I'm getting ready to quilt some plain blocks with with a pattern and am trying to figure out the best way to make stencils from a paper pattern. What does everyone use for stencils?

You can make a copy of the stencil paper pattern (just in case :-) ) and on the copy sew on the lines using a really big needle and no thread. It makes holes; you can use pounce to mark your quilt. I found it much easier to do than to try to cut stencil plastic.

I tried to make stencils but didn't work well, for one thing I just can't follow the lines and the ones I did when I pounced, it closed them up and the chalk didn't really go thru well enough. I have the best luck using a lite box and just tracing the pattern onto my quilt block.

Hi,
New to this board, but I have made stencils. Trace the pattern onto some mylar (a thin plastic material) with permanent marker. Then use a small xacto knife to cut it out. I use the xacto knife with an orange handle, very cheap and small, so it is easy to use. Cut the stencil (mylar) out on glass for best results. Hope this helps. I have done this for many Girl Scout projects in the past. Mylar holds up well with lots of handling.

Not sure if we are on the same line here, but I like to put special designs in my borders. I like a paper called 'golden thread', it comes in a 12" and 18" wide roll. I cut strips the width of my border, trace my design on it, pin it to my border and sew through it. It comes off very easy after because of the stitching, but doesn't tear otherwise. Durable and easy to use.

I like using mylar sheets myself. They are good and sturdy and will hold up for future use. You can also hole punch a little hole on the top of the sheet to hang them away in storage :) Xacto knives are great, but you can also get a special Xacto knife that has two knives side by side, so you can cut out the spaces you would trace your design onto your project. I think Olfa carries it. I have one at home. I have used it a few times and I like it