Free Quilting Stencils

The Difference Between Quilting and Painting Stencils

Quilting stencils are very similar to stencils used for painting or other craft projects. They are usually made from plastic with holes punched into it. The holes create the stenciling design.

When you use a painting stencil, you simply place the plastic sheet over the area to be stenciled and apply the paint. With a quilting stencil, the purpose of the design is to transfer the pattern onto the fabric for ease in stitching the designs.

Whether the stencil you use is for quilting, painting or another craft, transferring the pattern onto the quilt top is done using the same methods. Simply lay the stencil on top of your quilt and transfer the pattern using chalk marking spray, stitches or a water-soluble pen. If you choose to use the pen, however, make sure that you have tested it on a piece of scrap fabric first.

How to Use Free Paper Stencils for Quilting

There are several methods for transferring paper stencils onto the quilting fabric. One method that many crafters use is pinning the paper design onto the fabric and simply stitching over the lines of the stencil. Another great method from Simplicity is to trace your design onto the side of Glad Press and Seal plastic wrap that is not sticky. Then simply stick the plastic wrap onto the fabric and you have transferred the pattern to the quilt for easy sewing.

Free Quilting Stencils You Make

There are most likely many templates that would make beautiful free stencils all around you. Some ideas to consider:

• Look outside at the beauty of nature. Make your own free quilting stencils by tracing the delicately shaped leaves or a beautifully shaped sea shell onto plain paper.
• Look inside your home cookie cutters.
• Unusual shaped serving utensils or small free form candle holders can all easily be turned into free quilting stencils.
• Trace designs from your favorite magazines or books.
• Look at the moon and stars and draw them freehand if that is a stencil you want on your quilt.
• Use your imagination to create unique stencils that are not only beautiful, but reflect the things you love.

Free Online Stencils that are Perfect for Quilting

Many websites have free stencils that will work perfectly as quilting stencils. Whether you want your quilt to have the look of elegant scrolls, geometric patterns or delicate lace, free stencils are available to give the perfect look you want. If you prefer celestial shapes, animals, flowers or almost anything else, stencil shapes in those designs are also found online. To make the shape into different sizes, use your printer to change the size or take it to your local copy store.

Free quilting stencils made from other types of stencils are found at the following websites:

• An excellent resource for free online stencils is Needlepointers. Not only do they have stencils on their site, but they have many links to other sites with free stencils.
• Mom's Break is another great source of online stencils for free.
• Free Craft Stencils is a website with links to hundreds of free stencils.
• Lovely holiday stencils are free at Fashion Era.
• A beautiful rose stencil from All Free Crafts looks so pretty you can almost smell its sweet fragrance.
• There are hundreds of free stencils in 34 categories at Spray Paint Stencils.

Conclusion

Stenciling is a beautiful way to embellish and further personalize your quilt. Do not be discouraged by the lack of free quilting stencils online. Use free stencil patterns made for painting and other crafts or design your own stencils and enjoy creating quilts that are sure to become treasured family heirlooms.