If you are transferring the designs to stitch on a home sewing machine or to embroider by hand you may find these methods helpful:
CENTERING – MeadowLyon Block Patterns have “centering lines” for easy placement. I think the easiest way to find the center of a square is to draw lines with a disappearing marker or simply a length of thread, diagonally both ways, from corner to corner. Poke a pin through the center of the pattern into the center indicated on the fabric. Using the “centering lines”, measure* to assure they are parallel to the outer lines of the fabric “block.” ( * Of course I “eyeball” it and you probably will too!)
TRACING – Place the paper pattern on a light box, an empty picture frame with glass, or a window. Tape in place. Next place the fabric over it and center it using the convenient centering cross-lines. Tape in place. Trace the design onto the fabric with a.) a washable marker or washable fabric marker; b.) a disappearing marker; c.) tailor’s chalk pencil; d.) a carbon leaded pencil that will wash out. There are lots of great products on the market! You can even get a white Clover marker to use on dark fabrics.
TRANSFERRING BY CARBON – On a hard surface, place a transferring medium such as dressmaker’s carbon* or “Saral” carbons over the fabric. Next place the paper pattern on top and trace over it with a ball point pen or stylus. (* Personally I do not like the carbon that is purple. It’s wet and smears all over!)
CREATE A STENCIL – Option A – Stitch through the paper pattern and after placing it on the fabric use a pounce pad to make through the “stencil.” This is convenient if you need to transfer the same design many times. Option B – Lay :” Bridal Tulle” over the pattern and trace with a fine line, permanent marker. When you want to transfer the pattern, lay the Tulle over the fabric, pin in place, and draw over the line with a chalk pencil. The chalk line will go through the holes of the Tulle to the fabric.
TRANSFER PENCILS – The latest tool is a great one. The transfer pencil (made by Fons and Porters and other brands too) create an iron-on stencil just like the old embroidery transfers. Simply turn the block pattern over, place it on a light box or window, and draw the line on the back of the block. When you’ve finished you’ll be able the place the block (right side up) over your fabric and “iron on” the stitching line.
TEAR AWAY – Option A – Trace the design from the pattern onto a tear away paper such as that sold through Golden Threads. Adhere the tissue to your fabric with pins or spray adhesive. Sew through the paper and tear away. Option B – Lay “Press n’ Seal” plastic wrap over the paper pattern. Trace the design onto the film with a washable marker*. Stick the film to your fabric and stitch through it. Tear away. ( * Always test the marker in a trial run first. Vis-a-vis markers for transparencies, Dry erase markers and permanent markers work well on the film, BUT, if you are using a long-arm machine, the heat of the needle may “set” vestiges of marker in your fabric.)
LONG-ARM MACHINE QUILTING – Of course you can place the pattern on the bed of your quilting machine table and follow the line with your laser or pointer. If you’re working from the front of the machine, DeLoa Jones suggests you place the pattern on a cookie sheet and adjust the laser to the page. You’ll still need to find the center of the block and direct your laser to that point. Then you can move to one of the starting points on the continuous-line block pattern and begin stitching.