How do you use a template with a rotary cutter?
 

I've read through the archives looking for ideas about using templates with my rotary cutter, but am still left with questions.
What I want to know is how others handle templates when cutting pieces. When cutting shapes for applique, I pin my pattern to the fabric and use scissors to cut around it. But, when cutting odd shapes with straight edges, I'd like to use my rotary cutter. Then I begin to run into problems with the pattern moving as I reposition my ruler. Do you use tape to hold templates in place? I can't imagine gluing to the fabric, but must confess to being tempted. Tracing doesn't seem to solve the problem but instead adds the inaccuracy of line thickness and ink or other substance on my fabric.
I think I'm stuck somewhere in my past life of sewing clothing and all that cutting out of patterns! Mostly the templates I use are paper with the pattern printed on it that I then cut around. Pinning doesn't work because the pin then interferes with the ruler.

I just watched a fons and porter show that adressed this. They put a small cutting mat on a large one...cut 2 sides and then turned it to cut 2 more. The other thing they did was use a glue stick to hold a template in place - the thin kind you can make yourself. I also have heard of gluing fine grade sandpaper to the template - that helps hold it in place and not slip - have not tried any of this, but it sounds good.

Sandpaper ... you can buy dots of it in the hardware store. Saves cutting and glue already there.

Perhaps some 2-sided tape on your template?

I don't use paper templates, though when I have had templates in acrylic, a small rotary cutter zips around the edges pretty quick.

If they are templates you'll use a lot, for a very low cost, a glass cutting shop could cut them easy enough for you. Mine puts a hole in them, so I can easily string all together that are a set.

I've also heard of folks using old tupperware lids, or yogurt lids, etc. to cut out templates, so they have something more substantial than a piece of paper .... that I'd soon cut it up with the rotary cutter!

You have for more patience than I!!! I have several templates and tried to do a Dresden Plate but gave up after the inaccurate cuts. I love quilting so far, but I dread "cutting" so I decided to splurge on the AccuQuilt go. I hope this works better for me if not I guess I will give up quilting!!
Merry Christmas!!

I take tape and wrap it so that the sticky side is out and tape the ends together (hope that makes sense). Then I put them between the template and the fabric. When it stops sticking, I just make more til I'm done.

Does anybody draw around templates and cut out shapes with scissors anymore?

if i have a template, i tape it to the ruler and then place and cut... this includes one strip and multiple strips...for instance, when cutting the windmill...i sewed the 'blade' fabric in a strip to the 'sky' fabric and then marked the template with the line where they were sewn together.... tape face up (so you can see thru the ruler) to the ruler and then line up line with seam...cut and done....the 8 seam block just became a 4 seam block... love it!!!!

That is what I do .You can see through the tape but can't the sandpaper.

I also agree with Tartan, the freezer paper works great on both straight edges and cut with a rotary cutter or for a template that has curves and is cut with scissors, and can be reused a number of times :thumbup:

What type of templates are you talking about? Paper, 1/4" acryllic, or template plastic?

I have used sandpaper dots, glue stick, invisigrip all with success on the acryllic templates.

I am also fortunate that there is a plastics company here that will cut acryllic templates for me ... so I don't use paper or plastic template sheets.

For applique I have used freezer paper ... but I mostly do machine applique anyway.

No matter what type of template I use I use a rotary cutter as it is so much quicker and easier.

I also have a Third Hand - something like a square Brooklyn Revolver but it has a clamp that goes up and over and down in the center of the rotating base which then holds the template and material together while I cut. I love it. Just don't know if it is being made anymore or not.

ali

I put just a spritz of basting spray on the template. It sticks to the fabric and pulls away easily. I must admit, I don't let the project sit, I only do it if I can cut and peel right away. I don't know if time would make the paper stick too well to be peeled back.

The other thing is use freezer paper with the shiny side down and press it onto the fabric. You can buy freezer paper cut into 8 1/2 x 11 pieces so they feed through the printer.

This fascinates me but I just can't visualize what you mean. Are you talking about using two rulers?

I purchased a weight. It is five inches tall by 3 inches wide and is a cylinder. I put it on the template and it keeps the fabric from moving. I also use it when cutting strips, etc., off the large pieces of fabric.

I DO!!!...still the ONLY way to get accurate cuts...if you don't have a die cutter that is!

one thing you need to know is that your rotary cutter might be TOO big for the job...get a smaller one and try that..I prefer the 18mm one, it gets around tight corners and points much easier. I also just sand paper dots on the templates!

Spray a small amount of 505 spray on the back of the template and it will not move around on your fabric and can be used over and over without having to apply anymore.

Yup, do it all the time.

I too have been wondering the same thing. Here's a tutorial I just found. http://winnowings.blogspot.com/2011/...ecing-101.html

I photocopy my template onto freezer paper, iron it onto my fabric and cut it out with sissors. This just seems to work best for me.

Don't try to cut around paper templates or thin templates with a rotary cutter. If you don't lose a finger, you will shear the edges off your templates so that they are not accurate any more. Best thing to do is to place a rotary cutting rule over the top of your template, along the edge and cut accordingly if you haven't got an acrylic template to cut around. All the best with your projects.

Watch a Marti Michelle video or take some classes. She uses templates with engineered corners and the pieces fit together beautifully. I've been taking some classes and there's a learning curve to it but once you get the hang of it, they're wonderful! What it basically consists of is that you lay your template on the edge of your fabric then lay a long ruler next to it. Move the template up and down your fabric a couple of times until you're sure that the long ruler is straight and the width you want. Remove the template and cut. Then use the template on the strip of fabric that you just cut.

There is a clean film that you can buy to put on the back of all your rulers and templates. it would really well. I have also bought the little sandpaper dots that stick on the back of them. They both work really well.

In a pinch, I have used clear nail polish on the back of the template. Allow to dry very well, then use to cut.

When I'm cutting small templates I tape them onto the fabric. I use the wide mailing tape. You trim around the template so the tape only makes it marginally thicker with each use. The tape will easily peel off the leftover fabric pieces.

When I'm cutting small templates from small leftover pieces I take the templates AND the fabric to the cutting board. That way the shapes I cut are all exact. Tape peels off the cutting board easily.

I have also used double faced tape. Helps a lot. Lois

I must be different, I just cut mine with my rotary cutter, & have never had a problem. My advice, try different suggestions, then do what works for you!...

I love Dresden plate--am almost addicted to it--I ordered Darlene Zimmerman's easy Dresden template from Missouri Star Quilt Co and it is wonderful. Don't give up on quilting before you have tried this. Also, there is a tutorial on You Tube showing exactly how to use this template. froggyintexas

when i use my Drunkard Path acrylic templates, i tend to draw around them. as close to each other as possible to save fabric. then cut the fabric pieces.
if using an acrylic template with straight edges, you can cut your fabric with your rotary cutter. if using a thin template made out of plastic, i would lay a ruler on the edge of it and then cut.

if your template isn't too thick and curves not too deep you can use the smaller rotarery cutters - at least the 28mm one . So it depends on the equipment you have and how they react and work with each other.

When I'm cutting a polyhedron or rhombus, I want my edges straight - thus my desire to use my rotary cutter. What I've been doing is cutting the shape on the sewing line, and hanging the edge of my ruler over the template by 1/4 inch for seam allowance. Repositioning my ruler causes the template to shift, though. Making tape anchors under it seems to be helping. I use paper if there are few shapes the same so I can save my template material for larger projects.

If I can use a rotary cutter I do. I only cut out shapes for applique.

My tip for keeping your ruler on your template while you cut is to use a piece of vinyl. It tends to stick enough to the paper to prevent movement. If you don't want to buy any, just use that vinyl that they are placing over screens for electronics. I just took some off my new clock. Free. It does have markings, but not a big concern since you are only using the edge over your template.</does>

I'm clear now that you are being safe and have a suggestion to put a product called 'clear grip' on the bottom of your rules. I use it with success. It looks a bit like the film you put over the back of camera screens to protect them from scratching and comes in a metre roll. My method of cutting is to cut strips the width of my template and then place the template over the strips. This generally means only two cuts are needed for each shape and I vary the size of the rotary cutter depending on the size of the shape. Please show us what you come up with on a future post.

If I am using a template with a hard surface such as having a friend cut out for me from plexiglass I spray the back of the template with spray adhesive and let it dry I do the same with me rulers. It works great and they don't move.

sandpaper dots

My lovely husband bought me a rotary cutting board for Christmas, this is great for cutting out difficult shapes, I'm not so agile as I was and my large table is not so easy to walk around. Happy New year to all, xx

What a great idea!!! I was using a glue stick on the outside of the lines but I think this idea is wonderful!

Your first problem is using a paper pattern. If you nick it, it's reduced in size. I use template plastic and old scissors to cut. You can add seam allowances or not, depending on whether you are hand or rotary cutting. If hand, trace around the templates with a mechanical pencil with a #.05 lead. leave ½-inch between the pencil lines when cutting out. The pencil lines are your cutting lines. For rotary, include the seam allowances in the template. The easiest way to cut is to cut strips of fabric. For instance, if your template is 2½-inches square cut a strip 2½-inches and use the template to cut individual pieces, actually with this scenario, all you would have to do is cut each template using a ruler. However, hope you get the idea. Don't lay your fabric on a slippery table/counter as this will contribute to the fabric shifting.
SandyQuilter

Opps, made a mistake when typing. The pencil lines are the sewing lines when making templates for hand piecing.
Sorry.

SandyQuilter