Easy DIY Template Tutorial - English Paper Piecing

Do It Yourself Templates for 

English Paper Piecing

I released my "BEJEWLED" Cushion pattern this week and I made the executive decision not to include templates or have templates for the pattern put into production. Why?  Well there were a few reasons. Firstly the pieces for this pattern can all be rotary cut very simply (Full instructions are included in the pattern). Another was driven by the desire to keep the cost of the end product down and there was also the idea that I really wanted to include the pre cut papers with the pattern. 

Don't get me wrong, perspex templates are great but you do not need them for every single pattern. So today I am here to share with you a simple and easy way to make a template.

Even if you have ever just misplaced a Template, you know you have it somewhere but you just can't lay your hands on it right now when you need it.

Or maybe you have decided to make my BEJEWELED Cushions but you would like to do some fussy cutting so need a template :)

So let's get to it.

Supplies:

Template Plastic

Tape - Washi works well

Add a Quarter Ruler

Rotary Cutter

Permanent Marker

Rotary Cutting Mat,

and of course the paper shape that you plan to make the template for.

Start by making a tape circle by having the sticky side facing out and overlapping the ends.

Then stick this to the back of your paper template.

Position the tape side down on your Template plastic. Ensure that you have left enough room to cut the 1/4" seam allowance.

Take your 'Add a Quarter Ruler' and line the little lip of the ruler against the edge of the paper shape. With your Rotary cutter and ruler carefully work your way around your shape cutting your template at the 1/4" larger than your paper shape.

   

BEFORE removing your paper from the template take your marker and draw a line on the edge of your paper shape. You want the drawn line to overlap the paper and the perspex template.

When you remove your paper shape you will see a nice sharp edge. Everything inside the black line is what will be showing on your finished piece of fabrics once sewn :)

See how easy that was :)

A bonus when working with template plastic templates is that you can use a pencil to mark guides for your fussy cutting that can easily be removed with an eraser so you can go again.

If you have any questions please ask.

Happy Stitching,

Sharon x