Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Selecting 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

After marking is completed, it is important to check that all lines have been traced. Some stencils have gaps that need to be joined up once initial marking is done. Once the whole design has been marked, use a long basting stitch and follow the marked lines.

Stencils are inexpensive and easy to use more than once on different projects. They can be kept clean by using a damp cloth so that residue from marking will not end up on the next item. Buy stencils to make creative, beautiful designs on quilts that will be appreciated for years to come.




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