Cutting:
Plan to measure, mark and cut the binding and border strips before cutting patches from the same fabric. Cut larger patches before smaller ones. For best use of fabric, arrange patches with cutting lines close or touching.
Patches for hand piecing require precisely marked seam lines. To mark the patches, place the template face down on the wrong side of the fabric and draw around it accurately with a sharp pencil. Leave approximately 1/2" between the patches for seam allowances. After marking, cut outward from the seam line 1/4", measuring the distance by eye.
For machine piecing, accurate cutting of the patches is very important. Place template face down on the wrong side of the fabric and mark the cutting line.
Reverse (r) templates for both hand and machine piecing should be placed face up on the wrong side of the fabric.
Templates for appliqué do not include turn-under allowances. Place the template face up on the right side of fabric (face down on right side for a reverse patch); draw around it with a pencil. Cut out each appliqué patch about 3/16" from the penciled line.
Grainline:
One or more straight sides of the patch should follow the lengthwise or crosswise grain of fabric, especially the sides that will be on the outside edges of the quilt block. We indicate lengthwise or crosswise grain with an arrow on the pattern piece.