I've used just about everything for templates, minus paper unless I'm paper piecing. I did make the investment and purchased some acrylic templates, hexagons, triangles and diamonds because as soon as everyone saw that I was making a Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt, they all want one to some degree. I use the Sure Grip dots to keep them in place while I'm cutting. When it comes to acrylic templates, though, you have to weigh your options. If the pattern you're working on is going to be the only time you visit that pattern, you best bet would be to use Mylar, milk jugs, cardstock and then use medical tape to keep them in place. If it's a pattern you're going to do several times, then it would be wise to get the acrylics. I'm not one that'll buy an acrylic template set and then never use it again, I feel it's a waste of money if it's only going to be used once.