Templates

[Highlands858]

I've been using cardboard to make some wallet templates recently, but it doesn't seem to be holding up too well. What do y'all use to make your templates? I want something that's flat, hard on the edges, and easy to cut. Does poster board work?

Thanks in advance for any and all responses.

[Phatdaddy]

I haven't tried this...yet, but I was cleaning up my basement the other day and came across the kid's sleds and "Krazy Karpets" and looking at the Krazy Karpets (crazy carpet) my immediate thought was template material. They'll soon be on sale and sold everywhere (in places that get snow). I realize these may not be available to everyone, but I think they will work beautifully.

The brand name ones generally run 5-6 dollars but there are knock offs for around 3 bucks.

Images from google.

I've been using cereal boxes and the like and manila folders. But they don't last.

Just a thought,

Kevin

ps. I recently ordered 6 templates from blackriverlaser.com Joyce is an absolute treat to deal with. I haven't received them yet, but I'm sure they will be wonderful.

Edited August 16, 2012 by Phatdaddy

[Studio-N]

I use Bontex bag stiffener material.

[TwinOaks]

I pick up LOTS of plastic pocket folders at walmart in the 'back to school' section. The last time I picked any up (last year) they had gone down to $ 0.02 each. That's a bunch for $5. The material is thin enough to be cut with an exacto style knife, or scissors, and cuts very smoothly. Color selection is pretty wide, so I use one color for holsters, one for pouches, one for wallet pieces.....etc. A simple single hole punch (for paper) easily adds a hole to it to keep multiple pattern pieces together with a loop of string, or a ring.

They're waterproof, firm enough when held down to trace around, and thin enough that you can press 'dots' through the material and they'll stay there....kind of like a craft aid. That's fantastic for marking stitch lines inside the pattern, and I use my overstitch wheel to do that. A regular stylus works just as well.

[Bob Blea]

I've been using a thin plastic that is sold at craft and sewing stores for use in making quilting templates. I don't know the brand name as I havent' bought any for a little while, but it's kept with the cutting mattes and cutters at my local JoAnne's fabrics and Hobby Lobby. However I like TwinOaks idea and I may have to check that out. I also use cardstock (sometimes just stuff that comes in my junk mail) to make up templates before I'm sure I want to make a more permanent template.

Bob

[Chief31794]

I always used poster board and it holds up for 4 or 5 uses but then has to be replaced. I recently converted to Black River Laser templates, you can create a template or send one you have or send them a file (not sure what format they need, but Joyce or "Stitchwizard" as she goes by on this forum can tell you) and they'll make you a permanent template out of laser cut acrylic. They are beautiful, I recommend you give them a try, their prices are extremely reasonable and their products are first rate.

Chief

[silverback]

I use thin polyethelene cutting boards and by thin i mean around a mil or less.i can get a pack of 5 from our reject shops or $2 shops for around $3.00 or so.they are a bit hard to write on but i think you call them sharpies or textas should do it.

[Sylvia]

I've used a few things to make templates. File folders, cereal boxes, Milk jugs cut open and ironed flat under some wax paper, aluminum flashing on a roll.... And Black River Laser's templates. Of all those... the aluminum and black river laser templates work the best.... The aluminum has draw backs related to the material such as sharp edges, difficulty in cutting out intricate designs and you can't see through them.

I've also use the sheet protectors that someone else mentioned but tend to use them mostly to transfer a tracing more than a pattern template.