At a quilt meeting a month ago, stencils were shown, how to use etc. One method was to trace onto paper (a wax type) then sew on the lines. I have been doing that. When I trace the stencil, I use a foam board and sharpies - keeps the ink on the paper.
Something new for me, I am enjoying getting new stencils for later projects.

Great idea, I may give that a try.

Like wax paper? How welll wax paper come off? Thanks

nice tip, thanks

Do the stitches get loose when you pull off the paper?

Interesting idea.
But how do you keep the paper from shifting while you're stitching? Do you iron the wax paper to the quilt top or maybe spray adhesive?

I also use what we call 'grease proof paper'. I trace a design that I want to quilt then depending how many I need of that design I cut my paper to size and either pin or staple it together with the traced design on top. I then sew on the lines with my machine using an old needle and no thread. I then use this as a 'stencil'! The paper comes off very easily after it has been sewn onto your quilt. I normally remove paper whilst watching TV in the evenings!

I pin the design to the quilt using straight pins

I think about the same as this gold paper I am using, got it at a local quilt shop.
It's seethru gold color. Maybe I needed to say freezer type paper?

I pin mine to the quilt with straight pins too. I know it seems like extra steps to trace onto paper then pin then sew etc. For me it seems better than tracing the pattern onto the quilt.

I pin it. guess I need to post a couple of pics.

Here are a couple of pics

Sometimes, I try to be careful when pulling the paper off.

YIKES! after doing that work, I wouldn't want to pull the thread loose!

The kind of waxed paper I use here ... Sharpies would not mark on, nor most anything. What are you using?

I buy water soulable interfacing to trace my quilting patterns. Washes away when I wash the quilt.Buy it at JAs

The paper is called Golden Threads - had to go look at unused roll in the closet.

It's not bad, you can always go back and sew a few stitches over any pulled threads. This is a learning experience for me, I know it's not perfect, doesn't need to be.

This has become my favorite method lately. Works like a charm!

I got that paper, I might just give this a try! Looks very doable for me! Thanks

you should not use a permanant ink the thread can soak it up as you stitch

Have never heard of this ... anyone know if we have it here in Canada?

Even if you let the ink dry completely before attaching to the quilt? I have not had any problems with the thread becoming colored, I let it dry completely and test by rubbing to see if it is first. The foam board for tracing is in case the ink soaks thru the paper, it hasn't.

I have a friend who has experimented with those washable crayon markers just in case -- so far though she hasn't had any problem with the ink going onto the quilt.

I have a roll of that paper also, but never thought of pinning it ot a quilt. I just use it for making my stencils, now I need to give this a try. Hugggies, Fay

Are you perforating the paper witrh an empty needle before sewing it to your project, it makes a difference

Now this sounds interesting!

Instead of stencils I trace designs I like on white tissue paper with pencil and if I find a spot that's hard to get out of the stitches I spritz a little water and rub it with my finger. Works well for me and the price is right :-D

You can do the same procedure that you are using with sewing the design without thread to perforate. Instead of sewing over it use it as a stencil. Lay it on your quilt where you want the design, pounce chalk or baby powder over it, working it into the holes and you have a reusable stencil.
I have also traced onto press n seal. It is like saran wrap but tacky. It sticks to most anything and is repositionable. You can see through it and it tears out very easily. Ann in TN

Press and seal? That sounds like a great idea. Going to try that one. Thanks.

Forgot to mention. Be sure to use a water soluble marker when tracing your design. Crayola wash outs work well. I have used permanent and never had a problem but prefer to err on the side of caution. Ann in TN

I love to use stencils for my FMQ. Thanks for the great ideas on how to put the design on paper.

i am glad this is working for you....i once saw a lady at a quilt class use this type of stencil, and she spent hours trying to get all the paper off, and it left a lot of little white dots.....be careful with your threads....

I did this on a quilt thatiwas asked to do the quilting on and it took me hours to get all of the tissue off! I tried wetting it and that just made it worse!!

I was at a class not to long ago and they did the same thing
stencil and typing paper, freezer paper, press & seal,
she said anything to trace and sew - she used iron on backing that will wash away.

There is also Madera stabilizer film, draw designs on it,
stitch and it irons off...I haven't tried it yet but its
on my list for sure!

When I do stencils, if it is on the boarders/sashing, I just cut long strips of white tissue paper, trace the stencil on the tissue paper, then pin it to the boarder/sashing. The tissue paper is very thin and comes right off. Sometimes I use a cotton swab to dampen the stitching area and the paper comes right off. I found wax paper to be a little too stiff. Mary

I use old clothing patterns to draw my stencils on. Pin, quilt and pulls right off.

I really like this idea. The local thrift store always has a bunch of old pattern envelopes for next to nothing and I always look at them thinking...hmmmm there must be some way to re-purpose these!

It should work if you draw on the dull side of the wax paper, that's what I do and it works fine.