Free Motion Quilting Templates For Beginners

Free motion quilting is a fun and creative way to add unique designs to your quilts. For beginners, it can seem intimidating, but with the right tools and techniques, you can achieve beautiful results. One of the best ways to get started with free motion quilting is by using templates. In this article, we'll explore the world of free motion quilting templates for beginners and provide you with the information you need to get started.

Free motion quilting templates are pre-designed patterns that you can use to create intricate designs on your quilt. These templates can be found online or in quilting books and can range from simple to complex designs. By using templates, you can ensure that your quilting is even, symmetrical, and professional-looking.

Benefits of Using Free Motion Quilting Templates

Using free motion quilting templates can have numerous benefits for beginners. Here are a few:

Improved accuracy: Templates help you achieve accurate and precise stitching, which can be difficult to achieve when free motion quilting without a guide.
Increased confidence: By using templates, you can build your confidence in your quilting abilities and try new and more complex designs.
Time-saving: Templates can save you time and effort in the long run, as you won't have to spend hours trying to create intricate designs from scratch.
Consistency: Templates ensure consistency in your stitching, which is especially important when working on large quilts.

Types of Free Motion Quilting Templates

There are various types of free motion quilting templates available, including:

Printable templates: These are paper or cardstock templates that you can print and place under your quilt to use as a guide.
Acrylic templates: These are plastic templates that you can place on top of your quilt and use as a guide.
Digital templates: These are electronic templates that you can use with your computer or tablet to create digital designs.

Best Free Motion Quilting Templates for Beginners

Here are some of the best free motion quilting templates for beginners:

Simple shapes: Templates featuring simple shapes such as circles, squares, and triangles are great for beginners.
Feathers: Feather templates are a popular choice for free motion quilting and can add a beautiful, delicate touch to your quilt.
Leaves: Leaf templates are another great option for beginners and can add a natural, whimsical touch to your quilt.

How to Use Free Motion Quilting Templates

Using free motion quilting templates is relatively easy. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Choose your template: Select the template you want to use and print or cut it out.
Place the template: Place the template under your quilt or on top of your quilt, depending on the type of template you're using.
Set up your machine: Set up your sewing machine for free motion quilting and adjust the tension and stitch length as needed.
Start quilting: Start quilting, following the lines of the template as closely as possible.
Remove the template: Once you've completed the design, remove the template and repeat the process for the next section of your quilt.

How to use free motion quilting templates

Tips and Tricks for Using Free Motion Quilting Templates

Here are some tips and tricks for using free motion quilting templates:

Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice using templates, the more comfortable you'll become with free motion quilting.
Use a walking foot: A walking foot can help you maintain even tension and prevent the fabric from bunching up as you quilt.
Keep your hands relaxed: Keep your hands relaxed and let the machine do the work.
Don't be too hard on yourself: Don't worry if your stitching isn't perfect – it's all part of the process.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Free Motion Quilting Templates

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using free motion quilting templates:

Not adjusting the tension: Failing to adjust the tension on your machine can result in uneven stitching.
Not using a walking foot: Not using a walking foot can result in uneven tension and fabric bunching.
Not keeping your hands relaxed: Tensing up can result in uneven stitching and fatigue.

Conclusion

Free motion quilting templates are a great way for beginners to get started with free motion quilting. By using templates, you can achieve accurate and precise stitching, build your confidence, and create beautiful, unique designs. Remember to practice, use a walking foot, and keep your hands relaxed, and don't be too hard on yourself if your stitching isn't perfect.