The thick packaged templates are very awkward for me to use. Can't easy use a rotary cutter around them and even drawing an outline on the fabric is a challenge. However, if I make a template from a pattern template drawing and use the thin quilter's template from quilt shops and Joann's, that is much easier to work with.

I can use either the thick templates that are the same thicknesses as the rulers for rotary cutting or the thin templates made from the plastic.

The only down side (for me) for using the thin plastic template material - I tend to nick it with my cutter every so often - and then need to make a new one.

For curved templates, they recommend that you use a smaller bladed rotary cutter.
It can follow the curves very nicely :D:D:D

I saw a tutorial, not sure where. The lady taped the template to the underside of an acrylic ruler to cut one side that way. Course, you would have to keep moving it to other sides, she didn't, but I don't remember how she did it. Also, wouldn't work for any curved templates.

Not my favorite kind of quilting...

I like the thick ones, gives me something to run the cutter along easier. I"m so shaky now, not sure how I would do with the thin ones, althought that is what I learned using. Of course then I cut by scissors too.

I don't use templates anymore. I used to but strip cutting is so much easier and faster. I'm always in a hurry and templates just slow me down. There are lots of patterns I'd love to make but, if I see the word template in the directions, I move on. Maybe when I'm retired (3 more years!) and I have more time, I'll like templates more.

The Marti Michell templates rock! They are made from plexiglass. They come in kits- I did a search and saw some on Amazon... I did a few Storm at Sea Blocks using her templates and they came out really nice...

Yup, I use them sometimes, especially when I hand piece. But I agree with luckylindy 333.....Marti Michell templates really rock....collect all the sets if you can get them...

i like them but tend to draw around them with a pencil and use scissors.