How to Make Stencils From Fabric or Wallpaper

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Hand stenciling can make a room really come alive, but it's hard to get just the right stencil to match and make the statement that you're looking for. Making your own stencils to match the fabric or wallpaper you already have is pretty simple to do with a few instructions.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Exacto knife
Masking tape
Cutting board
Stenciling sheets (available at crafts stores)

Step1

Choose the pattern you'd like from the wall paper or fabric or even the floor tile in the room. Select all the colors you want to pick up. You may not want to put every color present as it may look busier across your entire wall than it does on the curtains or couch. You also need to cut another stencil for each new color so there's a lot more work involved, too.

Step2

Tape the stencil sheet over the object you want to stencil. Draw it carefully with a pencil, taking care that lines are straight and even. Draw a separate pattern for each color you want to use.

Step3

Choose which colors you're going to use on which parts of the pattern. Tape the stencil down on the cutting board very firmly so that it can't move anywhere. Write a letter corresponding to the color you want on each piece of that color so that you don't accidentally cut in the wrong place.

Step4

Cut carefully and slowly turning the board so that you are always cutting back toward yourself. This gives you greater control of the cut. Cut all the pieces of the color and then do the same with the other stencil sheets. Cut only one color per stencil so be careful to label each section properly.

Step5

Use the stencil by taping it to the wall and brushing--or dabbing if you like that effect--over the cut outs. Make sure that you don't overload your brush with paint as it can seep under the stencil if there's too much. Do the lightest colors first as they're easier to paint over if they do seep a little.

Step6

Repeat the pattern across the whole area you're stenciling. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly then carefully tape the second stencil over the area you've done. Make sure that the lines line up perfectly! Paint or dab on the second color one stencil at a time and repeat the process until the colors are all in.

Step7

Clean stencils carefully with soapy water after each color is done. Allow them to dry on towels with a book on top of them so that they dry nice and flat and can be used again.