By 
When I apply my quilts, I use a method that uses spray starch and a plastic stencil material called Templar to give a crisp, clean edge to the motifs. After pressing, I simply remove the Templar. Sewing is easy since the edge is already folded under.
This technique works well for leaves, flowers, circles, and many animal shapes. It does not work for intricate cutout shapes, inverted appliqués, or very small shapes.
supplies
- Spray ‘N Starch
- heat resistant temper plastic
- Cotton swabs or a stencil brush
Note: I recommend Spray ‘N Starch because some brands of spray starch can leave a thick residue on fabric, making it too stiff to sew. I prefer the Templar brand of heat resistant plastic; other brands are too thick, making it difficult to cut a precise shape.
Step 1: Place Templar over the chandelier design. Trace the shape with a pencil.
Step 2: Using paper scissors, cut out the templar along the lines you just drew. Do not add a delivery margin. If the pattern is asymmetrical, mark the right side of the template.
Step 3: Place the templar shape right side down on the back of the fabric and trace the edge of the templar with a pencil. Cut outside those lines, adding a 3/4″ downturn margin.
Step 4: Pour some of the starch spray into a cup or saucer. Place the fabric shape wrong side up on the ironing surface. Center the Templar template over the fabric shape. Using a cotton swab or stencil brush, apply spray starch to the turn below the edge of the fabric shape. Work in sections 3″ to 4″ at a time.
Step 5: Using a hot, dry iron, push the counter up and over the Templar, trimming the inside curves only if necessary. You will hear a sizzling sound, which means the spray starch is drying. You want to hold the iron in place long enough for the spray starch to dry. When you remove the plate, the allowance for folding down should lie flat. If it jumps, you haven’t allowed the iron to sit long enough.
You will have to find the “happy setting” on your iron. Every iron is different. The iron should be hot enough to dry the spray starch, but not hot enough to warp the templar. If the templar warps, it won’t damage your iron, but you will need to make a new stencil. If there are internal stitches, iron them first. It’s usually best to handle outer points last.
step 6: After all the edges are flat, gently remove the Temper and apply the design in place.
To protect the ironing board cover from starch stains, place a layer of muslin or other scrap fabric on the ironing surface. I use 1/4 yard pieces of muslin folded in half. It’s much easier and less expensive to wash these debris off than it is to replace an ironing board cover.