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To make templates, place semi-transparent template plastic directly over the pattern and trace the pieces onto the plastic, drawing any identification marks and grain lines.

Quiltmakers traditionally make templates in two different ways. Some make the templates the size of the finished piece, laying the template onto the fabric, marking the sewing line, then leaving enough space between each of the pieces to allow for seam allowance. They then use the marked line as a stitching guide. I find this method very cumbersome, tedious, and time-consuming.

I prefer to add an exact quarter inch seam allowance directly to the templates, as it takes half the time to make a block. Cutting is much quicker since you can cut two or three pieces at a time. Pinning the pieces together is also easier and quicker. It is simply a matter of lining up the raw edges. Sewing is also much quicker as it is not necessary to be constantly checking the back of the work to see if you are sewing on the line.

Eventually you can learn to "eyeball" the quarter inch, but if you need a guide for sewing, trace the sewing line from the pattern piece onto the template, then put small holes in the template along that sewing line.These holes can be made with a one-sixteenth-inch (1/16") hole punch. Begin by putting holes at the places where the seam allowances cross at the corners (Diagram 1), then as many times along the seam line as you think are necessary to give a proper sewing guide (Diagram 2).

After lining up the edges and pinning two of the pieces together, place the corresponding template on top of the piece facing you and mark small pencil dots directly through the holes. You can then sew "dot to dot". This method will save a lot of time as you do not have to mark the seam line on each piece, but only on the piece facing you as you sew.