94 Quilts & More | WINTER 2020
e e: e use e eMAKING A TEMPLATE
- Trace pattern onto transparent template plastic, available
at quilt shops and crafts supply stores. (Cardboard and
other thick materials can be used in a pinch, but they
are not as sturdy and will wear down over time.) Be sure
to trace all lines, dots, and arrows. Use a ruler and
permanent marker to ensure straight, lasting lines
(Photo 1).
2. Cut out the template and check it against the original
pattern for accuracy. Even small errors will multiply as
you assemble the quilt. If you printed or photocopied
the original pattern and made a template based on the
printout, double-check that it was printed at 100% and
check its measurements against the original.
3. Using a pushpin, make holes large enough to
accommodate a pencil point in all marked dots
(Photo 2).
USING A TEMPLATE- Place fabric right side down on 220-grit sandpaper to
prevent it from stretching as you trace. Place template
facedown atop fabric, paying attention to grain direction
arrow on template if applicable, and trace around
template using your favorite fabric-marking tool. (Don’t
use a ballpoint pen or ink pen because it might bleed.) - Mark any matching points through the holes in
the template. - Repeat steps 1 and 2 to trace the number of pieces
needed, positioning the tracings without space between
them to maximize fabric usage (Photo 3). Use scissors
or a rotary cutter and acrylic ruler to precisely cut fabric
pieces on the drawn lines.
A template is a pattern made from extra-sturdy material so you
can trace around it many times without wearing away the edges.
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