Quilting stencils are perfect for a wide range of quilting patterns. Here are answers to some questions you might have...
Help! What’s the best way to ensure that a stencil is placed correctly, especially if it’s being repeated for a border?
Try this... Marking guidelines on the work and the stencil is probably the most reliable way to ensure accurate positioning, as already discussed. When repeating a pattern along a border, to ensure that pattern intervals remain constant when the stencil is moved, mark little guides. Many commercial patterns for borders have such marks on the stencil. Fig 9 shows an example of a feather stencil, where the marks are placed side by side when the stencil is moved. You can test how a repeat pattern looks on paper first and I keep a roll of wallpaper lining paper for practice runs.
If using different stencils within a pieced block, positioning can be aided by guidelines. In addition, using the block seams can help you position the stencils accurately and Fig 10 shows examples of this.
Help! When using a quilting stencil, is it better to mark the pattern before layering up with wadding and backing or after the pattern has been marked?
Try this... It’s really up to you exactly when the pattern is marked. I prefer to mark on a firmer surface so if there’s a choice I mark before layering up. However, there are other things to consider, such as the following.
■ If using a marking pen, where the marks have to be removed with water, marking can be done before layering up, as the marks will stay as long as you need them.
■ If using a marking pen, where the marks disappear over time (air-erasable), I decide based on the size of the project. Marks tend to fade after about 24 to 72 hours, so if the project is small and quilting will take less than that time, I mark up before. If the project is larger and quilting is likely to take longer than that time frame, I mark up after layering, or I mark and quilt in stages.
■ If using a chalk marker, such as a chaco pen, a firm surface of the quilt top alone can be useful, although chalk can be brushed off by handling. A pounce pad often works better with some thickness beneath it. The chalk from a pounc
