the thick templates like Marti's are great - you can rotary cut around them with the small rotary cutter or the regular size. Stick a piece of double sided tape on the back and they stay in place pretty good while you cut holding the template with one hand. I do not use them a lot but they work great when I do use them. If a person wants to just trace around them instead and then either rotary cut or use scissors. You can make pretty great quilts using templates - just slow down and take you time - no need to rush is there!