Cafe Quilt

Quilt Stencils:

Quilters are forever searching out new ways to incorporate unique patterns and designs. One of the ways is to use quilting stencils. There is such a wide variety of stencil patterns to choose from, you are sure to find the exact one that fit with your theme, with your project, or even your home décor.

Using stencils will save both time and money and will ensure that your pieces will be equal and consistent.

Quilting stencils are somewhat different than a standard painting stencil would be. Quilting stencils have little holes in them and are used to show where you are to place the stitches. This ensures that your pattern remains consistent each and every time you use it. It would not be a good thing if some of your flowers, or whatever design you are making, were larger than the others.

Once you’ve placed your quilting stencil on the fabric, next you will need to mark the fabric. Whatever tool used to mark the quilting stencils is up to the individual quilter and probably will depend on the type of fabric being used. Chalk, fabric markers, or even soap work well for marking. Each of these will wash out of the fabric.

Quilt Templates:

A quilting template is a pre-made design that quilt makers can use to cut their fabric. It is generally made from a sturdy material such as acrylic, and allows quilters to cut many blocks of fabric at once, or one piece of fabric per design.

A quilting template improves consistency and has become more and more popular as a preferred quilting tool. Quilters can actually trace the design from the template onto their fabric, using a specially designed fabric pen, and then cut the design out of their fabric with quilting scissors.

When using templates ensure you have a seam allowance as some templates don’t make allowance for this, it actually depends on whether or not you are hand piecing or employing a machine. Also if you’re a piecing by hand don’t include the seam allowances.

Trace round the template on the incorrect side of the material and leave an 1/4 in. seam allowance. When cutting use the pencil line as a tenet, the cutting doesn’t have to be correct. When you’re stitching, stitch on the line. If employing a machine you must include the 1/4in. seam allowance and this should be actual.

Pages of Interest

Quilt Block of The Month Club – Learn how to quilt with Annette and Jody – a mother and daughter team that shares a passion for designing and creating quilts. Now you too can enjoy creating special “one of a kind” quilts that your loved ones will treasure, from our original Quilt Block of the Month Club Patterns.


Learn How to Quilt – Consider the convenience of a Block of the Month Quilt Club. You will save a lot of time, money and stress, and this method is especially great for beginner quilters. The BOM provides a starting point and working a block at a time builds skills and confidence. Once you have selected your Look for projects that are recommended for beginners.


Quilt Batting – Whether you call it batting, padding or wadding – it’s the essential middle layer that gives your quilt its cozy warmth. We have a variety of batting available, ranging from natural fibers like cotton and wool, to synthetics and man-made fabric.


Quilt Blocks – If you’re looking for new quilt blocks, or if you are wondering what you can do with leftover quilt blocks, here’s some helpful tips.


Quilt Books – Quilt books for beginner, kids and as gifts – if your mother or another relative is a quilter, a quilt book makes a great gift for birthday, Mothers day, or Christmas.


Quilt Cleaning and Storage – Quilters spend a lot of time choosing fabric, cutting and piecing it together to form a family heirloom that is irreplaceable. Creating a quilt requires much time and effort and can end up damaged by improper cleaning, storage and display. Find out how to ensure it is protected?


Quilt Fabrics – The choosing of quilting fabric is by far the most important element of quilting. The quilting fabric is largely chosen based on the ultimate use for the quilt. It can come in any size, shape and color you desire and it can also be of any material type that you choose.


Quilt Racks and Quilt Hangers – Floor standing quilt racks are ideal for quilts that are used or moved frequently, and allow you to transport your quilt to another location without having to physically handle it. Wall mount quilt hangers use quilt clips or a display bar to hold your quilt for a vertical display.


Quilt Patterns – Whether you have just started quilting, or you are an experienced quilter who has made dozens of quilts, eventually you are going to want to look for new quilting patterns.


Quilt Stencils and Templates – Quilters are forever searching out new ways to incorporate unique patterns and designs. One of the ways is to use quilting stencils. There is such a wide variety of stencil patterns to choose from, you are sure to find the exact one that fit with your theme, with your project, or even your home décor.
Using stencils will save both time and money and will ensure that your pieces will be equal and consistent.


Quilting Kits – If you’re new to quilting, or just want to make the process a bit easier, consider buying a quilting kit. In today’s busy world, people are always looking for ways to save time. Kits are the perfect way to do this because they have all the supplies you need (saving you time from having to gather them together yourself).


Quilting Tools and Equipment – When it comes to quilt making, the tools and equipment you use are just as important as the fabric you choose. The proper tools can make creating your quilt easier and more enjoyable. They also play a vital part in the result, as using appropriate equipment can affect the precision and accuracy of your efforts.