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 I was totally wondering the same thing! I'm tracing them onto cardboard (cereal boxes) cutting them out, then using the cardboard template with a fabric pen to trace around. I'm not sure if its accurate enough, as i've only made 2 blocks so far. And its TEDIOUS! It took me what felt like AGES to cut out those dang pieces.. sigh.
I'd love to learn of other methods.... Cheers!
Posted 11 months ago.
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I am using freezer paper for shapes that I cannot measure accurately enough and cut without a template. Iron on the freezer and rotary cut! This also helps with fussy cutting as you can see through the paper
Posted 11 months ago.
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I'm doing the same as Kerry - printing onto freezer paper (tutorial here if you're wondering how), ironing on then cutting with rotary cutter. I had to reprint one that I accidentally sliced through, but I think even with the odd paper casualty it's quite quick.
Posted 11 months ago.
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I am living on the edge, I guess: I made my first 11 blocks by simply placing the templates (on regular printer paper) on my fabric and rotary cutting around them. I haven't glued or pinned them, just held them in place with the fingers of one hand while I cut with the other. Everything fit together just fine for those first 11 blocks, and I'll probably continue in this apparently unconventional way for all other blocks that work well with templates.
And yes, I have now come across a block that does *not* work well with template-construction (and I know that there are several in the sampler): block #65, Peaceful Hours. I made this block twice last night: once with templates and then again by paper/foundation piecing. The hours spent on version 1 were not very peaceful (!), and version 2 is much, much better than its predecessor. So I will *not* be using templates for all the blocks...although I find them very satisfying when they do work!!
Originally posted 11 months ago.
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The Enchanted Bobbin edited this topic 11 months ago.
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I'm doing the same as It saves a lot of time and I am able to reuse all the templates. So far it has been accurate so onward I go!
Posted 11 months ago.
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I condensed all the templates into one15 page document Found here: www.scribd.com/doc/57812459/Templates-Combined then took them to staples and had them laminated and cut them all out. To stop them from sliding around I put little bits of duct tape on the back.so far all my blocks have come out perfect...keeping fingers crossed.....
Originally posted 11 months ago.
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lizquiltz edited this topic 11 months ago.
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I like that idea!!! I'm about done with *tracing* around cardboard templates and cutting them out with scissors. And I've only made 2 blocks! Gaah!
Thanks for all the tips ladies!
Posted 11 months ago.
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That's an awesome idea! Thanks so much for sharing that document!
Posted 11 months ago.
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Wow, Thanks for sharing that document. I think I am going to try your method and head on over to Staples this weekend to laminate the templates. This is a great way to save the templates to use them for other projects. You rock lizquiltz!
Posted 11 months ago.
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I find the best method is to include a sandpaper board. I just used an old cork placemat and taped a piece of sandpaper on the top. Perfect for cutting out with templates as the fabric doesn't slip.
I also have covered a placemat with wadding at i have that next to my machine. After I have cut out the pieces for the block, I rest them here. It makes it much easier when you are sewing them together - it minimizes the oops!!
Posted 11 months ago.
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Thank you lizquilts for the idea and the link. You are the greatest.
Posted 11 months ago.
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Huge thanks to Lizquilts. I'm waiting for my book to arrive and now I can get started because I have these templates.
Posted 11 months ago.
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Awesome! Thanks for such great tips everyone. I can't wait to get started and shall never fear templates again. Liz, that template is fantastic and am printing it now.
Originally posted 11 months ago.
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baileygirl_5 edited this topic 11 months ago.
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I'm just holding down and rotary cutting, too. I just bought a tiny (18" blade) cutter today that I think will make me less nervous around the paper. I also sometimes hold my ruler over the template to line up and quickly cut against that. Don't bother with all the tracing nonsese, it will take forever!
Posted 11 months ago.
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Thanks for the link, Liz. I had bought a number of FQs from Jo-Ann's with the cardboard rectangles in them to keep them stiff, and planned to copy the templates onto them to re-use, but was amazed to put in the CD-ROM and see that the author made one PDF per template! You saved a few trees here!
Posted 11 months ago.
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Glad to help out. I've tried all different methods and think this is one of the easiest for accuracy. I also use that teeny, tiny rotary cutter. I do check out any of the squares or triangles to see if they measure an easy measurement for using either a ruler or my Easy Angle ruler. If so, I note the dimensions on the template with a permanent marker for the next time that template is used.
Posted 11 months ago.
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I do the same with the templates... sometimes they can be cut easier than templated.......
Posted 11 months ago.
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I've made more durable templates, if you're interested the tutorial is on my blog (http://bellebooks.wordpress.com/category/tutorial/) you will need to scroll down a little to find the tutorial.
This may help. I use the plastic templates with a small rotary cutter.
Good Luck!
Posted 11 months ago.
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Thanks Liz!
Posted 11 months ago.
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AusBelle, when I had my templates laminated I had my choice of three thicknesses. I chose the heaviest, 10 mil. It is actually as thick or thicker than the template plastic and costs less. I paid around $5.00 for a sheet of the template plastic and the laminated sheets were half the size and $1.99 each. I also saved paper by combining all the templates into one,15 page document. I've made it available to others on this group. The link is in one of my posts above.
Posted 11 months ago.
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UK peeps - when you print off the templates make sure you also select 'US letter' as your paper size as well as selecting no scale or 100% or they'll print at the wrong size.
I'm going to moan (again - I keep doing this on twitter) but if the measurements were included in the book it would be so much easier to know that your templates are the right size.
Posted 11 months ago.
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oh
crap
I just copied the whole lot at the copy shop...is it the metric thing or is it something UK specific because otherwise I might still be good.
I agree it's too bad the measurements are not included in the book.
Posted 11 months ago.
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As a point of reference, template #1 is a 2" x 2" square. (I hope it's okay to share that fact? I imagine it is -- it's simply a handy reference for printing purposes!)
Posted 11 months ago.
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thanks! I think I'm good then pfiew
And I don't think the fact that there's a 2" square in these blocks is revealing too much ;-)
Posted 11 months ago.
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Hey Liz,
Thanks for combining the templates and your laminating idea sounds cool. Unfortunately, I started the quilt when the book first came out, so the other method was the best available option at the time. Also, we dont have a Staples down here. I havent done all the templates yet, only the ones Ive needed to use, so I might print and laminate them at home, but put them through my machine twice and see how that works.
Cheers,
Belinda.
Posted 11 months ago.
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Oh, yay, so glad I found this thread. I ordered my book from Amazon but it isn't set to ship until at least July 7. But since I now have access to templates, I can cancel that order and download the kindle version to my iPad. The only reason I didn't do that before was because I wouldn't have access to the printable templates.
Thanks so much! I'm not very good at waiting! :)
Posted 11 months ago.
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so, should i cut the templates before having them laminated or after?
Posted 11 months ago.
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I finally got my book yesterday and realised just how small some of the templates are - the chances of me being accurate are slim, so I'm going to do the foundation piecing method - the files are all availableon the Yahoo group - at least then some of my points might match! It also makes this project different from the other sampler quilt I'm doing at the moment which is very template based - also I learnt to foundation piece last weekend, so it's still quite a novelty! Happy templating!
Posted 11 months ago.
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I tried one of the templates from the yahoo group and some of the pieces didn't match up right to form the final block. I've been making my own foundation patterns by breaking up the PDF templates in Illustrator.
Posted 11 months ago.
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Laminating the paper templates is a great idea too! I've just been holding the templates down with the ruler and rotary cutting; my accuracy hasn't been too bad. I've also just bypassed the rectangles and squares in favour of rotary cutting once I measured how big they were. I've also taped a wiggly template to the fabric to hold it down as I cut around it with rotary cutter and ruler. One day I'll find a favourite method for working with templates.....
Posted 11 months ago.
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I found that little pieces of duct tape from my lovely purple roll, stuck on the back of the templates stops it from sliding around.
Posted 11 months ago.
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Here are some measurements of a couple templates so you can double check that they have printed out correctly. All these measurements INCLUDE the seam allowance.
#1 = 2.5" sq.
#4 = 2" sq.
#5 = 3.5" sq.
Posted 11 months ago.
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So glad I found this thread! I bought the Kindle version of the book and it didn't have the CD templates. Doh!
I'm a bit late joining but hoping I can catch up if I do some easy blocks first!
Posted 11 months ago.
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Lizquiltz.....I tried printing out the file of templates combined but my printer cut the template in half at bottom of first page and top of second. It did this several sheets until I realized and cancelled printing.
When I pushed PRINT or DOWNLOAD on the bar to the right of your Templates Combined page, it said I had to be a member of facebook to download or print. Can i print correctly any other way?
Posted 11 months ago.
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Thank you for the templates download. My CD was damaged. Really appreciate the size instructions. My block came out to 6 inches instead of 6 1/2. will give it another try today.
Posted 11 months ago.
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ScrapperDeb, try this link, it's my google docs site: docs.google.com/a/arbaugh.us/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&...
Posted 11 months ago.
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DogPawQuilter, did you check the printer settings when you started to print? If you're not in the US you need to set your paper size to US Size (8.5 x 11). You also need to be sure it is set to No Scaling. Adobe always scales the document on my computer and I need to set the document to no scaling. That's why I've posted the size of a couple templates. Print just the first page of the document and check the size of those templates before printing the entire document.
Posted 11 months ago.
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Lizquiltz...thanks for the link! Evidently I don't know what I'm doing and will have to have someone come help me. The same thing happened with printing off the side of the page this time. I tried to work with turning off scaling and whatever else was listed as must-dos, but I never could make it work. Thanks for taking time to answer.
Posted 11 months ago.
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p.s are you saying that having them done at Staples cost roughly $75 total? $5 per page and 15 pages in template weight?
Posted 11 months ago.
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www.flickr.com/photos/27544347@N07/
Try saving the file as a PDF. I was having the same problem, half the page was cut off. On the print preview page, there is a dropdown for saving as PDF. I had husband help, but it worked just fine from the PDF.
Posted 11 months ago.
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ScrapperDeb, I used the google doc link that Lizquiltz posted, then turned it into the PDF. Hope this helps, maybe even save a few dollars.
Posted 11 months ago.
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I'm using Marti Michell's acrylic templates to cut my blocks. The right size pieces are in several different template sets, but if you already own some of them, you might already have templates. Like Set A has pieces for 1.5 and 3-in. units, Set B has pieces for 2 and 4-iin. units. And Set S is for 6-in 5-patches.
Posted 11 months ago.
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ScrapperDeb, Staples has 3 different thicknesses of laminating. I used the thickest which was $1.99 a page as opposed to buying the thicker template plastic from Joann's and gluing the printed paper templates to it and then cutting them out.
Posted 11 months ago.
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Thank you all so much for your input! I'll try the PDF Beth....and Wiannot, I do have two pks of Marti Mitchell....so that's some help right there. Liz, $2 sounds a lot better than $5 per page. Thanks for the additional help everyone!
Posted 11 months ago.
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I downloaded the combined version of the templates from lizquiltz (thank you Liz!!) 15 pages is much better than 100. I printed them on card stock (which I already had) and then took them to Staples and had them laminated. Because I printed them on card stock I didn't have to laminate on the heavy weight, which made it cheaper!! They are working out great so far. I do stick a piece of tape on the back of the template to help not slipping. It works great. Thank you for everyones input, it helped me decided what I wanted to do.
Posted 11 months ago.
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Thanks Liz!!!!
Posted 11 months ago.
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Thanks, Liz. Your templates have been a lifesaver!
Posted 11 months ago.
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I just took mine up to Staples and they wanted $1.99 for the thinnest stuff, the thicker one was $2.49 I think? I said no thank you, I'll make do! I think I'd rather spend that $30 on more fabric :)
Anyway, wanted to say thanks again to Liz for the templates, and thanks jsquilt for mentioning printing them on cardstock, I don't know why that thought never crossed my mind!
Posted 11 months ago.
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Template plastic is $9.50 here!!! Outrageous...
I went to Daiso (our local $2 shop) and bought some super think plastic. Whilst I wouldn't want to use it for everything, its great for something like this. The pieces are about 1/2 yard square, so I only bought a few sheets.
Posted 11 months ago.
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Daiso, 2$!? LOL. I didn't expect to hear that name here. It is worth to ask my friends as a home-coming gift when they visit us.
One tiny tip I love; Double sided tape of 3M prevents templates from slipping on surface of fabric. No need to stick firmly, you can use repeatedly.
Posted 11 months ago.
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Thanks Liz, what a paper saver!
I've been able to mostly calculate the sizes of the shapes and used quicker piecing techniques with a ruler and rotary cutter. Since we know all the blocks finish at 6" it's pretty easy to figure the size of each section for most blocks.
For instance, half square triangles. If there's more than one the same in a block, cut a square from each fabric. Make it 7/8" larger than the finished square. I'm sure everyone knows this technique for making 2 half square triangles at once. And no tiny triangle template needed.
Some blocks work better with templates...I've been using the cereal box technique for those :-)
Posted 11 months ago.
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Thank you for sharing your document. They are really useful.
Posted 11 months ago.
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Is template 1 supposed to be 2" or 2.5"? Mine is printing out as 2" including seam allowance. Is this correct?
Posted 11 months ago.
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I measure each template and cut with my rotary according to the measurements. I only had trouble with one block so far and that was bouquet.
Posted 11 months ago.
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Liz, thanks SO much for providing the condensed templates, the idea for laminating them, and the tip about the duct tape on the back! The 3 of them together work like a charm!
Posted 11 months ago.
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Has anybody made block #80, Single Wedding Star? I am having trouble with the triangle block, (template 13) fitting onto the square, (template 21). I've never used a triangle template that has the points already cut off, but I find that the triangle seems too small anyway. Also, my block came out at 6 inches. Would really appreciate any help I can get! Thanks everyone!
Originally posted 11 months ago.
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kiddangel18 edited this topic 11 months ago.
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I finally got my templates printed out at the right size. It was confusing as 2 different people posted 2 different sizes for template 1, but I've finally worked it all out. Yay, I can now get started. Thanks so much Liz for the condensed templates!!
Posted 11 months ago.
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Laurie prints them on card stock, cuts them out, pins them to the fabric, cuts them out with scissors, and sews the blocks by hand. There's method to her madness...it allows her to spend more time with her (rather big) family in the evenings.
On the subject of rotary cutting, I have to admit that I *cringe* every time I read about holding a template in place and rotary cutting without an acrylic ruler. I've been on the publishing end of quilting and fiber arts for some years now, and I've heard many first-hand horror stories about badly cut fingers, cut nerves, cut tendons, and that includes feet when an unsheathed blade has been dropped or fallen off the table.
I don't mean to be a wet blanket or sound like I'm preaching. But if I didn't bring it up, and one of you were to be injured, I would feel partly responsible for keeping quiet about it.
Originally posted 11 months ago.
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Ttoo1 edited this topic 11 months ago.
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Okay so I cut out all of the templates and now want to laminate them, but won't they be too big because I have to cut the templates out with some laminate border? Please help, I've spent so much time cutting and don't want to have to do it all over again. Thanks!
Posted 11 months ago.
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hayesch3, you really only need to leave laminate border if you're worried that the laminate coating will peel off. Since this isn't bulletin board figures that will be hanging up for a bunch of little kids to touch, I think you can cut them right up the edge of the template and be okay. They may only last as long as you're working on the FWQAL, but if you treat them well, you should be okay.
Hope this helps! :)
Posted 11 months ago.
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I had my templates laminated BEFORE I cut them out. I haven't had any problems yet and I've got about 20 blocks done so far. Just be sure to double check the printed size of the couple templates I posted earlier and you will be fine. Accuracy in sewing is definitely key.
Posted 11 months ago.
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Just started this (well, I now have the book, not actually done anything yet!) and have been directed here. Thank you all so much, you have been really helpful. Luckily as an ex-teacher I already have my own laminating machine, notthing fancy but should laminate the templates long enough to do the quilt, (even if the paper falls out the plastic will still be the right size. Note to self, mark no of template and also the right side with permanent ink, just in case!), So off to have a play!
Posted 10 months ago.
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thanks for the templates, Liz. I did have to trim them down to finished size for hand piecing, but the idea to laminate them has saved so much time! Brilliant.
Posted 10 months ago.
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as I use a template, I put a little piece of duct tape (from my roll of purple duct tape) on the back. This helps A LOT with the laminated templates from sliding around while I cut them out. I generally use a mini rotary cutter (18 mm) to cut out my fabric pieces.
For those people having "issues" with templates, I found that it's easier if you first cut a strip of fabric the right size, or just slightly bigger for those odd sized pieces. Then lay the template down and cut the edge dividing the template from the rest of the strip first. now you have a smaller piece to work with. It's helpful if you have a turntable mat or a smaller mat that you can turn as you trim around the rest of the template.
Posted 10 months ago.
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I've started using those little stick-on sandpaper dots on the back of my laminated templates, and I'm really liking them. Definitely recommend if you're having trouble with them slipping around.
Posted 10 months ago.
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That's a great idea.. on the shopping list for tomorrow :-)
Posted 10 months ago.
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That's a great idea.. on the shopping list for tomorrow :-)
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