First, let’s be clear — these are my definitions, and they
may not match industry standards.
I think of templates as something you trace around the outside of, while stencils are something you trace inside of.
Why did I make both?
Honestly — because the cutter does it automatically. So why not use both?
There are a couple of things to note.
When you trace a template, the traced shape ends up a little larger than the original, so you’ll want to cut inside the traced line.
When you trace a stencil, the traced shape ends up a little smaller than the original, so you’ll want to cut outside the traced line.
Aside from the size difference, why would you choose one over the other? A lot of that comes down to personal preference. Some people find it easier to quickly trace inside a shape. Others prefer tracing around the outside.
Personally, I find tracing inside the shape easier because my marker is contained, and I can move a bit faster.
Stencils and templates are also useful for more than just appliqué pieces. You can use them to:
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play with quilt layout ideas
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sketch embroidery designs
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experiment with new motifs
And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even combine them to create entirely new designs.
A Note About Markers
When it comes to marking, I almost always use a removable marker.
My go-to choices are:
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Chalk for dark fabrics
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Air-erase markers for light fabrics
Occasionally, I’ll use a ceramic marker for lines I don’t want to disappear — especially when I’m working through layout or design ideas.
There’s no right choice here. Use what feels best in your hands and works well with your fabric.
I hv been using mylar or what some would call firm flex plastic that is easy to trace and cut for a long time. I buy them in sheets and create my own templates. It is one of the best ways of making your own designs.
What I normally do is also create a ¼ guide on the template as well after drawing them so that will be my cutting guide and I cut a separate section out .for my fabric as it has to be ¼in smaller to the fabric for me to fold it and then place where it is needed.
Hope you understand what I meant.
That is fantastic!! What do you use to cut them??
I use a blade knife to cut it very carefully. For intricate stuff I use scissors try getting ones with sedated edge on then they will cut better.
I seem to still have not received the frosted branches instructions. can you please send?
Go to the shop before Jan 31st to download them
Hi Ismith, I have gone to the shop and it is showing $12 is there a coupon code to get it free?
Here is the link for the downloadable block pattern https://tourmalinethymequilts.com/product/frosted-branches/
It is free this month.
The stencils are a physical product and used for four blocks. It is not free 🙂
thank you
You are welcome!