You can actually purchase template plastic in most craft stores, like Joanns. I don't use alot of it, but always have some on hand just in case. Its pretty inexpensive.
Also you could use the lids of things like your butter bowls when you are done with the butter!!!

Tricia

I haven't seen it at WM, but that doesn't mean they don't have it.
I draw directly on the plastic and then just cut it out. Hope this helps.

If you have a paper pattern, you could glue it to a manilla folder. then trace around that. I have done that before. Or if you do find the plastic, place it over the printed [pattern and trace your shape onto the plastic. Maybe if fabrics doesn't have it, they might have it in the office supply section, wher they would keep stencils & such. Hope this helps a little.
vicki

Any food that comes in a box will do. Cereal, oatmeal, mac-n-cheese, hamburger helper, rice-a-roni, butter. You get the idea. Even plastic like milk, juice, butter bowl lids, sour cream. When ever you go to throw something away (other than wet things like coffee grounds save them for your plants) stop and think for a minute Can this be cut for a template. Cut the box so you have flat pieces. Glue or tape a picture of the pattern you want on it and cut. Real easy.

They do have it at WM I usualy get the heavier one. They also have one with a grid on it. I think the last time I got some it was about $4 and had 5 or 6 sheets in it

If you are really desparate you can use the plastic insert that comes in bacon pkgs. I use that when I want to make a stencil. It can be seen through if you hold it up to a window and you can use a fine shartpie to make your pattern. Then you can make more than one when you accidently cut your pattern with your rotary cutter like I did. Cheap Cheap Cheap.

If you use cardbroad for a template try not to use it over and over,because everytime you trace around it,it will get smaller. and then you might not be happy with the size. so be carefull. try to use the heavier plastic if you can. when using the plastic i also use an emery file to smooth the edges.

I buy sheets of Poster board, three for $1.00 at the dollar store. I store it under my bed mattress.

It sounds like you have a lot of good advise. But if its easier to find freezer paper, trace your pattern onto the non waxy side of the freezer paper, cut it out carefully and iron it onto your fabric (waxy side down), cut your fabric. Sometimes this is cheaper and easier , especially if you are not needing to use the piece more than 20 times. Also I make make multiple copies to speed up the process and they don't slip!

All of these are wonderful methods.. I have purchased the template plastic from the craft store and used ti to make a master copy....it doesn't scorch and holds its shape. I then put it in a folder for future use on another project and incorporate freezer paper and cardboard or other plastics, even newspaper to make the multiple shapes for new quilts. I build a template stash this way and allow myself plenty of options for future designs on the many quilts I have yet to make.

The template plastic is fairly cheap, but their are 2 kinds. One can be ironed on and the other can't be. They also make a plastic template cutter that works great.
I have used cardboard and find that the pieces don't always come out the same size. Once you mark around the cardboard it starts getting smaller.
Bacon liners work great, but don't iron on them.
If I'm cutting circles for yo yo, I iron on freezer paper, then take my circle cutter and cut away.
Also, you can buy plex glass and cut your own templates with a small saw if you are real handy.
Have fun.
VP

Beth Ferrier from Applewood Farms has her templates cut at a hardware store. She does caution to be sure and tell the person who is doing the cutting that it must be EXACT to the pattern she gives them.
I bought some template plastic that was in a roll. Even though I have weighted this down for weeks, I can not get the "roll" out of it.
I wonder if a jig saw would do a good job at cutting out plexiglas templates?
Joyce

You could trace the patern onto a piece of tracing paper, glue that onto the plastic then cut on the traced lines.

Joyce, I wonder if you could put a towel over the template sheet and iron it with steam then just let it sit there till it was cool.

you can also used old used xrays- that is what I use all the time. Next time you are at the clinic ask them if they have xray's that they are going to throw away they will propably give them to you. They make great templates.
Kathy/ND

Sure.

Cut to the outside a little bit, then sand down to the line. The problem with jigsaws is they leave a rough edge (depending on which blade you use). The sanding will take care of that. I haven't used plexi for quilts, but I have made templates for kite panels out of it. The edges need to be smooth or you'll run into issues with your rotary cutter.

tim in san jose

>>I did read something a while back about someone going to Home Depot or Ace Hardware (can't remember which) and having them cut out acrylic/plex glass for them to make uber cheap templates for quilting block. Has anyone else done this? <<

I have a couple of acrylic templates made at Ace a few years ago, assume that they still do it. Paid $1 each (I think, experiencing a "senior moment"). Very accurate cutting BTW. I've been thinking of having templates made for the Drunkard's Path pieces as well as a little ducky.

HTH

Pat B,
Yes, Ace Hardware still does the cutting for you, of different thicknesses of acrylic plastic, or glass or whatever. I got a piece not too long ago to cover the outside lower part of a French door. My shephard likes to "knock" on the door when she wants to come in & I was afraid she might put her paw through one of the glass panes, it works very well. They are very accomodating & helpful to get you what it is you want, & as you mentioned are very precise. They would probably drill a hole or holes for you also, to mark seam allowances, or for hanging. They seem to always go the extra mile for customers, especially the ladies who may not always know exactly what it is they want or need for the job. 8) Betty

I went to my local Ace hard ware and had the cut some differnt widths of pelxi glass for cutting strip. I got from 2 1/2 inches up to a 9 inch wide pieces going up in 1/2 inch increments. Some pieces I did not pay for because they were able to get them from scrapes ( the smaller with ones) I got a total of 14 sizes and cost me $6

I think I've posted on this before........I use poster board...I make two of each I need.........some I save with the pattern and others I toss.
Other people save all types of plastic to cut templates'.........the plastic sheet in the bacon all size lids and any other piece s of plastic

I recently checked with Home Depot and Lowe's, and they no longer do it. I called a plastic's place and they cut a template for me for a quilt I'm working on, and it was a little less than $3.

Walmart does sell the plastic templetes. There are 5 or 6 per package for about $6-$7.

I was talking with a woman in the fabric store who said she uses those reusable plastic mats that are for cutting boards. I'm not sure if it works, just passing along a thought.

I believe the standard is paper size....about 8.5 x11. Ours carries both the clear and the graphed ones.

:D I found out in my area, some of the replacement glass shops will make plexiglass templates for a small free. All they ask for is an accurate copy of the pattern templates to work from.
Susan

The sheets are 8 1/2 X 11. They are put out by EZ QUILTING. Here is the website for the company. www.ezquilt.com

I went to Home Depot looking for Plexi glass and found a version they call Acrylic Sheet that is much cheaper but, still quite thick compared to the plastic they sell for stencils. It also is clear. It was about $3 for an 11 X 14 pc. I havent seen the same thing at Walmart and have not had a chance to check for it at craft stores but, plan to. It says easy to cut, have to decide which pattern templates to make. The web site says for fabrication information visit

www.plaskolite.com/downloads.htm

you will have to type that in as I have not mastered links yet (actually haven't tried yet! :( .

Oh for the roll sheeting maybe heating it with a hair dryer might relax it. I'd weight it while heating it. If the Iron suggestions didn't work.

Trica, What is that pic on your profile of?

Hi every one out there, i have my corners and sashes on my quilt Thanks to every one for your help.I have a problem with my ruler slipping when i'm cutting fabric, any suggestion in solving this problem or maybe an idea that may keep the ruler from slipping.
Thank you Annette

One way is to have your fingers spread on the ruler much like a spider with your pinky off the edge holding it in place.....an easier way is to put little sandpaper or rubber grips on the bottom of the ruler to hold against the fabric. Either will help in keeping the ruler more in place. you can find them at your local hardware or often at wal-mart or other discount store or on-line as well in the notions department.

I have the same problem. Also I find myself shaving the ruler with the Rotary cutter. That can't be good for the blade? I Found a Pc. of plexiglass left over from some project of my husbands. It's 8"X19" You could cut it smaller or larger but, I find the extra weight helpful and the edges are thicker than the ruler so there is less tendancy to ride up the edge with the Rotary cutter. I think the only thing better would be tempered glass. :?:

you can buy the plastic at walmart even if they dont have fabric. joyce :mrgreen:

I think most Wal Mart stores fabric dept. has went way down. I know our old one had all kinds of fabrics . now have to go to a fabric store to get what i want. and yes walmart does have template plastic.

I cut my finger & had 7 stitches in it so i got a ruler with a rot. cuter on it . can not cut my fingers any more they are about 25.00 at walmart but they are worth it because the stitches were 500.00 plus i couldnt quilt till they were ok................ joyce

So sorry about your fingers. Now you can use that old saying about putting blood,sweat and tears , into your quilt art. :roll: :oops: