I think that my quilt needs some kind of design on the sides.
I was think of using a stencil of some kind. how do i go about using them and is a printable stencil easier to work with.i am not sure what they are, I saw these on line and was not sure how they worked.

I also thought about embroidering one on the quilt also but was not sure.

Any help will be great. thanks.

quilt stencils are used to mark guide lines on a quilt top and then you follow the lines with the quilting.

there are many different ways to mark a quilt and the markings can be removed with water or ironing.

its typically easier to buy a pre-made stencils then to print and cut your own but that really depends on your skill set and if you've done any type of work with plastic and cutting with a razor knife.

Just wanted to let you know that I used some gray chalk to mark something I was hand quilting. I also used the blue wash out pen. The pen washed out beautifully. The chalk is still there. The quilt is for me, so I'm going to wash it again and try and pretreat that spot. I ran them both through the lines on the stencil. I used premade stencils I found at Hobby Lobby, JoAnn Fabrics, or Hancocks.

for who have a time getting some marking out of their quilts, I have used the washable childrens markers. and usually don't have a problem HOWEVER some don't come out completely But I usually soak overenight with oxyclean and the wash with regular detergent.. don't use pink black or brown.

Thanks for the tip. I'm working now on my first quilt marked with childrens markers. I used orange and yellow. I'm a little worried about the marks coming out! Glad to know what you do.

I use washable artists pencils you can get them out with a damp cloth or by washing :D

neat ideas... thanks

I wrote extensively some time ago in response to a similar question. However in doing this it is necessary to make reference to one company that sells quilting stencils and some may be offended by this endorcement. On the other hand I designed the stencils for the company. You might also look at www.quilterstv.com and scroll through to the episode I did on using or making stencils. However, I would be glad to describe all this again if anyone interested. I also did an article for one of the older Fons and Porter magazines if it is possible to still get it.

Did you test the markers on the fabric before you marked the quilt.

I really like Full Line Stencils. They have a mesh instead of cut outs so you can only use chalk pounce with them. They make a very nice line.
I also use regular cut out ones from Joanns that I get with coupons. I use the blue wash out pens and the dissapearing ink pens alot. Both work well. Marking pencils dont work for me, very hard to get them to mark.