
- Choose a stencil design. Try to choose a design not overly detailed.
- Print out your design in the same size you want your finished stencil to be.
- Tape the design to your plastic stencil blank. Trace your design onto the plastic with a marker.
- Place your plastic on top of your cutting mat and use your sharp craft knife to trace around the lines of your design very carefully.
- A ruler will help keep your lines perfectly straight.
- Clean up any cuts that are not smooth using your craft knife.
- Now you are ready to stencil!
How to create your own stencils?
Create, save, and share custom stencils
- Create a new custom stencil. In the Shapes window, click More Shapes, and then click New Stencil. ...
- Add shapes to a custom stencil. If the stencil title bar has the icon (asterisk), you can edit the stencil by adding, deleting, and modifying shapes.
- Save a custom stencil. ...
- Create a new stencil based on an existing one. ...
- Share a custom stencil. ...
What is the best machine to make stencils?
What is the best machine to make stencils?
- Wall Lenk L12SCK Cutlass Stencil Cutting Kit.
- Cricut 29-0001 Personal Electronic Cutting Machine.
- Silhouette Cameo -- Starter Bundle.
- Silhouette Portrait 2 Electronic Cutting Tool.
- Plaid wood burning and stencil cutting tool, 30725E.
- Milescraft 1298 3D-Pantograph Router Stencil Tracing Jig.
How to make a custom stencil?
How To Make A Custom Stencil
- Choose your stencil: Pick from horizontal and vertical custom stencil options to find the best fit for your custom design.
- Pick your stencil size: Enter your custom stencil size in the height and width fields.
- Create your own stencil design: Create a personalized stencil design by adding your own text with our easy-to-use design tool.
How to make a stencil at home?
Method:
- If you have a machine, insert the craft paper in the punching machine and press the punch. ...
- Take a drawing sheet and fold it in half. Make sure both the edges are met correctly.
- Take the glue and spread it across the drawing sheet in a criss-cross pattern. ...

How do I make my own stencils?
0:151:20How to Make Custom Stencils and Paint Like a Pro with StencilsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDesign for more intricate designs print it out and use some spray adhesive to position it on yourMoreDesign for more intricate designs print it out and use some spray adhesive to position it on your contact paper then cut pounce and peel you can use this technique for all kinds of projects.
What material do you use to make your own stencils?
Stencils are typically cut from a thin material that can hold its form—cardboard, plastic sheets, and metal are popular options. You could use paper, but it might rip or tear after repeated use. Plastic sheets, such as mylar, are the best option for making stencils by hand.
How do you make reusable stencils at home?
How to Make Reusable Stencils with Silhouette Stencil MaterialPrep the Cut File. Start by opening your stencil design in your cutting software. ... Cut the Stencil. After your design is done cutting, peel the stencil up off the paper backing and remove all the little pieces from the designs. ... Apply Stencil and Paint.
Can you make stencils at home?
Stencils are incredibly easy to make yourself. All that you need is cardboard and an Exact-O knife. Now, we all have left over cardboard (Don't fool yourself by thinking you don't! Even your cereal box from this morning can be used as a stencil when you're through with it).
What kind of paper is used for stencils?
Paper or Plastic? For the body of the stencil itself, you'll need to pick between either cardstock (paper that's rated between 50 and 110 lbs.; thicker than printer paper but thinner than cardboard), or acetate (Flexible plastic sheets that are a little thicker than cardstock).
What type of plastic is used for stencils?
Fluted Polypropylene (Coroplast) and high impact styrene are two plastic materials that are widely used in these types of applications. Some stencils are used with permanent or removable adhesives to ease the application process in cramped or challenging locations.
How can I make my own stencils for free?
0:002:31How to Make Free Stencil Templates - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPage. Or you can use the rapid resizer to print it exactly to any size even across pages. There areMorePage. Or you can use the rapid resizer to print it exactly to any size even across pages. There are a few extra options you can share your stencil by email or Facebook and so on.
How do you make a paper stencil?
Multiple-Overlay Stencil.Trace your image onto thin tracing paper. Begin as you would for a single-overlay stencil. ... Create registration marks. ... Lay a new piece of tracing paper over your first stencil drawing. ... Create as many overlays as you need until you've retraced all the elements of the design.
How do you make self adhesive stencils?
12:5123:50How to Create Reusable Adhesive Stencils - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what you want to do is this is your black chipboard. And you want to put it glossy side down theMoreSo what you want to do is this is your black chipboard. And you want to put it glossy side down the reason that is is because the glossy. Side is the side that is going to have the adhesive on it.
Can I print my own stencils?
You can find a selection of awesome stencil templates at spraypaintstencils.com. If you're using binder covers, print your stencils on paper, but if you're using transparencies and your printer can print on them, go ahead and print directly onto the transparency. Tape your stencil image to your plastic sheet.
How do you make acrylic stencils?
0:102:18How to Make Stencils - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo make stencils you must first find patterns you'd like to trace. If you can't draw freehand youMoreTo make stencils you must first find patterns you'd like to trace. If you can't draw freehand you won't need a pattern but for those who don't trust their drawing skills a pattern is necessary.
Can you make stencils out of cardstock?
Yes, you can totally make stencils from regular cardstock! They're definitely not as user-friendly as vinyl or stencil film would be; however, they can will the job done.
What material do I use to make a stencil with Cricut?
Stencil MaterialsStencil vinyl is made specifically to make stencils with your Cricut machine and it's self-adhesive.Removable adhesive vinyl has a sticky backing and should peel back easily from your project.Permanent adhesive vinyl is also sticky but will create a stronger bond with any surface you add it to.
How can I make my own stencils for free?
0:002:31How to Make Free Stencil Templates - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPage. Or you can use the rapid resizer to print it exactly to any size even across pages. There areMorePage. Or you can use the rapid resizer to print it exactly to any size even across pages. There are a few extra options you can share your stencil by email or Facebook and so on.
What do you need for stencil printing?
1:387:43Stencil Printing at home - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd according mat you can use those you need masking tape that's on our stencil. And then you needMoreAnd according mat you can use those you need masking tape that's on our stencil. And then you need either paint or ink that would print with so we're using acrylic paint here.
How do you make a durable stencil?
1:244:04How to Make a Stencil Durable and Last Forever - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust a really thin. Coat nothing major you don't want to get it wet with this first coat either youMoreJust a really thin. Coat nothing major you don't want to get it wet with this first coat either you just want to go over and create a protective and layer. And then you can do it on the backside.
1. How to Make hot glue stencils
Craft Mama shows you how to make any intricate pattern you please as a stencil using hot glue! Map out the pattern or shape you want on wax paper with your glue gun and wait for the pattern to dry. Peel it off and use it with paint or spray paint to recreate the negative space of that pattern (i.e. the parts with cut outs) on something else.
2. Create Diy Cardboard stencils
eHow walks you through one of the easiest stenciling making methods of all! Did you know you can make them easily from simple cardboard? As long as you remember to create a negative space image and stay diligent when you use your Exacto knife, you’re all set!
3. Lace stenciling
Leethal reminds you how useful lace is when it comes to crafting in general, but especially when it comes to stenciling and creating patterns! Lay the lace down and spray, sponge, or brush the paint over it to mimic its beautiful pattern onto a new surface.
4. Fishnet stencil design
Brit + Co. shows you how to make a crafty stencil with simple fish net tights! This method is great for recreating the hole-filled pattern on three dimensional objects rather than just flat surfaces because you can wrap the fabric around sides and edges!
5. Duct tape diy stencil tips
Ductism shows you how useful duct tape is for making stencils because it’s easy to cut, adhesive, and doesn’t absorb your paint or let it leak through onto your project. It’s simple, but effective!
6. Make modern Freezer paper diy stencils
You’d be surprised how many kitchen based supplies make great custom stencils! For example, Nikki in Stitches guides you through the process of creating your own stencilled patterns from freezer paper using a nice, even pattern printed from the computer.
7. DIY Vinyl stencils patterns
There are plenty of cutting machines that can create your custom stencils in seconds, but they’re not cheap. In case you don’t have one of those, Maison de Pax has a great alternative method that still lets you work with vinyl!
Materials
Stencil blank – these are clear, thin sheets of plastic that you can cut your stencil from. I used this 12″x12″ set from Amazon which is super affordable. You can also get 12″x24″ sheets or even a 12″x48″ roll for making larger stencils.
How to Make a Stencil
When you are choosing a design for your stencil, it’s best to choose something that isn’t overly detailed. Something with lots of clean lines will be easier to make into a stencil and also easier to use as a stencil. Very small details are often lost in the stenciling process.
Video Tutorial
I also put together a Youtube video of this project for those of you who prefer video. You can watch it below.
How to make a stencil the cheap and easy way
Learn how to make your own stencil in whatever design you want is easier than you think with the included step-by-step tutorial. Think of the possibilities!
How to Make Your Own Stencil by Hand
Stencils are typically cut from a thin material that can hold its form—cardboard, plastic sheets, and metal are popular options. You could use paper, but it might rip or tear after repeated use. Plastic sheets, such as mylar, are the best option for making stencils by hand.
Before you begin the DIY process, find or create an image or pattern that you love
There are many online resources to find free printable stencils. Here are a few to try:
Online classes can take the stenciling technique further
Skillshare has a class called How To Create a Simple Stencil that demonstrates how to apply the technique on a variety of materials—like textile, wood, or wall.
Find Your Type
There are various websites with free, downloadable stencil templates. Simply select from the fonts and type in the individual letters or words. Usually there are options to adjust the spacing and layout. Then, you just need to print out on cardstock.
Do It Yourself
Creating stencils on a computer offers more flexibility and a personal touch. You can do this in most word-processing programs like Microsoft Word or Adobe Photoshop. Set the program to full-page view, so you know exactly what size the letters will be. Type in your words or individual letters and choose a font.
Cut Out and Keep
If you printed directly on cardstock, this can be the stencil itself. Use a craft knife to carefully cut around each letter, leaving the inside of any loops or circles in an 'R', for example, attached to the card, which is now your stencil.
Trace Elements
You will need to trace flimsier paper onto a thicker material, such as cardboard or cardstock, before cutting out the letters to leave the stencil behind.
Fantastic Plastic
For a sturdier, reusable stencil that will last a little longer than cardboard or cardstock, place a sheet of clear thin plastic or acetate over your printout, without cutting out the letters first. Use painter's tape around the edges to attach the two layers together. Then, with a marker pen, trace the letters onto the plastic.
Sticky Stencil
A sticky stencil is great for a one-off project, such as spray-painting letters onto a poster or wooden sign. After cutting the letters from your stencil, place face down against the back of a sheet of contact paper, so the letters are back-to-front. Trace through the letters, and then cut the shapes out of the contact paper with a craft knife.
