Window templates are used when you want to mark a cutting line and a seam line without switching templates.
Thin cardboard and manila envelopes work fine for window templates, but durable template plastic (or vinyl) produces longer-lasting tools, and gridded plastic makes it easy to draw and cut straight template lines.
- Draw, glue or tape your finished size pattern piece right side up onto template material. Trace or cut around it (leaving a taped edge until last, and removing the tape in order to cut). To work on the back of template material -- for instance, you want to view the pattern through plastic to trace -- place the piece's right side against the back of plastic.
- Add the appropriate seam allowance around the shape.
- Cut out the shape on its outermost line.
- Cut on the seam line (use a craft knife or very sharp scissors to start the cut if necessary) to create the inner "window."
- Place the template face-down against the reverse side of fabric (if template is symmetrical, it doesn't matter which side is against fabric) and trace around both edges. Cut out fabric on outer lines only (the inner line is the seam line).
Step 5 is somewhat different for rag quilts. Mark the right side of the fabric you've chosen as a backing.
You'll find many uses for window templates:
- hand sewing templates, when you prefer to mark both cutting and sewing lines (seam lines keep you on track and line intersections are exact indicators of where to end a seam)
- for setting-in, a technique that requires you know exactly where seams end
- for any project where visible seam and cutting lines are helpful
