Friday, November 17, 2017

Choosing A Quilt Stencil For Quilting

By Gregory Gibson


Trying to decide on a quilting design can be challenging. Quilting design choices are often a statement of the taste of the quilter. Quilters have to bear in mind how quilts will be used, who they are for and whether they need to be fancy or simple. These are just some of the questions to ask before make a decision. If it is just too difficult to decide, a quilt stencil can help give some inspiration.

Quilting stencils come in a wide variety of designs and are normally constructed out of thin, flexible plastic. They act as a guide when making quilts by giving an exact form to work with. One can choose from many sizes and widths, depending upon how they are to be used. The marked designs get the quilting process started easily and quickly. There are so many creative ways they can be used.

Block types of stencils come in different sizes and designs. A small block can be used in just a corner or a large block may be selected to almost fill a block. One can choose from acorns, bears, eagles, flowers, bells and much more. Make a choice according to a specific theme, the age of a person or the decor of a room. Choose a more simple option or a fancier one. With the variety available, everyone will find something to suit their needs.

Stencils are available that can be lined up to create a continuous pattern all the way around the quilt. It is important to measure carefully and make sure that one does not end up at the corners being unable to match the design. Stencils can even be used for a background with a choice of shapes like diamonds, circles, spirals, wave patterns or clam shells.

When choosing stencils, it is important to go for the right size. When choosing a block, one should select a size between a half and one inch less than the size of the finished block. It should almost fill the block. The same applies to choosing border stencils. This means that if a border design is five inches, the one selected should be between four and four and a half inches.

Some methods of marking a quilt require tracing the design onto the top with a light box before basting. With others, designs can be marked or transferred onto quilts after basting by using a variety of markers. Chalk pencil, graphite pencil and water soluble pens are just some of the options. Remember to mark patterns from the center to the outside to minimize the risk of smudging what has already been traced.

Once the marking is done, double-check that the whole pattern has been done. Most stencils have gaps where the drawing line cannot be continued and these gaps can be connected after doing the marking. After this, a basting stitch is used to follow the marks 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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