Making Quilt Templates

[Juliet W.]

Has anyone tried making quilt pattern templates out of sandpaper or glasspaper?

I have been thinking about trying it because then they would grip the fabric whilst being drawn around better than smooth card.

Have I finally lost the plot with this idea, or do others think it might be worth pursuing?

[Juliet W.]

I think it is a brilliant idea!

[Margo C.]

Rosemary, I make my templates from old manila (file) folders. I can trace the shape on freezer paper (easy to see through) then press the freezer paper to a manila folder and cut it out on the sewing line.
Then I use a sandpaper board (which is just a sheet of fine grit sandpaper glued to a piece of cardboard to keep it stiff and stable) under my fabric to trace the shape onto the back of my fabric. The sandpaper holds the fabric in place so I can make accurate tracings.

Here is a tutorial I made for the 2008 TQS BOM where I have photos of this technique: http://good-times.webshots.com/photo...02889971TlTcNG

[Lorna B.]

Once upon a time I made quilt templates out of some of my dad's real fine sandpaper. I think he thought I was crazy at the time as it wasn't cheap stuff. It did work great without shifting on the fabric.

Lorna

[Lorna B.]

I do the same thing that Margo does...that must be where I got the idea! It works great. My sheet of sand paper is glued to an old clipboard. Anything that works is a good idea!

[E.M. T.]

I've used the same method Margo described since the" very long ago". I use double or triple thickness of
freezer paper ironed together if I haven't card stock of some kind handy.

[Renata L.]

Sandpaper, eh? Another good way to dig into DH's "stash"... :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Susan B.]

Here is a tutorial I made for the 2008 TQS BOM where I have photos of this technique: http://good-times.webshots.com/photo...02889971TlTcNG

Margo, this link no longer works. Is there an updated link?
Thanks

[Margo C.]

Here is a tutorial I made for the 2008 TQS BOM where I have photos of this technique: http://good-times.webshots.com/photo...02889971TlTcNG

Margo, this link no longer works. Is there an updated link?
Thanks

Sorry Sue, but Webshots just closed down the entire link and everything I had posted is lost!
It would have been nice to have advance notice!! :evil:

[Margo C.]

That's a bit anti-social, isn't it. :shock: Just goes to show if you don't want to lose anthing permantly, keep copies at home.

[Lorraine R.]

Sandpaper!!! What a great idea. Never thought of using that.
Thanks for the tips.
Lori

[Margo C.]

That's a bit anti-social, isn't it. :shock: Just goes to show if you don't want to lose anthing permantly, keep copies at home.

I know Rosemary! ops: But I am not a "keeper" of things, and especially at this stage of my life, I'm purging a lot of stuff to simplify as much as possible.

It was fun to share those tutorials (at that point TQS wasn't interested) but maybe the stuff that TQS is now posting in my CLASSROOM link will be available for the duration!

[Constance G.]

TQS not interested in your wisdom? How short-sighted of them! I'm so glad they've seen the light!

[Susan B.]

While I see the advantage of sandpaper templates, what in the world do you cut the sandpaper with? Dedicated trash scissors or old rotary blades?

[Susan B.]

While I see the advantage of sandpaper templates, what in the world do you cut the sandpaper with? Dedicated trash scissors or old rotary blades?

The answer there is 'yes', I used my paper scissors, but if you want to try old rotary blades, let us know how you got on :wink:
They are really easy to hold on the fabric and stitch around, so in my book it was definitely worth it.