Can anyone tell me how to make a stencil to use for quitling mofits? :?: I have one that is like a butterfly/flower mofit, where the loops intersect each other. Do I just do the outline then trace onto quilt top, then when quilting (which I do by hand), fill in the lines that I was not able to mark? I am a newbie to quilting and this if my first full size quilt. I did not mark the quilt top before I basted, but am using tissue paper for all the different designs, but the next one I want to learn how to make my own stencils instead of buying the pre-made stencils. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,
Joanie
Springtown, TX

You can try this

http://www.quiltcollections.com/proj-stencil.htm

You can use an exacto knife to cut your own designs in plastic sheets sold in quilt depts for this purpose good luck

Thanks Ruth.... even though that states machine quilting, I can still use these for hand quilting, right?

Now THAT"S a worthwhile site. Thanks
kathy

I love that website, Ruth, thank you, thank you, thank you! I've added it to my favorites. Can't wait to go back and look at everything!

Bless you!
Sharon

Thanks Ruth, I really liked those stencil designs.

This is a pretty good site for block samples, too, don'tcha think? Thanks for the reminder. I'd been there before but forgot to "favorite" the link.

Joanie,

I don't use stencils like I used to. I buy netting -- the type used in tutu's and draw my quilting motif on that with a Sharpie (fine point, please). You can cut the netting into pieces, make long pieces for borders, and they are virtually indestructible.

After you have the motif drawn, pin it, tape it, hold it in place if it is little, to the quilt top. Using a washable marker, trace over the Sharpie lines... voila! the motif is on the quilt top.

I tried the double bleded Xacto knives, which I found to be a pain in the butt. Besides, quilt stencils are too FAT and you get inconsistencies with the stitching. With the tulle (netting) method, and a fine washable marker, you are assured that the markings are where they should be.

Hope this helps.

Anita

that's an interesting tip..thanks

Gosh, thanks anita.... I really like that idea better.... It sounds easier and safer on my fingers. Is it the same thing as the "Mesh Transfer Canvas" from Clotilde (www.clotilde.com)? I have seen this in the catalog, but being a newbie didn't really know if that was a good idea or not. Or can you just buy it at the fabric store (or WalMart) in yards?

Thanks so much to all for your help and ideas and websites... I just love this place. I have learned so much from you all. :)