i have never used acrylic templates for EPP. I just hold the paper template on the fabric and do a rough cut. it really doesn't matter if its perfect (mine never are!) cause you only see the front. I tend to like a larger seam allowance anyway (easier on my fingers). however if you plan on doing a lot of fussy cutting, then the templates may be useful. you can still manage without them, but the templates would get you more precise placement and orientation of your target design.