Quilt Templates Or Quilt Patterns

Welcome to new terminology. Patterns have always been in my vocabulary, however, with the invention of the computer and software there has been a change in our language. Templates are patterns. Patterns are templates. The words can be used interchangeably and mean the same thing. Templates are used more often.

You can make your own quilt templates or quilt patterns or you may purchase templates that you need. But for now we are speaking to those adventurous and creative people that wish to make their own with the materials that can be found in their home.

These are the simple starting quilting basic shapes:

1. Square


2. Rectangle


3. Triangle


4. Circle


5. Diamond


6. Heart


7. Star

The materials to make your templates from the weakest to the strongest are:

1. Paper - standard, tracing, freezer - one time use


2. Cardboard- cereal boxes and like containers - one time use because of fraying


3. File folder - paper and plastic


4. Acrylic- lightweight to extra thick - translucent, reusable, will not fray, great for stencils


5. Plastic - gridded pattern available for more accuracy. Save and use lids or containers from margarine, sour cream, plastic bacon inserts, bakery containers and other similar sources


6. Mylar - heat resistant and hot glue gun friendly


7. Metal - will last a very long time, reusable

Tools for cutting templates:

1. Scissors for paper, cardboard, file folders, plastic, acrylic and Mylar


2. Rotary cutter


3. Craft knife or stencil cutting pen for cutting stencils

Helpful tools for copying or duplicating quilting templates:

1. Window with sunlight or light box for tracing


2. Acrylic will take ink jet laser printers and copy machines

As you may well know it is best to have your original pattern from a snap shot or a drawing which you have done. Then copy or reproduce your original work. Copyright laws do not permit you to copy the work of someone else. If you wanted to copy work from another quilter you would need to get permission and follow any legal steps they require.

Using your own sources is easier. Take a moment to look around your home environment and you will find lots of things to copy or stencil.

The reasons for making quilt templates are:

1. Accuracy


2. Exact duplication


3. Paper piecing


4. Appliques


5. Visual aid


6. Time saver


7. Disposable


8. Can label with pen or pencil

Stop and think for a moment. Almost all of your templates will need to include a 1/4" seam allowance including appliques especially if you ned to turn fabric over for hand stitching. Cut appliques to the exact measurement if using machine embroidery of applique.

More information is available to you by visiting Tricia Deed at http://www.Infotrish.vpweb.com/ and review Quilters Gem. Do not forget to download your free patterns.

Tricia Deed of http://www.Infotrish.vpweb.com/ brings you through internet marketing hobbies for your leisure and recreation and business hobbies to increase your household income. I invite you to my web pages to visit and review hobby companies of your choosing. Do take advantage of their free giveaway.