Hi y'all!

I'm hoping for some advice, I would like some ideas for some make shift or free quilting stencils. I'm new to quilting I'm working on my 3rd (i think) quilt, a lap quilt for myself. I piece and quilt by hand using fabrics saved from old clothes or linens, or that I can find for less than 5 dollars a yard. So far I've mostly done quilting around squares and of shapes that I find around, heart shaped boxes, flower cookie cutters, that kind of thing.

I would love some more free or inexpensive ideas.

Thank you!

what is a shift stencil?

here's a few pages of free stencil designs

http://www.forestquilting.com/motifs...sfree_pg1.html

Some stained glass patterns look like quilting designs. One of my favorite places to find these is Chantal's...she has many designs that could be used and they are free--just give her credit for the design.


The plastic disposable cutting boards are great if you plan to use the design more than once....cut design out carefully with craft knife.

Sorry, that was supposed to be "makeshift"

Coloring books for little ones are a great place. The pictures are large without much detail. And not sure if you are asking for this or not, but to make stencils to use, I take the lids off of 2 gallon plastic icecream buckets, or the lids from butter tubs and whip cream tubs. They are easy to cut with kitchen scissors or a utility knife. I have thought about using an laundry soap bottle too, but havent given that a try yet.

Whatever source you find for free designs, you can best make your own stencils with a double blade cutting knife and flexible plastic. You can always use a stiffer plastic and do a template type design but the double blade makes the slots in the stencil. You might find the double blade knife which is made by Olfa at hobby stores or some quit shops may carry it. The Stencil Co has them as well and the flexible plastic. www.quiltingtencils.com. You can also make stencils with a single blade hobby knife such as Xacto but will have to cut two lines for the slot. A student brought in to class a stencil she made from cutting freezer paper. It worked. I would not recommend the hot burning tool and mylar plastic as the tool is expensive and not eady to work. Tends to puddle up the melted plastic on the back side of the plastic.

There was a recent discussion about the double blades and cutting stencils. You might try and search for those posts.

Perfect! That was going to be my next question! You rock!

I was desperate once and used the plastic from the package of bacon. Yes, I washed it first! LOL

Mary

How about the lids from coffee cans. That's what I use.

i've gone as far as chipboard, or posterboard, draw design, then cut design grooves with my Dremel engraver... it worked

I've used tissue boxes. The cardboard is thin enough to give a fairly accurate outline, but heavy enough not to fold up the first time around it.

You can also use cookie cutters.

Use old telephone books, cut the page to the size of the block, draft the design, stack 6 to 8 sheets and with no thread in the machine, sew on the line to perforate.

Align the perforated paper over the block, I use duct tape to hold it in place, take talc powder and lightly dust and the design will show. If you are using light fabric, they say you can add cinnamon to darken the talc, I have never tried that, so don't know if it will disappear, but the talc will.

Now just quilt.

I am certainly no expert! but falling head over heals for stained glass recently and here is a site that I hope to use alot. It is really for "the real" stained glass but know that it will work with fabric. Good luck and waiting to see your pictures :)