How to Use Paper Templates in Traditionally Pieced Quilt Patterns

Paper templates are one of those quilting tools that feel a little old-school in the best way.

They’re simple. They’re low-tech. They don’t require a special ruler or gadget. And once you know how to print, cut, and use them accurately, they can open up a whole new little side trail in your quilting life.

Paper templates are especially helpful for traditionally pieced quilt patterns that include shapes you can’t easily cut with standard rulers, like curves, pennants, odd angles, specialty blocks, or shapes that need a little more personality than a plain ol’ rectangle.

This post will walk you through the basics of using paper templates for quilt patterns, including how to print them correctly, how to cut them out, and how to use them without accidentally turning your quilt block into a mystery geometry experiment.

A classic quilting side quest, honestly.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. I only share tools and supplies I actually like or would recommend to a quilting friend.

What Are Paper Templates?

Paper templates are printable pattern pieces used to trace or cut fabric shapes for a quilt block or quilt project.

Instead of cutting every piece with a rotary cutter and ruler, you print the template page, cut out the shape, and use that template as your guide for cutting fabric.

They’re commonly used for:

• Curved quilt blocks
• Pennant or flag shapes
• Specialty blocks
• Appliqué shapes
• Traditional piecing with unusual angles
• Quilt patterns that don’t rely on standard ruler cuts

Paper templates are not the same as foundation paper piecing templates.

With foundation paper piecing, you sew directly through the paper. With traditional paper templates, you use the paper shape as a cutting guide, then sew your fabric pieces together like normal.

Tiny distinction. Big difference.

Why Use Paper Templates?

I feel like paper templates sometimes get a reputation for being fussy, but they’re actually really helpful when a quilt pattern includes shapes that would be annoying, awkward, or overly complicated to cut with a ruler.

Paper templates are useful because they let you:

• Cut unique shapes with accuracy
• Follow a pattern without needing specialty rulers
• Make blocks with curves, angles, or custom shapes
• Keep your cutting process approachable
• Use basic tools you probably already have

They’re also great for patterns where the shape itself is part of the personality of the quilt. Think flags, petals, orange peels, curves, scallops, and all those “oh cute, but how do I cut that?” moments.

Before You Print: Check Your Settings

This is the step that matters most.

When printing paper templates, always print at 100% scale or actual size.

Do not select “fit to page” or “scale to fit.”

I know. Your printer wants to be helpful. Bless its little chaotic heart. But when it resizes a template, even slightly, your quilt pieces may end up too big or too small.

Before cutting into fabric, check the pattern for a test square. Most printable templates include a 1" test square or another measurement marker. After printing, measure that square with a ruler.

If the test square measures correctly, you’re good to go.

If it doesn’t, check your print settings and try again.

Best Paper for Quilt Templates

Regular printer paper works just fine for many quilt templates, especially if you only need to use the template once or twice.

But if you plan to reuse the template, you may want something sturdier.

Good options include:

• Regular printer paper for quick, one-time templates
• Cardstock for templates you’ll use multiple times
• Freezer paper for tracing or temporarily adhering to fabric
• Template plastic for long-term reusable templates

For most beginner-friendly projects, cardstock is a nice middle ground. It’s easy to print on, easy to cut, and sturdy enough that it doesn’t flop around while you’re trying to trace it.

A very glamorous quilting technology, I know.

How to Cut Out Paper Templates

Once your template page is printed correctly, cut out the template pieces on the printed lines.

Use paper scissors, not your fabric scissors.

Fabric scissors deserve a peaceful life. Let them have this.

If the pattern includes multiple template pieces, label each one before you cut them apart. You can write the template name, fabric placement, or cutting instructions directly on the paper.

For example:

• Template A
• Cut 4
• Background fabric
• Main fabric
• Place on fold

This is especially helpful if you’re working with multiple shapes that look almost the same, but not quite. Quilting loves a near-identical little gremlin shape.

How to Use Paper Templates for Cutting Fabric

There are a few ways to use paper templates, depending on the pattern and your comfort level.

Option 1: Trace and Cut with Scissors

Place the template on the wrong side of your fabric.

Trace around it with a fabric-safe marking tool, then cut along the traced line with scissors.

This method is especially helpful for curves or small pieces where a rotary cutter feels awkward.

Option 2: Use a Rotary Cutter Around the Template

Place the template on your fabric and carefully cut around it with a rotary cutter.

This works best with cardstock or template plastic because regular paper can shift or get nicked by the blade.

If you’re using this method, go slowly and keep your fingers out of the danger zone. Rotary cutters are very useful and very dramatic.

Option 3: Make a Reusable Template

If you’ll be cutting a lot of the same shape, consider transferring the paper template to template plastic or sturdy cardstock.

This helps keep your pieces consistent and makes the cutting process smoother.

Reusable templates are especially handy for blocks with repeated shapes, like orange peels, clamshells, curves, or pennants.

Watch: How to Use Paper Templates

If you’re more of a “please just show me what this looks like” person, I have a YouTube tutorial that walks through sewing curves and includes a helpful section on using paper templates.

The full video focuses on curved piecing, but you can skip ahead to the paper template portion if that’s the part you need right now.

In that section, you’ll see how I use the printed template as a guide for cutting fabric pieces, which is especially helpful when a quilt pattern includes curves or shapes that don’t play nicely with standard ruler cuts.

Pay Attention to Seam Allowance

Before cutting fabric, check whether the template includes seam allowance.

Most quilt pattern templates will tell you this directly.

Some templates include the seam allowance, which means you cut exactly around the outside edge and sew with the seam allowance listed in the pattern.

Other templates may show the finished shape only, which means you need to add seam allowance yourself.

If you’re using a Quiltbound pattern, follow the cutting notes included with that specific pattern. The template instructions will tell you what’s included and how to use each piece.

When in doubt, pause before cutting. Fabric is precious. We are not here to create avoidable scraps through sheer enthusiasm.

Tips for Keeping Templates Accurate

Paper templates are simple, but a little care makes a big difference.

Here are a few tips:

• Print at 100% scale
• Measure the test square before cutting fabric
• Use cardstock for templates you’ll reuse
• Label each template piece clearly
• Cut carefully on the printed line
• Store templates in a labeled envelope or bag with the pattern

If your template has points, curves, or notches, cut those areas carefully. Small inaccuracies can add up, especially when several pieces meet in one block.

This doesn’t mean you need to be perfect. It just means slowing down a smidge can save you from future seam-ripper negotiations.

What About Directional Fabric?

If your fabric has a clear direction, like stripes, words, animals, trees, or anything with an obvious “up,” pay attention before cutting.

Some template shapes are symmetrical, but others are not. If a template piece is directional, flipping it over may create a mirror-image shape.

That can be totally fine if the pattern calls for it. It can be less fine if you only realize it after cutting sixteen tiny pieces and having a small kitchen-floor moment.

Before cutting directional fabric, lay out your templates and check:

• Which way the design should face

• Whether the template needs to be right side up or flipped

• How many mirror-image pieces you need

• Whether the pattern gives specific layout instructions

This is one of those moments where taking a quick photo of your layout can save your future self.

How to Store Paper Templates

Once you’ve cut out your paper templates, don’t just toss them into the general sewing room ecosystem.

That is how Template B disappears forever.

Store your templates with the pattern so you can find them again later. A few easy options:

• Small envelope
• Zip-top bag
• Binder pocket
• Pattern storage pouch
• Paper clip attached to printed instructions

Label the storage envelope with the pattern name and template pieces included.

If you printed multiple sizes, label those too. Future you deserves nice things.

Common Paper Template Mistakes

Here are a few common hiccups and how to avoid them.

Mistake: Printing at the wrong scale

Always print at actual size or 100%. Measure the test square before cutting fabric.

Mistake: Cutting with dull paper templates

If your paper edge gets fuzzy, bent, or sliced up, print or trace a fresh template.

Mistake: Forgetting to check seam allowance

Read the pattern notes before cutting. Some templates include seam allowance, and some do not.

Mistake: Not labeling pieces

Label before cutting the template page apart. Tiny mystery shapes are not the vibe.

Mistake: Ignoring fabric direction

Directional prints need a little extra attention, especially with asymmetrical templates.

Paper Templates Make Quilting More Flexible

Paper templates are such a simple tool, but they can make a quilt pattern feel more approachable.

You don’t need a fancy ruler for every shape. You don’t need a drawer full of specialty tools. Sometimes you just need a printer, a pair of paper scissors, and a willingness to take the scenic route.

Whether you’re cutting curves, pennants, petals, or a funky little shape that refuses to be contained by a standard ruler, paper templates are a handy skill to have in your quilting toolkit.

A little print. A little cut. A little “please be the right size.”

And suddenly, you’re making shapes that felt way more complicated five minutes ago.

Quick Paper Template Checklist

Before you start cutting fabric, check this:

• Printed at 100% scale or actual size
• Test square measured correctly
• Template pieces labeled
• Seam allowance confirmed
• Fabric direction checked
• Correct number of pieces cut
• Templates stored with the pattern

That’s it. Nothing fancy. Just a solid little system that keeps the cutting process smoother and your quilt blocks happier.

Keep Exploring

Paper templates show up in plenty of traditionally pieced quilt patterns, especially when the design includes curves, angles, or custom shapes.

If you’re working through a Quiltbound pattern that includes paper templates, read through the cutting notes first, print your templates carefully, and take your time with those first few cuts.

You’re not lost. You’re Quiltbound.