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Quote:

Originally Posted by kristakz (Post 5141018)

Does anyone make their own quilting stencils? I hate the idea of buying them - my blocks are seldom standard sizes, and often I'd need to buy a stencil in several sizes in order to do my quilt. So I'm trying to figure out how to mark my own designs on the quilt top. I tried buying some template plastic and cutting that to make a stencil, but it was (I guess) too thick, because cutting an intricate curve was a complete disaster. So, do you have any suggestions for making my own stencils?

I've also tried sewing over paper templates - and I hate having to pull the paper out later.

I'm also having a heck of a time finding something to mark with. I bought a pounce pad today, and that's not too bad, but I'm finding it doesn't always leave a legible line. none of the pencils I've tried are working at all. not sure if it's my fabric colour, or something wrong with the pencils, but unless I press REALLY hard, I get nothing. And they all say to mark lightly.

Any and all suggestions appreciated. I'm getting desperate today.

I use the disappearing ink pen (red violet in color on one end and blue on the other) Depending on how warm and humid it is the ink will disappear usually in less than 24 hours. I often trace a pattern I like from a library book and then copy it by tracing again onto the plastic pages you purchase and cut it out, then trace around that with the disappearing ink pen, the good news is that you have the pattern to use another day, and you can alter it as you see fit when tracing.

Here's the link to the Don Linn tutorial on this template from tulle process. It's fantastic. It is the monthly tutorial for the Free Motion Quilting challenge from SewCalGal.blogspot.com. Check it out, esp the video.
http://www.sewcalgal.blogspot.ca/201...torial-by.html

Quote:

Originally Posted by SittingPretty (Post 5141467)

I've heard of using tulle fabric in an embroidery hoop. You mark the design on the tulle with a marker. Then you trace the design through the tulle onto your fabric. You could use a permanent marker on the tulle (NOT ON YOUR QUILT!), if you want to save it, but I guess you could use a washout marker, if you want to use the tulle over again with a different design. As for marking your quilt, some people use the Crayola washable markers. I, too, have found that I have to press harder with the other pencils than the "light touch" in the directions. Otherwise, I like marking with chalk, but it does seem to brush off some.

I was shown in a machine quilting class to make my own stencils out of poster board. ( thin cardboard) You just draw out your design on the cardboard. Set your sewing machine to a smallish satin stitch. Put in an old needle and sew on the line with no thread in the machine. ( my machine won't sew with no thread, I use thread) sew for several inches then leave a little space like in a regular stencil. Sew out the whole design to cut it just like a regular stencil. THe sewing machine will cut the cardboard out with a nice thin line for you. It works great.

I am a newbie,I put this in my favorites right!
Thank you !

I like the idea of the washable plastic. I will try it on the quilt I am doing now because I don't want to sew over paper and then have to tear it away.

I should have said water soluble stabilizer instead of washable plastic. I also watch Don Linn tutorial and think I will give that a try. Thanks Tjradj for sharing.

Been thinking about this one for a few days since reading the post..I like to reuse things, so using plastic wrap isn't for me. What I am thinking is drawing my design out, them laminating it ( I have a $25 laminator that does 8X11 sheets). Then I can cut the lines out using an exacto knife. If I use the heavy laminate pockets I think this could work..anyone ever try this? Will let you know how it goes

I just watched the video. This is very informative. It opens a whole different aspect of transferring designs. Great!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjradj (Post 5146136)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krisb (Post 5141050)

Try using Glad wrap. Really. Sounds crazy, but it works. Try looking at this

http://home.ptd.net/~shoofly/PNS/directions.htm

Gotta try this!!!! Sounds really cool.

I will try this; thank you sooooo much!!!