Saturday 20 January 2018

Selecting A Quilt Stencil For Quilting

By Gregory Gibson


Deciding on designs for quilts is quite a difficult process, taking into consideration various factors such as where they will be used, and the taste of the people who will be using them. Quilts come in so many different styles, from simple to ornate. Just making a decision is enough to stop one from moving forward. At this stage, it may be worthwhile to consider using a quilt stencil. This will often help to get creative juices flowing.

Stencils for quilting are made out of flexible plastic. They come in all sorts of widths and sizes, depending on usage. The multitude of designs available can be used in so many creative ways. They can help one to push past a mental block so that creativity can flow once more.

The blocks that can be purchased are available in many designs. One can choose according to a specific theme or to suit a certain decor style. An Amish medallion may be the perfect choice for a farmhouse style bedroom and a teddy bear is suitable for the bedroom of a child. Other choices are angels, acorns, eagles, bells and flowers. Blocks are also different sizes and larger ones are suitable for filling a whole block. A smaller one may be suitable for using in the corners.

Another option is the border variety. These stencils help with creation of patterns around the edge and are designed to to line up to form the continuous pattern. When choosing a border stencil, the size may have to be adjusted to fit because a repeat in the design may not quite match the dimensions. Background stencils are also available. They come in designs like ocean waves, circles, clam shells, continuous spirals, diamonds and leaves.

The wrong size stencils can ruin a design. If it is intended for a block, it must almost fill the block. It is best to choose one that is a half inch to an inch smaller. The same applies to choice of border stencils. They should also be a half inch to an inch smaller in width. One does not want the design to get lost in the space.

A variety of methods are used for marking or transferring stencils onto quilts. This may be done before or after basting. Sometimes a design will be traced on before basting by using a light box. Different types of markers may be used such as a graphite pencil, a water soluble pen or a chalk pencil. When marking patterns onto quilts, try to work from the center to the outside to prevent smudging what has been marked already.

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.

The beauty of stencils is that it is possible to use them more than once. It is easy enough to clean them and remove any residue left on them by markers. Simply use soap and water or a damp cloth. Stencils are a fast and fun way to make creative designs.




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