Harlequin Garland Template Set: How to Use It in Quilt Projects

By Quilt in a Day - Helping Quilters Since 1978 | Published: 2026-11-01

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to use the Harlequin Garland Template Set by Carolyn Murfitt for accurate cutting, fussy placement, and repeatable shapes in quilts, cushions, and runners.

Quick answer

Use the Harlequin Garland Template Set by tracing or rotary cutting around each acrylic template, then align the marked edges to your fabric repeat before cutting. Work in batches and label templates as you go so repeat shapes stay consistent across cushions, runners, and quilts.

Why a 30-piece template set changes your cutting routine

A multi-template set is not a single ruler you can memorize. With 30 acrylic templates, the practical challenge is keeping the pieces organized and matching each one to the right shape in the Harlequin Garland Pattern. If you treat the set like a stack of identical rulers, you will spend more time sorting than cutting.

The benefit is repeatability: once you establish a labeling and storage system, you can cut the same shapes for future cushions and table runners without remaking templates. The tradeoff is setup time. Expect your first cutting session to be slower than later ones, and do not skip the organization step to save time.

When templates help most, and when they do not

These templates are most useful when you want to skip making your own templates and need consistent shapes across multiple projects. They are also helpful when you want to audition fabric placement before committing to a cut, because you can lay the acrylic piece on the fabric and check the repeat.

They are not a substitute for the pattern. The set is template only and does not include the Harlequin Garland Pattern, so you still need the pattern for piece counts, seam allowances, and assembly order. If you prefer freehand cutting or already have a template method that works for you, this set may add steps rather than remove them.

Set up your cutting area before the first template

Acrylic templates can slide on fabric, especially on smooth quilting cotton. A cutting mat with a fresh blade and a small piece of removable tape or grip dots on the back of each template will reduce shifting. Keep a fine-tip marker and a shallow tray near your mat so templates stay visible and separated.

Work on one project at a time. If you are cutting for both a cushion and a table runner, cut the cushion pieces first, then reset your fabric and templates for the runner. Mixing projects in one session is a common way to lose track of which template belongs to which shape.

Step-by-step: using the Harlequin Garland Template Set

Lay out and label all 30 templates: Empty the set onto a flat surface and compare each template to the shape list in your Harlequin Garland Pattern. Label the back of each template with a number or letter using removable tape or a fine-tip marker, following the pattern's own labels if it provides them. Checkpoint: every template should have a label before you cut any fabric. If a template has no obvious match in the pattern, set it aside and recheck the pattern diagrams before using it.
Press and square your fabric: Press out wrinkles and square the cut edge of your fabric before placing any template. A wrinkled or off-grain edge will distort the shape even when the template is positioned correctly. Mistake to avoid: cutting from an unsquared edge. It shifts the fabric repeat and makes later pieces harder to align.
Test the template on scrap fabric first: Place one template on a scrap of the same fabric you plan to use and trace or cut one test shape. Check that the template does not rock or slide and that your marking tool does not bleed through the acrylic. Checkpoint: if the template slides, add grip dots or removable tape to the back before cutting your good fabric.
Align the template with the fabric repeat: For directional or fussy-cut fabrics, position the template so the motif sits where you want it inside the shape. Hold the template firmly with your non-cutting hand and keep your fingers outside the cutting path. Mistake to avoid: centering the motif by eye without checking the seam allowance. The visible shape after sewing is smaller than the template, so allow for the seam.
Cut in batches by template number: Cut all pieces for one template number before moving to the next. Stack and label the cut pieces by template number so you can match them to the pattern steps later. Checkpoint: count the pieces against the pattern requirements before you put the template down. A missing piece is easier to cut now than after you have cleaned up.
Store templates and cut pieces together: Return each template to its labeled storage spot as soon as you finish cutting that shape. Keep cut pieces in a labeled bag or tray with the corresponding template number. Mistake to avoid: leaving templates in a loose pile. With 30 pieces, a mixed pile makes the next project slower and increases the chance of using the wrong shape.

Product facts

Harlequin Garland Template Set by Carolyn Murfitt: The set contains 30 acrylic templates and is designed as a companion to the Harlequin Garland Pattern, which is not included. You can skip making your own templates, but you must already own or purchase the pattern to know how many pieces to cut and how they assemble.
Harlequin Garland Template Set by Carolyn Murfitt