Using Templar Plastic

I have been working on little dresses from Nanette's very cute pattern. When I am going to be making a lot of the same pattern I like to use this Templar plastic. Some plastics will melt when you just barely touch an iron to it. So if you are going to use plastic make sure it is the right kind for the technique you will be using for. As you can see I save everything because you just don't know when you will need a tiny piece.
I take the Templar and trace the pattern onto it using a pigma pen. If you use pencil it will smear as you handle the plastic piece. Cut it out. After I cut it out I will rub my finger along the edges and if I feel any rough spots/points I will take an emery board/nail file to smooth the edges of the plastic. If there are any little points left over from cutting those will actually show up when you are trying to iron the fabric around the plastic. The edges will not be smooth. Next I will trace the pattern on the back side of the fabric. I will trace on the bias of the fabric when I have curves because then you don't have to fight the curves as you are working with them. Cut out the fabric pattern leaving 3/16" for the seam allowance. I will then spray some Magic Sizing in a little cup and let it become liquid. Next take a small paint brush and paint the edges of the seam allowance with the Magic Sizing. Put the Templar pattern back onto the backside of the cut out piece of fabric. I will use a Clover mini iron to press the edges of the fabric up around the Templar plastic pattern. You can see from the lavender dress that I have clipped a few places on the fabric. This helps the fabric go around the plastic easier. Do not clip past your drawn line. If you do the fabric will have an irregular shape to it. You want to try to stop the clip mark right before the drawn line. After you have finished ironing, let it cool, and then pull out the plastic carefully and you will have a perfect shape ready to applique.

Here are some of the cute little dresses I have finished. I have a lot cut out but I am adding trim to those. So I have to do that first. As you can see two of the dresses have some trim at the waist of the dress. This pattern would be great for those of you are new to applique. Very good for beginners.
If you are new to my blog and to applique you can check out my other tutorials on my sidebar.

With Passion,

Carrie P.

The best way to secure future happiness is to be as happy as is rightfully possible today.

Charles W. Eliot