Stencils for hand quilters
 

I've been just quilting around the blocks in my quilts but now want to expand my quilting. I would like to find a stencil that is just "meandering" over the quilt rather than a tight design. Does that make any sense? Any suggestions?

You might be able to find a stencil at JoAnn's. There are definitely those kind of stencils out there, and I believe I saw one last time I was in the quilting section.

You could also try drawing your own if you can't find a stencil for it.

I bought a meandering stencil from Joann.com just a couple of months ago actually.

You really don't need a stencil for an all over meander. Here is a great tutorial one of our members did that shows how she draws out a meander.
https://www.quiltingboard.com/tutori...g-t177072.html
You can easily do this all over your quilt using a crayola ultra washable marker or chalk or whatever your preferred marking meathod is. The beauty of doing it yourself is:
1. You don't have to worry about trying to line up the stencil
2. Your meanders look organic and spontanious not regemented and exact like a stencil would do.
3. You don't have to worry about fitting the meander into an odd space, just adjust what you draw to fit.
4. You save $$ not buying a stencil.

Some may find it awkward or difficult to just wing it meandering and need a stencil to help them establish a pattern. Stencils are available in several meandering sizes. It might be less frustrating to start with a stencil. That way the quilter can concentrate on their machine technique and not pattern.

If you do a search (google) these terms, a lot of stencils come up:

meander quilting stencil
stipple quilting stencil

They are available in various densities (how close the lines are together)

It was helpful for me to have a "pattern" before I was confident enough to "just go for it" with drawing my own line.

feline fanatic just posted a link to this thread - but it is such a FANTASTIC - UNDERSTANDABLE - WONDERFUL - suggestion that I am posting the link again.

https://www.quiltingboard.com/tutori...g-t177072.html

I mostly make my own stencils, but have bought a few. If you want something easy, how about making an apple core shape. You can do it any size you like and it will fit into your kit when you travel.

I love this place for stencils - I hate paying shipping but I am much happier with my quilting when I use stencils. (but I hate the marking process)

https://quiltingcreations.com/default.asp?

Amazon has some stencils and if you have Prime there are some with free shipping

https://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb...lting+stencils

Look up "The Stencil Company". Good luck!

I see why you love this site. I've picked out several that I want to order. Love all the choices and designs. THANKS SO MUCH FOR LETTING ME KNOW ABOUT THIS SITE.

you may just take a piece of school chalk [for blackboards] and doodle some meanderings the follow the lines .....good thing if you don't like it brush away and start over ....but ''The Stencil Company'' has them in lots of sizes

I had never heard of the stencil company - thanks I will have to check them out :)

I found free online stencil patterns. I print out the page and trace it onto the tissue paper that you'd use when wrapping a gift. I spray the stenciled paper lightly with basting spray and smooth it on to my quilt top. I do small sections at a time since I'm using my domestic machine and roll my quilt. I lightly spray with water after I've sewn and the paper comes right off. Any small pieces under the stitches comes off when washed. I get great results with this method.

Quilt in a Day recently had a sale on stencils. They might still be on sale as she is having a birthday sale.

Be careful. The most trouble I have had quilting is removing markings! I am back to "outlining" and echo-ing, and free-hand meandering. I wish you well.

I'm a hand quilter as well and sometimes meandering is just the way to go. I have a meander stencil that also has some tulip designs within that is great. Forget where I got it though, sorry. You've gotten great suggestions as to stencil sites. Just be careful with your marking tools (unless you already have those that work for you).

I have evolved mostly to marking as I go but that might not work so well with a meander. Good luck.

Wow,so glad you posted the link! I'm going to try this next time!!! I love Leah Day!!

I agree ... FANTASTIC!

I second the fantastic!!

My "left brain" can visualize this stipple approach. Good tutorial/link.

Walmart has lots of them.