Plastic template
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 62
Plastic template
Good morning! I have been looking at a pattern that requires plastic templates. How do I do that? Do I have to have a piece of plastic cut somewhere or can I make my own by using something else? Thank you for your suggestions.
#4
Depending on the type of template that you need (especially if you need to be able to SEE THRU the template) you can use cardboard from a cereal box, or buy template plastic from you LQS or an online store. I really must check my dollar store for cheap plastic kitchen cutting mats too.
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 5,570
The cheap cutting mats from the dollar store are what I see lots of folks suggesting lately. Depending on how much the templates are being used in the pattern (cut 1 piece or 20 pieces) you can even just use paper.
#6
I save the plastic tops from boxes of greeting cards which are clear and stiff plastic and use it for templates and in making wallets where I want a see-thru pocket for my drivers license. Works great and didn't cost anything!
#8
The problem with the thinner plastics, used for templates, is that one mistake in cutting with a sharp blade and you have likely damaged your template. I find that using 3 to 4 mm plastic gives you a better edge to cut against and can be shaped with heavy kitchen shears. The heavier plastics are frequently semi-opaque but can still be seen through enough to get your template spot on. I have searched the internet and find the well know auction site to be a good resource, but you have to buy fairly large sheets and it is somewhat costly. However, I make a lot of templates and find it cost effective, less problematic and more precise.
#9
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,461
It depends on if you are going to trace around the template with a pencil or use rotary cutter against your template. If you are going to trace with a pencil then the clear cutting mats from the $ store work well but you can use a cereal box cardboard, the lid from a margarine container, if it's big enough or sometimes the clear hard plastic packaging from a product. Here is a picture of the $ store mat.
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If you plan on cutting against your template with your rotary cutter, then some hardware stores will cut a simple shape for you from thick acrylic.
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If you plan on cutting against your template with your rotary cutter, then some hardware stores will cut a simple shape for you from thick acrylic.
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,334
I usually buy sheets of plastic specially made for making templates. You can find them at QS and box stores. Some of the sheets have a ruler grid, usually by 1/8" so you know you are making your template exactly square.
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