How to Make Plastic Quilt Squares

Quilting is a wonderful hobby, and there are many ways to cut corners to make quilt-making less expensive, and one way is to cut your own plastic templates. One sheet of plastic will make several templates, and save you money, not only on that quilt project you're doing now, but also on every one in the future.

Things You'll Need

• Quilt cutting mat
• Rotary cutter
• Heavy plastic or metal ruler
• Plastic sheet
• Scotch tape
• Permanent marker

Instructions

1. Lay the clear plastic sheet on the quilt cutting mat. Square the corners and edges, and hold in place with tape. Determine what size templates you will need from the instructions given for the quilt.

2. 

   Measure out the sizes of template pieces you will need, according to the directions. Use the ruler to help you make a straight line for cutting. You can usually cut several templates from one piece of plastic, with some experimenting with placement.

3. Using the ruler as a straight edge, cut the plastic with the rotary cutter. Remove the tape. Mark the size of each piece on the plastic with a permanent marker, i.e. 5-by-5 or 4-inch Triangle.

4. Store the templates together in your sewing box by either clasping them together with a clip, or place them in a large envelope.

Tips & Warnings

• If there is room on the template, you may want to write the name of the quilt pattern, and clip all of the templates for that one quilt pattern together.

• Plastic templates are quite thin, and easily cut with the rotary cutter when cutting fabric. To avoid this, use a flat edge over the template when you are cutting your pieces.