pattern to check for accuracy of your template.

clem55

I used a mechanical pencil, it is thin and always the same line. Have used ballpoint pens also, same reason. Plastic over the pattern to trace, cut right on the line.

stefanib123

Carol, the mechanical pencil is working great! I've used them before on fabric, and it washed out. Has anyone had any problems using a lead pencil on fabric?

bearisgray

I did, when I drew a line very very dark.

If it barely shows, it just sort of disappears.