Summary/Spoiler Alert: The 3D printed fabric cutting templates my husband printed for me for the Highland quilt work great!
3D Printed Fabric Cutting Templates
This week, I wanted to methodically and carefully test out the 3D printed templates that my husband made for me for the Highland quilt. I am making this bed quilt for his parents, so while that might be a slight motivational factor, honestly, we really love working together and it was fun to work through making these templates with him.
My husband has a Bambu Lab A1 3D printer. We believe that any 3D printer capable of printing PLA or PETG would work just as well, but note that below we have recommendations for the settings we settled on for the templates that are likely fairly specific to the software for his printer.
For those interested in potentially creating your own 3D printer templates, some local libraries or maker spaces offer access to 3D printers.
Can you believe I was able to take a pretty coherent video of the first time using the templates?!?! Okay, well, the first time using the final version of the templates. We did iterate on the settings a bit and learned that the wall loops setting was really helpful in making a smooth surface for the rotary cutter.
You may not want to watch the video above, and that is fine by me, so here are the key takeaways:
- Probably not as durable and long lasting as acrylic rulers, but WAY better than a paper template
- Certainly good enough for the bed quilt I plan to make with these templates!
- Top settings recommendations:
- PLA or PETG filament
- Wall loops = 10
- Infill density = 100%
- Overall thickness = 0.1″
- Other settings:
- Layer height = 0.08mm
- Line width = 0.42mm
- Brim width = 5mm (may not be necessary for enclosed printers)
Highland Quilt – 3D Printed Fabric Cutting Templates
As part of the process of creating the templates, I did opt to make the templates a bit more oversized to give me more margin for squaring up the block. This also means that the bikini bottom shaped pieces need one leg trimmed down by ¼” before sewing its first seam to a unit. The first time I sewed a test block cut from these templates, I trimmed off ½” and made a very three-dimensional, bubbly quilt block. Oops. But that is why I make test blocks! I now will definitely remember the correct amount to trim (I hope). :)
Highland Quilt – Sample Block
The 10″ finished Highland Quilt block itself is sewn together using 8 seams, and all of them are gentle curves.
Highland Quilt – Sample Block
After finishing the piecing, the block squared up to 10½” x 10½” easily.
Highland Quilt – Sample Block Seams
After testing several blocks, I am opting to press all my seams open. It’s what is working best for me.
Highland Quilt – First Block Pieces
After getting the confidence of cutting using the 3D printer templates and getting another good test block finished, it was time to cut into the real quilt fabric. I cut one width of fabric of each of the 4 prints for the quilt top and was able to confirm or update my assumed number of pieces that can be cut per width. That all thankfully went well enough that I feel good about the amount of fabric I ordered. Whew.
Highland Quilt – First Block
Which meant the logical next step was to piece the first real block. I have not trimmed it square just yet, but gosh, it looks great and I’m excited to see this quilt come together!
That 3-D template worked like a charm. How fun that you were able to make the first block for your in-laws. It looks wonderful. How many different green fabrics are you using.
How wonderful to have those templates! I can’t image cutting that with paper. And you’ve got my favorite orange CF print in that block!
I know nothing about 3D printers, but it was interesting to read and I’m glad the templates work! I absolutely love that block, and those green fabrics are so good! Of course, the orange is a favorite, too!
How awesome to have the 3D printed templates work. I have no idea how expensive the filament is, but I have to believe it’s cheaper than acrylic templates. And to be able to print them at home as needed, priceless!
You and your hubby made a great team effort on those templates, so glad every thing worked out great! Your block is looking fabulous.
Sounds like you’re on your way. Sure glad the template plan worked out so nicely.
Such an interesting and encouraging article. I love the greens you are working with and can only imagine how much your in-laws will love the finished quilt. Our library has a maker’s corner complete with 3-D printer. I have not investigated it. However, I did get to watch the 3-D printer in my dentist’s office make a crown from the mold they took from mouth. They no longer do it in-house but it was interesting.
Can’t wait to see the finished quilt. Will there be a pattern coming out?
You are a great team! You sure did make this work for you and those blocks look absolutely perfect!
Love those greens! So, enlarging and then trimming will still keep your points I take it? Looks like a fun block to sew and will make for a pretty spectacular quilt IRL. Quilts are great in diagrams but in fabric—ahh!
I ordered a set of templates to use for a pattern I have, but even tho the same name for the block, they are not the same! Oh well, do I start over using the acrylic templates or go back to using the cardboard? That’s a thought for another day. Right now I will moon over your blocks!!! Oh how I love curves.
this quilt block is gorgeous!!!!! i’m just getting comfortable with curves and realizing that seeing blocks like this is feeling more possible. i love that you’ve shared it in multiple colorways, it’s just stunning.
It’s fun to collaborate with family members on projects. Congrats on a very successful one. The blocks are all beautiful. Your seams are so pretty, I’m very jealous!
I never thought to do this, but my son is printing a 3D template for a design I’m working on right now. Thanks for sharing!