Use these 15 handy shape templates to add fun details to your quilts.
They’re just the thing for embroidery, appliqué & patchwork inspirationQUILTER’S
SHAPES
Templates are an essential part of the
quilter’s toolkit. They’re usually given
full size but sometimes come with
instructions to enlarge or reduce them
before you start sewing, so always check
your project instructions. For some of the
shapes we’ve given here, you’ll need to
increase them by 200%, so simply double
the size using a photocopier.
When you’re piecing patchwork, shape
templates can help you cut fiddly shapes
and are often used with a technique
called Foundation Paper Piecing, to
create intricately patterned blocks.
If you’re working with appliqué, shape
templates are invaluable if you’re not
confident drawing your own shapes –
use the ones on this page to help you
trace motifs on to thin card or freezer
paper, then use this to guide you when
cutting your fabric. And finally if you’re
quilting, these templates can help youto mark patterns on your quilt top before
you start sewing. To turn these shapes
into a set of quilting templates for your
craft kit, trace them on to paper, card or
template plastic. Then cut out the shape
exactly on the line using sharp scissors
and label it clearly. Finally, place it on to
your fabric and trace around the shape
with a pencil or erasable marker.