What I do to make templates
 

I bought a 4 x 8ft piece of bathroom paneling. Cost roughly for the paneling is about $15.00 or maybe a little more. Maybe you can split the cost between another quilter. The thickness is 1/16th. Don't have to worry about your rotary cutter thru your template. I started out with the paper template Then eventually trace it on that paper thin semi clear plastic. After I cut the paper thin template. I take my template and trace it on my bathroom paneling. If I'm cutting a house shape template. I cut it roughly 1/2'' to 3/4'' bigger with a box cutter. Everything is cut with scissors, until I get to the bathroom paneling. I've done this process for quite a while. Wont go back to using hat paper thin plastic. 1 more thing just curious what have you's done to make your templates. Don-isewman[ATTACH=CONFIG]578781[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]578780[/ATTACH]

I use template plastic - I like to be able to see what is "under" the template - I do a lot of fussy cutting.

Don, that's very clever! I actually haven't used templates in a long time. But that's not to say I never will. Templates are what I started with when I learned how to quilt.
Thanks for the info!

Maybe a better picture on what I'm tryig to explain
 

I hope I did this right. Trying to post to quick post[ATTACH=CONFIG]578782[/ATTACH]Don isewman

thanks for taking the time to do this tutorial

Good idea. I've used plastic lids from tubs of butter, etc. I have some fairly large lids. I cut the edges off and store them stacked. so I always have them ready for use. They take very little space with the lips cut off.

I went to Lowe's and had them cut me a 4.5" square out of plexiglass and I think it was a dollar or so, much cheaper than buying it. My husband has also cut out other shapes from thinner plexiglass and that has worked for me too.

I've said before that if there is a specific template that makes my life easier as a quilter that I will buy it. Most templates are basic and can be used over and over. But if it something that has set around here for over a year or so I will sell it on Facebook or pass it to a friend.

I buy plastic placements from the dollar store

I draw my block in EQ. Print out the templates. My husband paste the template pieces onto acrylic and cuts them out with a saw. He then removes the paper and adds a 1/4 inch line for the seam.

Don, have you made a set of square templates or rectangles you use on a regular basis. I have used self stick floor tiles to make some odd shapes then stick to something thin to use with rotary cutter.
Good idea on using the paneling, they sure do work well for all of your quilts.

Years ago, I bought two different boxes of templates and I have used them for over 20 years.

Great idea, Don.

Just yesterday I responded that I haven't used templates in a long time.............. well guess what? Today I had to make 90 of them (2 different triangles templates) for a quilt I'm cutting out. I can't use my rotary cutter on that part. I just can't figure out how to make them out of parellelograms. :)

I buy the plastic cutting mats from the dollar store. (Two mats for $1.00). I can see through it & cut it with regular scissors. Then I trace around the templates onto the fabrics. The cutting mats stay supple for many years.

Good information Don, so kind of you to share this with all of us. Thank you.