Free motion quilting is one of those art forms that many people think you just can’t achieve unless you have a fancy longarm machine. But what if we were to tell you that you can achieve gorgeous, intricate designs using acrylic templates and your regular sewing machine? 

With the Dabline Quilting Template Set, you can have endless possibilities for your quilting projects. In this post, we will focus on the “Which Way” border template. Let’s go over everything you need to know to be able to use this unique quilting template.

Make sure you Set Up Your Machine for Quilting with Templates before you start practicing on how to use the Which Way template. 

Now that you have your machine set up and ready for quilting with templates, you can begin practicing with the Which Way template. 

How to Use Dabline’s Which Way Template

We recommend practicing the motions before you even turn on your sewing machine. This extra practice will help your hands and brain learn the movements necessary for smooth stitching, especially around the curves of this template. 

Take a practice quilt sandwich, at least 10”x12”, and bring it to your sewing machine. Place it under the needle. Then place the Dabline Template Grip and Which Way Template onto the quilt sandwich. 

Line up the FMQ ruler foot with the starting position of the template (on the left side.) Now, without turning your sewing machine on, start moving the template under the needle, keeping the foot against the side of the template to ensure you have smooth curves. This will help you move the fabric and template in unison under the needle. 

Continue moving the template, working the FMQ ruler foot through the curves of the template until reaching the stop position (on the right side.) Imagine that the needle is down. Move the template so the foot is back at the start position. Reference the card that came with the template for this step.

Practice the movements with the sewing machine off until you are confident in following the curves of the Which Way Template. You can also refer to the card that came with the template to do more intricate designs. 

Once you are comfortable with the movements of the template, grip, and fabric under the needle, you are ready to practice stitching. Follow the instructions we went over, but turn your sewing machine on and take it slow. Practice until you are confident you can sew smooth curves with this template.

Deciding what quilting stitch you want to do in borders can be difficult, but the Dabline Which Way Template is here to help. You can use this template to stitch quilts, clothing, handbags, or other sewing projects. 

Happy Sewing!

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