Maya Ellison
When creating fabric templates, choosing the right thickness of plastic is crucial. The ideal thickness depends on factors such as cost, durability, and the specific requirements of the project. While some prefer the cost-effective option of cardboard or thickened paper, others opt for more durable materials like acrylic or polycarbonate. Thickness is typically measured in mils, with higher values indicating greater thickness. For example, 6 mil plastic sheeting is thicker and stronger than 4 mil. Additionally, reinforcement techniques like string reinforcement enhance the strength of plastic sheeting, making it more suitable for certain applications. Ultimately, the chosen thickness should align with the specific needs of the fabric template project, balancing factors like cost and desired durability.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 0.030 inches (Lexan), 0.0118 or 0.177 inches (acrylic/polycarbonate), 6 mil (heavy-duty plastic sheeting) |
| Material | Polycarbonate, PETG, Lexan, polystyrene, acrylic, poly |
| Properties | Clear, opaque, white, soft, rigid, tear-resistant, UV protection |
| Cost | $20 for a 4'x8' sheet of polystyrene, $150-$200 for a sheet of acrylic/polycarbonate |
| Use cases | Fabric templates, quilting templates, covering desks, landfill lining |
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What You'll Learn
Clear acrylic quilting rulers
When it comes to quilting, accuracy is key. Clear acrylic quilting rulers are a great tool to help achieve this. They are durable and can be used as a template for cutting fabric pieces.
Wrights 670053 Extra Thick Plastic Quilt Template
This product is a sturdy, semi-transparent plastic sheet that can be used as a template for quilting. It is thick enough to provide stability when cutting fabric pieces, and the direction lines can be easily drawn on and stay in place. It is also large enough for larger pattern pieces. While some users found it a little hard to cut with scissors, it is still manageable, and it can be cut with a knife. It is quite pricey for just one sheet, but it is a good product with many uses.
Fiskars Clear Acrylic Quilting Ruler
Fiskars offers a range of clear acrylic rulers for quilting and sewing. Their products are durable and come with two-toned grid lines and measurements. The 8.5"x8.5" square ruler is 3mm thick and features a 45-degree bias line. Prices range from $5.27 to $22.86.
Quilters Select Precision Machine Quilting Non-Slip Ruler
This 6mm thick clear acrylic quilting ruler is designed for both left- and right-handed quilters, with markings that can be read both ways. The vertical lines and angle lines make it ideal for straight line quilting and more creative designs. The non-slip coating and finger grip holes make it easy to handle and place, ensuring precision when quilting.
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Polycarbonate or PETG
Polycarbonate and PETG are both thermoplastics with distinct characteristics and applications. When choosing between the two, it is important to consider the specific requirements of your project, including cost, environmental impact, and safety standards.
Polycarbonate (PC) is widely used due to its durability, impact strength, and heat resistance. It has a high refractive index, making it suitable for eyewear and lenses, as well as light lenses in automotive applications, lighting fixtures, greenhouses, medical devices, and protective gear. However, polycarbonate has poor scratch resistance, and higher grades of PC used in industries like aerospace can be costly.
On the other hand, PETG, or Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol, is a thermoplastic polyester known for its toughness, low price, and high formability. It is widely used in packaging, including food and beverage containers, due to its impact resistance, chemical stability, and food safety. PETG is also popular for 3D printing and fabrication techniques like die cutting, routing, and bending. It is an environmentally friendly option compared to polycarbonate and is easier to process and fabricate.
When deciding between polycarbonate and PETG for a fabric template, consider the level of durability, impact strength, and heat resistance required for your project. If you need a material that can withstand high temperatures and impacts, polycarbonate might be the better choice. However, if chemical resistance, flexibility, and environmental friendliness are more important factors, then PETG could be the preferred option. Additionally, PETG is generally considered more cost-effective than polycarbonate.
In terms of thickness, polycarbonate sheets for templates typically range from 0.0118 to 0.177 inches, while PETG sheets are commonly found in thicknesses of 0.030 inches, which is similar to the thickness of two business cards. It is important to note that the thickness of the plastic sheet will depend on your specific needs and applications.
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Polystyrene sheets
Polystyrene is a lightweight yet sturdy material, ensuring longevity and resistance to various environmental factors. It is water-resistant and tear-resistant, making it a suitable option for fabric templates that can be used repeatedly without worrying about damage.
When using polystyrene sheets for fabric templates, consider the intended use and level of precision needed. While polystyrene sheets are durable, they may not withstand high heat, so it is essential to keep this in mind when using tools that generate heat, such as irons or certain types of cutters.
Overall, polystyrene sheets offer a good balance between thickness, durability, and cost-effectiveness, making them a popular choice for fabric templates and various crafting projects.
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Aluminium faced boards
When creating fabric templates, it is important to consider the thickness and durability of the material. While cardboard and matboard can be used, they may be too flimsy for repeated use. Thicker paper, such as that found in cereal boxes, can be marked and cut, but for larger runs, a more durable option may be preferable.
One option for creating fabric templates is to use plastic sheets. Clear acrylic quilting rulers can be cut to size and laminated with spray adhesive to create a flat, strong template. Another option is to use polycarbonate or PETG sheets, which are thin and clear but can be more expensive.
For those seeking an even more rigid option, aluminium-faced boards offer a durable and stylish solution. Aluminium composite boards, such as Dibond or MaxMetal, are weatherproof, long-lasting, and suitable for indoor and outdoor use. These boards consist of a rigid polystyrene foam core faced on one or both sides with anodized aluminium, which is available in a range of finishes, including brushed gold, polished gold, brushed silver, and polished silver. The aluminium surface is easy to craft, maintaining its appearance better than solid metal as it will not rust, fade, or tarnish.
One example of an aluminium-faced board is UltraBoard Aluminum, which is a lightweight structural panel with a polystyrene foam core and anodized aluminium facers. These panels can be sawed or routed and are ideal for creating decorative letters and logos, often seen in hotels, banks, and office buildings. The aluminium facers have a protective peel coat release liner to prevent scratching during installation and transportation.
When choosing between plastic and aluminium-faced boards for fabric templates, consider the desired level of durability, cost, and ease of crafting. While plastic sheets may be more affordable and easier to cut, aluminium-faced boards offer superior durability, weather resistance, and a sleek, modern finish.
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String-reinforced plastic sheeting
One example of string-reinforced plastic sheeting is Dura Skrim, which is constructed with a high-strength polyethylene film and heavy-duty scrim reinforcement, laminated together. Dura Skrim is known for its lightweight and flexible properties, while also being a high-strength material. It is often used as a vapor barrier or any covering application where tear resistance and waterproofing are required. Dura Skrim comes in a variety of thicknesses, ranging from 6 mil to 20 mil, and is available in clear, white, and black colours. It also offers UV-stabilized options for outdoor use.
Another popular brand of string-reinforced plastic sheeting is Eagle Industries, which is made from high-strength polyethylene film, reinforced with a tear-resistant internal scrim. Eagle Industries' offering is designed for temporary enclosures, containment, and protective barriers in construction and industrial applications. It is also weather-resistant, making it suitable for outdoor use. Eagle Industries provides options for both non-flame retardant (NFR) and flame retardant (FR) sheeting, ensuring compliance with the latest industrial and construction standards.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal thickness depends on the intended use of the template. For example, a 6 mil reinforced film can be considered heavy-duty when used to cover a desk, but the same sheet would not be strong enough for a landfill. If you are looking for a plastic sheet to cut against, you can use 1/8" masonite or thin polycarbonate or PETG with a thickness of about two business cards.
Wrights 670053 Extra Thick Plastic Quilt Template is a thick plastic sheet that can be used for fabric templates.
Some cheaper alternatives to thick plastic for fabric templates include cardboard, matboard, card stock, and thickened paper, such as cereal box material.
Thick plastic for fabric templates can be more durable and reusable, making it a good option for those who want to cut against their templates. It can also be easier to draw on direction lines that stay.
Some drawbacks of using thick plastic for fabric templates include the higher price, the difficulty in cutting the plastic with scissors, and the potential for warping on low heat.
