How to Make Applique Templates
Applique allows the quilter to express creativity and imagination and brings new life to wall hangings and quilts. Making an applique template is quick and easy once you know how to do it.
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Things You'll Need
- Applique pattern
- Thin cardboard or plastic
- Marker
- Pencil
- scissors or craft knife
Instructions
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1
Trace or photocopy the template pattern onto plain paper. It is always wise to make two copies. One is your working copy and the second is for future reference.
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2
Mark both copies to identify individual pieces.
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3
Make note of colors to be used. You may wish to label pieces with terms like dark floral, medium blue, or small patterned material. These notes are designed to remind you of the color scheme or textures needed to create the look and feel you desire.
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4
Cut the individual pieces of the pattern apart.
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5
Trace the pattern pieces onto a sheet of thin cardboard or plastic with a marker. You may wish to pin the paper pattern to the cardboard prior to cutting to keep the piece from slipping while you trace it. If pinning is difficult, a small piece of tape will hold it in place.
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Remove the paper and mark the template pieces to match your written notes. Always indicate the direction of the piece right on the template to prevent cutting material in the wrong direction. Be sure to identify the applique pattern the piece belongs to so that if it is misplaced you can easily identify it.
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7
Store all the pieces and a copy of the pattern in a sealed plastic storage bag to prevent losing individual pieces. Be sure to label the storage bag with the name of the pattern. These can then be stored in a storage box or filed in a file box for easy access.
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Tips & Warnings
Applique templates are generally cut to the exact dimensions of the pattern and do not require a seam allowance; however, you must allow additional fabric if you intend to overlap pieces in the final product. Patterns from pattern books will already allow for the overlap. If you are creating your own designs, you will need to keep in mind that if pieces overlap, you will need to allow for it when making your template.
