Don't be confused by the title. Plastic template piecing is the same as paper, just infinitely reusable. A few years ago, when the interest for English Paper Piecing starting to regain some interest, one of the sewing retailers developed the plastic template equivalent. Not thrilled about cutting all those templates in paper, I picked some up. They have been very nice to work with. Now, pre-cut paper templates are readily available and a boon to the popularity of this quilting form.
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| the plastic template backing the fabric hexi, a hole in the middle can be used to pin through to stabilize the fabric as you work and is used to pull the plastic disc out of the fabric with a small crochet hook |
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| I cut a paper template 1/4 inches larger than the plastic template with the pattern provided in the kit. I backed that paper template with a piece of fine grade sandpaper, glued to the back to prevent slippage while tracing the shape. |
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| Here they are with the first round around the center circle print fabric, basted, with the plastic templates still inside. |
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| Happy little buggers, aren't they? |
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| the third round are white on white blocks |
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| these blocks have the plastic removed, need pressed |
I keep these rolled up in a keeper because this has been a traveling project, more traveling than completion I fear. My Sew and Sew group is probably very tired of looking at this. While I enjoy working the hexi's I tend to knit or crochet in my evening down time.
The 'cons' of us
ing the plastic templates are few. I think they are a wee bit thick and the turn of the cloth then results in a bit of bulk on the basted edge, compared to the paper equivalent. Also, the paper templates seem to press better. But that could just be me:)
Just wanted to share, I plan to finish these this summer. I will likely applique them to a white background but I am not sure.
If you are interested in this form or would like a little refresher, just click on the links below for the U-tube videos currently making the rounds.
***listed below are some informational and commercial sources for ideas and supplies. I have no affiliation with any of these but wanted to share inspiration. For more sources check your local quilt and sewing supply shops and online sources.
English Paper Piecing, Connecting Threads.
Quilty, Paper Piecing part 1
Quilty, Paper Piecing part 1
More info, photo's at All People Quilt
source for supplies, newsletter
pre-cut, die-cut templates.
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