Drafting for the Creative Quilter

112 DRAFTINGFORTHECREATIVEQUILTER

5. Position the edge of a long ruler or straightedge so it
   aligns with a radial line on the paper and the center dot.
   Extend the 2 corresponding radial lines from the paper
   to the fabric. Repeat for all lines. Remember to adjust
   the ruler edge to accommodate the marking tool you are
   using. This process must be done accurately, because the
   lines you draw are guidelines for positioning the squares.
   Make them as thin as you can and still be able to see
   them. The lines should go to the edge of your fabric
   square, as they will help guide you when it is time to
   trim the 18 ̋ square.

9 ̋ 9 ̋

9 ̋

9 ̋

Paper circle on fabric background,

with lines extended outward

6. Once all lines are marked outside the paper circle,
   remove the circle and extend the lines inward toward the
   center dot, stopping just before the dot.

9 ̋ 9 ̋

9 ̋

9 ̋

Remove paper circle and extend

lines inward.

Background prepared

for appliqué

APPLIQUÉ PREPARATION

The following freezer-paper method produces crisp,

sharp corners and well-shaped squares. You will need 12

fabric squares of each size square (A–F). Each freezer-

paper square can be used 6 times.

1. Smoothly press 2 squares 6 ̋ × 6 ̋ of freezer paper
   together, shiny side to dull side, making sure there are
   no wrinkles.


2. Trace 2 of each square (A–F) onto the dull side of
   the freezer paper. Mark the appropriate letter on each
   and cut out (or rotary cut the freezer paper based on the
   size stated inside each square).


3. Starting with the 2 A’s, press the freezer paper A
   squares, shiny side down, onto the wrong side of the
   chosen fabric. I position the squares onto the fabric with
   the grain to give me a more stable square shape while
   still allowing some give. Cut around each paper square,
   allowing a 3 /16 ̋ seam allowance.


4. Spray some starch into a small dish. Dip a small
   stencil brush or cotton swab into the starch and wet the
   seam allowance with the starch.


5. Using a toothpick or similar tool, bring the wet seam
   allowance over the freezer paper edge, a little at a time,
   while using a small hot iron to press and dry the fabric
   seam allowance in place.


6. When all seam allowances have been pressed over
   the paper edge, set aside to cool while you prepare the
   second A square.


7. While the second square is cooling, press the first one
   again. This warms the paper enough so you can easily

CHRYSANTHEMUM TEMPLATE PATTERNS

¾ ̋

C

A

⁄ ̋

1⁄ ̋

D

½ ̋

B

2⁄ ̋

F

1½ ̋

E

1”