jeudi 16 novembre 2017

Choosing A Quilt Stencil For Quilting

By Gregory Gibson


Choosing a quilting design is not always easy. There are so many options to choose from and choice depend on all kinds of factors such as who it is intended for, the taste of that individual and the space it will occupy. Sometimes it helps to have some way of getting going easily and quickly with a design. This is where a quilt stencil may be a good idea and offer some much needed inspiration.

Flexible plastic is used to create these stencils and they are easy to use, providing a guide to work with when making quilts. They come in a number of different types and sizes and can be used in different ways. Blocks, backgrounds and borders are all available.

Many types of block stencils can be purchased and one can select from a specific theme or design. Eagles, acorns, Amish medallions, angels, bears, flowers and bells are just a few of these. Larger size blocks will fill a whole block and smaller ones may just be used in a corner.

Border stencils can be used to create patterns all the way around the edge of an item. They are designed in such as way that they can be lined up to make a continuous pattern. Another type of stencil available is one that can be used for backgrounds. These also come in all kinds of patterns from circles, shells, spirals and waves to leaves, diamonds and squares.

The most important aspect when it comes to choosing stencils is going for the right size for the area. When making a choice try to find one that is a half to one inch smaller than the size of a finished block. Again, when choosing a border design, choose one a half to one inch smaller than the finished width of the border. For example, if a border design is four inches when finished, choose a three or three and a half inch design.

Marking is a simple matter of using markers such as a water soluble pen, a chalk pencil or a graphite pencil. Different methods of marking are used, some of which involve marking before basting and others that involve marking after basting. When marking, make sure to avoid smudging what has been marked already by working from the center towards the outer edge.

When marking, make sure that all the lines have been traced and that any gaps between lines have been connected. Once the whole pattern has been successfully marked, it is time to use a long basting stitch and go over the marks that have been made.

Stencils can easily be used over and over again. They are easily cleaned with a damp cloth or some soap and water after use to avoid chalk residue. Stencils are a fun, fast way to mark quilts with beautiful designs.




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