Tricia Deed

Quilt Templates Or Quilt Patterns

What is a template? Most of us are familiar with the word pattern, however, because of new computer terminology we need to learn a new word. Today we can buy or make quilting templates. Dollars make a purchase and our hands can make our own templates. Shall we begin?  

Welcome to new terminology. Patterns have always been in my vocabulary, however, with the invention of the computer and software there has been a change in our language. Templates are patterns. Patterns are templates. The words can be used interchangeably and mean the same thing. Today one asks for quilt templates rather than quilt patterns.

You can make your own quilt templates or quilt patterns or you may purchase templates that you need. But for now we are speaking to those adventurous and creative people who wish to make their own with materials available in their home.

These are the simple starting quilting basic shapes:

1. Square
2. Rectangle
3. Triangle
4. Circle
5. Diamond
6. Heart
7. Star

The materials to make your templates from the weakest to the strongest are:

Paper – standard, tracing, freezer – one time use

Cardboard – cereal boxes and like containers – one time use because of fraying

File folder – paper and plastic

Acrylic – lightweight to extra thick – translucent, reusable, will not fray, great for stencils

Plastic – gridded pattern available for more accuracy. Save and use lids or containers from margarine, sour cream, plastic bacon inserts, bakery containers and other similar sources

Mylar – heat resistant and hot glue gun friendly

Metal – will last a very line time, reusable

Tools for cutting templates:

1. Scissors for paper, cardboard, file folders, plastic, acrylic and Mylar
2. Rotary cutter
3. Craft knife or stencil cutting pen for cutting stencils

Helpful tools for copying or duplicating quilting templates:

1. Window with sunlight or light box for tracing
2. Acrylic will take ink jet laser printers and copy machines

As you may well know it is best to create your pattern from a personal snap shot or a drawing which you have done. Then copy or reproduce your original work. Copyright laws do not permit you to copy the work of someone else. If you wanted to copy work from another quilter you would need to get permission and follow any legal steps they require.

Using your own sources is easier. Take a moment to look around your home environment and you will find lots of things to copy or stencil.

The reasons for making quilt templates are:

1. Accuracy
2. Exact duplication
3. Paper piecing
4. Appliqués
5. Visual aid
6. Time saver
7. Disposable
8. Can label with pen or pencil

Stop and think for a moment. Almost all of your templates will need to include a ¼” seam allowance including appliqués especially if you need to turn fabric over for hand stitching. Cut appliqués to the exact measurement if using machine embroidery of appliqué.

More information is available to you by visiting the hobbies section of Tricia Deed at http://www.infotrish.com/ Review Quilters Gem. Do not forget to download your free pattern.

Article Tags: Quilt Templates, Quilt Patterns

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