How do you make quilt stencils?

[Lois B.]

Good answer Nancy!! Lois, if you do a test, please let us know what you learn!

Will do! My Mug Rug swap friends may end up with some of my trials, that is unless the marking removal turns out to be a total disaster.

[Catherine S.]

Lois, I have 2 colors of Pounce powder. One is made to be ironed away. I can never remember which is which. I usually just take a scrap of batting and gently rub it off. What ever is left does wash out.
For stencils, I make my own by the sewing method Margo described. I usually draw my pattern on index cards, manila folders, or something of that weight. I can then reuse it if I want. I cut the folders to the size of my blocks so I can be sure I have it placed correctly before pouncing.

[Margo C.]

The advantage of using template plastic or vellum or Golden Threads paper is that you can see through the stencil to position the stencil in exactly the right place.

The advantage of manila folders or index cards is that they are inexpensive and more sturdy than the paper stencils.

Find what works for you!

[Lois B.]

The reason plastic was my first thought was durability and visibility, but I am sure vellum and pounce will work.

[Lois B.]

Years ago I bought a heated, double -bladed craft knife thingy thinking I could make my own stencils. PAIN. IN. THE. NECK.!!!!
I have been using the Golden Threads paper since then. However, I accidentally discovered about a month ago that Staples sells tracing paper on a roll and I can't tell any difference between that and the Golden Threads paper, except that the roll from Staples is wider and costs a little less for the amount you get.
I have been known to cut out shapes from stencil plastic and then trace around them directly onto the quilt top, too.
I have never had any trouble with the pounce pad washing out. And one more thing I have done is refill my Chalk- O- Liner with corn starch. It washes out just fine, too.

[Lois B.]

I may try the corn starch for the chalk-o-liner. I haven't been able to find white refills.

[Karen B.]

Draw pattern on paper, use a sheet of OVERHEAD PROJECTOR plastic and stitch through both at the same time. Pounce the plastic sheet from the 'back' side, the rough side. I have a box of projector sheets that will last me for years, but they are wonderful. I have even taped them together do do larger motifs.