I am trying to convert a rotary pattern to templates for hand quilting. If the pattern says to cut a square 3.5 inches wouldn't I just subtract 1 inch and cut my template 2.5 inches trace with pencil and leave 1/4 inch beyond the pencil line?

Thank you.
Donna

i would think you would cut your template 3" and then add the 1/4" beyond the template line- or you could add your 1/4 seam allowance to your template---most of my templates have the 1/4" seam allowance included -
i don't quite get why you would deduct a whole inch instead of 1/2"???
i use alot of templates- they have never been a whole inch smaller than a rotory cut piece...so i'm missing something i think. your 3 1/2" square is going to finish at 3" so your template would need to be 3" + a 1/4" seam allowance

thank you. I need to test this on paper. My finished block needs to be 17.5 in.

Welcome to the board from Southern California!!!!

I think you would only subtract 1/2 inch, instead of 1 inch.

Welcome from Illinois. I'm a little confused....why would you change the size at all

Welcome from Illinois. I'm a little confused....why would you change the size at all

You deduct 1/2" from the template but you would cut the fabric the same size. You could also cut the template the same size out of plastic and make slits all around the 1/4" seam allowance to pencil through. Many store bought templates have slits in the seam lines just for that purpose.