Attempted Long-arm quilting with a template
 

So today I tried template work on my long arm machine. It's pretty tough - I thought. Maybe I just lack the hand coordination (holding with one, moving the machine with the other). Maybe my template was too big (tried HandiQuilter's clamshell). I know "practice, practice, practice". It's a charity quilt for the children's hospital, so I'm sure it's ok. Had a few shells look a bit wonky. I liked it though because I didn't have to roll the quilt as much as I do with pantographs.

Happy New Year and happy quilting!

I put a few sandpaper dots on my templates. You want it to stay put, but do need it to slide a little so you can position it correctly. It does take practice. I use a lot of circles and found the DeLoa circle buster templates are great:
http://www.deloasquiltshop.com/deloa...clebuster.html
Because of the shape, you can use it on the right or the left, top or bottom.
Also, did you have your template extension table on your machine? Using a template bigger than about 3" without one is actually dangerous!

Templates and rulers do really feel unwieldy and unnatural the first time you use them. I hated it the first time I used a ruler. Now I love my templates, guides and rulers and you really do get better the more you use them. But just like Paper Princess wrote, don't try using them without your ruler base on your machine.

There's a class by Kimmy Bruner on craftsy using templates. I recently finished it and learned a lot. Yesterday I took it a second time and learned a bunch of things that I missed the first time. Who knows what I will learn the third time through, LOL It really is a helpful class, especially if you're just starting to use templates. Lots of helpful ideas.

I learned that the smaller length rulers work best for me. i seem to have more control. I love the clamshell ruler.
keep on practicing!
peace

If you put some rubber cement on the bottom of your ruler it will keep it from sliding and it drys clear so you can see through. I love my rulers!!

Did you have a ruler base on your machine? The base gives you something to support the template so the quilt does not sag while you are quilting. Its next to impossible to use a template w/o one. Ask me how I know!

I'm still learning too. So, can't offer any advice just encouragement!

I tape mine down with masking tape on the ledge. I do this for both paper templates and pantographs. I also use a non-slip rubber shelving mat underneath.