How to Make Quilt Templates :: Great Info for Quilters

How to Make Quilt Templates
By Jesse T Anastasio

Templates are patterns, so to speak, only with templates you cut the materials you need from strong fabrics. Otherwise, if you are making patterns you would cut the templates from ordinary paper.

By creating templates, you are making your quilt-making process easier. The surface patterns will flow consistently as well. You can use your created templates and trace along your patterns, instead of pinning graph paper to your quilt material. You can purchase ready-made templates, however you will save money if you create your own. You can purchase transparent plastics at craft stores or stores that carry quilting supplies. If you choose plastic, you will need to individually trace your patterns. You will need allowance for your seams. After you create your patterns, cut your templates. The plastic templates are ideal for making larger quilts.

Straight grains make up woven textiles. The grain lines run comparably parallel along the edges of the non-fraying edges in the materials. Across the straight grain is another line known as the 'cross grain.' Quilters use these terms to define the lines. You will need to eliminate the edges by cutting them off.

How to create basic templates

Creating templates is as simple as tracing your footprint on a piece of paper. First you need to decide on a design. There is a variety to choose from, especially when you look to computer programs or the internet for inspiration.

To create your templates you will need to choose plastic or paper. Once you make your choice 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 like cardboard and cut out your templates. Before you cut your templates, first make copies and play with the patterns until you achieve your desired pattern. Once you achieve your patterns add numbers or letters to mark it. This will help you remember where each template goes. Next, you will cut your pattern parts out, using scissors or a hobby knife. Cut the outside areas only at the edges. You will need to create one template per piece to add to your quilt.

Next, trace your patterns, tracing the parts onto your plastic or paper. Space the parts one inch in all directions, and away from the others. Use a measuring device, such as a ruler to draw one-inch lines around 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 now made basic templates!

In addition to the basic templates, you can make window templates. The templates are ideal for those want to pierce by hand. You can also make templates for pre-prepared designs. Window templates can assist the beginners, since you will have a marked line to follow through when you begin stitching. The windows are easy to make, yet you must follow the hand piercing: rules to complete your patterns. You can also add templates to your window, which may include emblems such as roses, bouquets, etc. Regardless the window, basic, or other types of templates can lead up to a block/border pattern, rather a fashionable quilt.

Visit http://www.funandfreecrafts.com for more great, free craft ideas from fellow crafter and writer Jesse Anastasio.