Originally Posted by
kristakz
Does anyone make their own quilting stencils? I hate the idea of buying them - my blocks are seldom standard sizes, and often I'd need to buy a stencil in several sizes in order to do my quilt. So I'm trying to figure out how to mark my own designs on the quilt top. I tried buying some template plastic and cutting that to make a stencil, but it was (I guess) too thick, because cutting an intricate curve was a complete disaster. So, do you have any suggestions for making my own stencils?
I've also tried sewing over paper templates - and I hate having to pull the paper out later.
I'm also having a heck of a time finding something to mark with. I bought a pounce pad today, and that's not too bad, but I'm finding it doesn't always leave a legible line. none of the pencils I've tried are working at all. not sure if it's my fabric colour, or something wrong with the pencils, but unless I press REALLY hard, I get nothing. And they all say to mark lightly.
Any and all suggestions appreciated. I'm getting desperate today.
I use the disappearing ink pen (red violet in color on one end and blue on the other) Depending on how warm and humid it is the ink will disappear usually in less than 24 hours. I often trace a pattern I like from a library book and then copy it by tracing again onto the plastic pages you purchase and cut it out, then trace around that with the disappearing ink pen, the good news is that you have the pattern to use another day, and you can alter it as you see fit when tracing.