Marking a quilt for quilting is more nearly like an artist’s job than any step in the making of a quilt. On pieced blocks straight lines, which follow the seams of the patchwork or cross into checkerboard or diamond effects, are usually best.
On the alternate plain blocks or strips and on borders the quilting may be as ornate as desired. Manufacturers have adapted some of the old-time favorite designs in addition to originating new patterns, to fit other space plans. These come on a special tough but transparent paper, the design perforated so that it may be used over and over with stamping paste.
To use stamping paste, wet a piece of cotton lightly with benzine or naphtha, then rub over the paste until the cotton shows color. Place your perforated pattern over your material, smooth side of the pattern up. Hold pattern firmly in place and rub lightly over the design with your cotton. Be careful not to get your cotton too wet. After you have finished using the pattern, pour some benzine freely on a piece of cotton and clean pattern through the perforations thoroughly. This paste will not smear like a pencil or powder but does not remove easily. If stamped lightly the thread should cover it. If you practice first on scrap material you can soon judge how damp to have the cotton, how little paste will transfer, and then there will be no mistakes.