Template question
 

When I come across a pattern with straight edge templates, I am not sure if I am going about this correctly. My first attempt was to duplicate the pattern on Mylar and proceeded to cut the fabric using a rotary cutter and the mylar template. Well I ended up trimming the template in that process. Then I used the template to trace on the fabric and cut with scissors following the lines I drew on the fabric. O how time consuming. I am welcoming suggestions on using templates and wondering what is the best way to cut my fabric using a template.

I make templates out of old file folders. I trace the template on tissue paper then glue it to the cardboard file folder and cut it out carefully. I usually make a couple of the same template if I'm going to use it a lot, just marking the corner seam allowances with a dot and labeling the template. When I use it to cut, I place a ruler along the cutting edge of the template so I don't slice my template. Hope this makes sense. It's a few extra steps but some patterns call for templates and I haven't found an easier way to do it. Maybe you could use your mylar templates but put a ruler on top of it for cutting to save the edges of the template?

You should not cut fabric with your template. Draw around it then use a regular ruler to cut on the lines.

I saw one woman trace the shape onto plain white paper then glue this to the bottom of her ruler and use that to cut with. If you lay your ruler on top of a mylar shape, it won't trim the edges. Basically same as paper but not glued to bottom of ruler.

Rotary cutters are for cutting with rotary templates/rulers. The mylar or paper templates are for tracing, then cutting. Sadly if you are going to be using paper/mylar templates there is no quick trick.
There are lots of quilt units that you don't need templates for - like making half square triangles, etc. When I see a pattern calling for a unit that I know how to make without templates, I ignore the cutting instructions/templates and go about it my own way.

;):):cool::rolleyes::eek::thumbup::shock::shock::s hock:

I am a sucker for templates so this may or may not help you. http://www.deepbluetemplates.com/ I have been using this company, local here in Washington State, for a long time. Besides the templates they do sell they will custom make any template or size of ruler. They just need a description or picture of what you want and prices are so reasonable. They all come with 1/4 inch seam allowance but on a few of my squares I did not want that and he made them just "my" dimensions.

I always place my ruler over the template to cut. It has always worked well for me.

I called around and found a plastics company t hat would make me acryllic templates. The smaller ones they used left over plastic and cost next to nothing for me. I just give them the drawing of what I want and the cut it to my size exactly. Love them.

I'd suggest you try this.