I've told myself no more fabric buying until I use up a major portion of what I have . . . . so I have a small number of quilts in mind to make. I'm still a major beginner in this, having made only 4 quilts and some small pillows - all of which used squares, rectangles and a very small number of triangles.
The next quilt I want to make is labeled beginner but requires the use of two templates to make approximately 700 pieces. I've never used a template before so this is all new to me and I'm not even sure what questions I need to ask you about this. So I'll ask what I think I need to know, answer what you can and add anything else.
My first and main question is what do I need to buy at the shop to be able to make a template? I'm headed there later today and don't want to go in feeling totally stupid. My pattern requires the use ot two different templates, one being the major one and covering about 95% of the pattern. This one is a triange shape. Will I be cutting out 680 individual pieces or will it be similar to cutting squares where I cut one long strip and then triangles from that? (and if it's just a triangle to I really need a template?)
Please share with me what you can about templates, since I've never used them I'm not sure what I'm getting into.
Thanks, Ellie
hi ellie, can we have more specifics on your templates and what kind of triangles you are making? how big they are, etc.
gini in north idaho
To make triangles you do not need a template. IF they are equilateral (the same size on each side), just cut a strip, then cut the angle. You don't say what the other shape. Look at it really hard, then get out your rulers and look at the shape with your rulers. Ask yourself this, can I cut this shape with my ruler? If yes, do so, if not, then you will probably need template plastic. It is heaver plastic material usually found at craft stores or quilting shops or even at WalMart (that's where I get mine). It is cut with scissors or an exacto knife ( I use an exacto knife on a piece of wood so as to not cut my table). Keep in mind that cutting template plastic is like cutting very hard, very stiff paper. Please share the pattern with us so we can see what you are doing. And good luck with your project.
Have a wonderful New Year, from the Piney Woods of East Texas
Ellie,
I also am pretty new to quilting, about 3 years now, slowly getting more done. I started with just a few rulers that I felt could use for lots of projects. I use the strip method, where I measure the size of the triangle, then cut a long strip of material that size, then line up the ruler to cut only one side of triangle. Does that make sense? It makes for more even triangles. I also have my husband that loves to make wood pieces for me that I like to use. He will cut a triangle or square out for me the size that I need and I can use that for very specific triangles. It would be like those templates out of plastic, but the wood is easier for me to handle. They do take up more room, but I have a small box they go into.
Michelle
from southern Texas
I'd tried doing a copy and paste but can't so I'll describe. The triangle is an isoceles - 2 sides a little longer than the third size (approximately 3" as best as I can estimate). The second template would be half the size of this, to use around the outside edges of the pattern. And the corners are squared off, after the 1/4" seam allowance is added in.
I think what is going through my mind is that I am going to have to trace 700 individual triangles and then cut each one individually - and that does not sound like fun!! Is this how it works or is there an easy way?
Ellie
LearningDayByDay:I'd tried doing a copy and paste but can't so I'll describe.
Hi Ellie. I'm pretty new to quilting also, so I can't really help you there. If you take a picture of the pattern or save on your hard drive. Then you can upload the picture or file on this forum.
Georgetown, CA I'd Rather Be Quilting
you should be able to cut a strip and cut the triangles out from the strips, depending on the shape of the triangle. if the triangles are symmetric, you can draw them on fabric or just use the angles on your rotary rulers to cut them.
can you give us a name of the pattern, a link to it or an e-address so we can go look at it?
Ellie, you will not be cutting each piece individually -- unless for some reason you are using scissors. With a rotary cutter you can successfully cut four blocks at a time. With luck, and a sharp blade, perhaps even six at a time. Just stack your strips carefully on top of each other, lay your template (wood block, or whatever you are using) on the strilp layer and cut.
gini:can you give us a name of the pattern, a link to it or an e-address so we can go look at it?
That would be very helpful, and as you can see there are a lot of very helpful people here. Hang in there and you will get it figured out.
Life is like a quilt...bits & pieces, joy & sorrow, stitched with love
I just make my templates out of the lt cardboard that comes out of the soda boxes ,I trace the pattern then cut it to size. saves me form haivng to buy the rules. I'm cheap LOL . Never ever give up buying fabric .this is coming form a full fleged fabricholic ....there are always sales.LOL Barbara
EAT!! SLEEP !! QUILT!!
Hi Denise, it is nice to meet you!
I use cheap plastic place mats for template. I agree with Gini, it would help to see a pic.
[Ava, Missouri
Thank you for your responses!! It's good to have such knowledgeable people that know the answers to my "hard" questions.
I found the name of my quilt pattern - it's a thousand pyramids quilt. Row after row of several trianges. I'm going to do a little fooling around with my rulers and such to see what I need to do. I think this pattern can be made with equilateral triangles also, in which case I really don't need a template, right?
I think this pattern can be made with equilateral triangles also, in which case I really don't need a template, right?
RIGHT!
Here is a link to another board where the ? was asked and answered. One of the ladies also showed the difference between triangles. You do not have to log into the board to read the thread. Thousands Pyramids Quilt