[Nfb-krafters-korner] How to Make A Template

Wed Aug 12 19:55:53 UTC 2015

Hi Greg,
Thanks so much for explaining this. I've been wanting to make this type of
pillow for a long time, and I love the challenge of trying to work out how I
can do this myself. 
I quite like the idea of pinning around the outside of the pillow after I
have covered it with the fabric on both sides. I figure that this could help
me to determine the length of my cuts because that was worrying me. I tried
cutting a piece of paper free hand to see how it feels and what I found
quite difficult was to know where to stop. The scissors was quite small, so
maybe if I use large scissors I won't have to worry because I will only make
a single cut before moving on to the next one.
Lindy

-----Original Message-----
From: Nfb-krafters-korner [mailto:nfb-krafters-korner-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of ncbootman--- via Nfb-krafters-korner
Sent: 12 August 2015 06:42 PM
To: List for blind crafters and artists
Cc: ncbootman at gmail.com
Subject: [Nfb-krafters-korner] How to Make A Template

To help and explain templates from the no sew class, here are a few 
thoughts.

You can use anything that you can cut to make your template. A template is 
simply a pattern. A lot of times, you can look around and find something in 
your house. When you make the template, write a label of what it is used for

and its size and put it in a ziplock bag and put it away with your craft 
supplies.

We'll first do the 4 inch template. If you do plastic canvas, they sell a 4 
inch square already cut for you. If you need some, contact me offlist and I 
can get them. They also make 3 inch squares if you have another need for 
that. But, let's assume you have to cut the template. Take your braille 
ruler or whatever you measure with and measure four inches from the edge. 
You will have to figure out a way to mark a cutting line at the four inch 
point from the edge.Two examples would be a piece of tape from the edge to 4

inches in at the four inch point from the corner. Or, use a stylus or 
anything to punch some holes along this line. Measure in four inches from 
the corner in the opposite direction on the edge. Do the same thing to mark 
your cutting line. Cut along the two lines. Measure your square. It should 
be four inches on each side. Learn to cut templates before you start with 
your fabric. If you use cardboard, or braille paper or plastic sheets etc, 
have enough to mess up. And, if you do, redo it. Keep the mess ups. You may 
be able to make another template out of that piece!

To make the template for the fringe, from the corner, measure over 1 inch or

1 and a half or what you want. Measure 4 inches in from the edge or what 
length you want. Cut this skinny strip off the cardboard. Remember to mark 
your lines so you can tell where they are to cut.

How to apply the template? You need to fasten down your template to cut it 
out. Use pins, tape, clothespins, anything you can think of to help hold 
down that template to the fabric. You could even use paper clips if you have

to! Cut along the edge of that template and you have your square cut out. 
Please remember, on the fringes, do not cut them off. Just cut in from the 
edge! You have to have them to tie. You would be surprised how many people 
miss that point and go whacking away.

If this is the first time you have made a template, draw it out and mark 
your cutting lines. Do your best. Then, ask a sighted person to look at your

first one if you have one to have the confidence you did it right. If you 
don't have one, this is not rocket science. Your pillow won't fall apart. 
Just do the best you can and have a goal to do better next time. Cutting 
templates is a craft all in its own. But, it is a craft that if you learn 
it, it will serve you well in so so many places. If you still need more 
help, write me offlist at ncbootman at gmail.com and I'll help you more.

Greg

-----Original Message----- 
From: Terry Knox via Nfb-krafters-korner
Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2015 11:16 AM
To: List for blind crafters and artists
Cc: Terry Knox
Subject: [Nfb-krafters-korner] No sew help

For those who have done the no sew projects. It was suggested at class that
to help cut to make a template. The help I and other need is suggestion on
making a template. Can anyone give me a description on making this 4 inch
template with the wideth of one and one half inch. Cardboard, plastic, one 4
inch piece then attach the inch and one half wide? I see a flat piece of
cardboard one and one half inch wide by 4 inches long. When I quilted I did
my templates on heavy transparent type hard plastic. Does anyone know where
this type of material can be purchased. Thanks for any help.

Terry K

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