Transferring a Quilting Design Using Tulle

Sometimes I use tulle to transfer a quilting design to fabric. First, I make a copy of the quilting pattern I want to use. You need a copy; because you will inadvertently draw on your quilt pattern when you are tracing it onto your tulle, and you don’t want to “ruin” your original pattern.

I use a white, “soft” tulle with relatively small holes. Roughly cut the tulle a bit bigger than the block onto which you are transferring the quilting design. Place the tulle over the copy of your quilting pattern. (I usually tape the pattern down so it doesn’t shift while I’m tracing it. I also tape down the tulle.) Now, trace the quilting pattern onto the tulle using a Fine-Point Sharpie marker. When you lift the tulle off the quilting pattern, you will see the design on your tulle.

Next, place the tulle over your quilt block. Pin it in place. Trace the quilting design through the tulle onto your block using a chalk pencil—actually, I like to use my Allary Chalk Cartridge holder. Check my review of this product from February 2009—“

New Review--Marking Tools (Bohin Mechanical Pencil and Allary Chalk Cartridge Set)”. (I think Bohin makes one almost like this too). I tried using my Bohin Mechanical Pencil to mark through the tulle, but the chalk “lead” kept breaking. The Allary Chalk Cartridge makes a thicker line that doesn’t stay on as long as the line made with the Bohin Mechanical Pencil, but it is much easier to use to mark through the tulle.
Once the quilting design as been transferred, I draw over the chalk design with my Bohin Mechanical Pencil. I find that the design will stay on the fabric longer that way.