How to Trace With Freezer Paper

Use freezer paper to trace your designs.

You can use freezer paper to make custom clothing, tote bags, towels or even blankets using your own art work and designs. Use the paper to trace your designs onto the material, and then decorate the outline in any color you like using paint markers. Create a variety of designs like flowers, animals or decorative accents, and then give the items as gifts to family and friends. You can even start your own home-based business customizing clothing and gifts for other people.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors or craft knife
• Iron
• Fabric object
• Thin cardboard sheet
• Paint markers

Instructions

1. Use the scissors to cut a piece of freezer paper to fit the item you are tracing. For example, if you are tracing onto the pocket of a t-shirt, you will need a piece of paper that is approximately 4 inches by 4 inches, whereas if you are tracing onto a tote bag, you might prefer a larger design.

2. Use a pencil to draw your design onto the non-shiny side of the freezer paper. Cut the design out of the freezer paper using a sharp pair of scissors or a craft knife.

3. Preheat the iron to the appropriate heat setting for the material you are working with.

   Lay the fabric object flat on a hard work surface, and then position the freezer paper stencil, shiny side down, over the area where you want it.

4. Iron the freezer paper onto the material. Move the iron back, forth and around in circles to ensure the paper is fully stuck to the material and there are no gaps or air bubbles between the two.

5. Place a thin cardboard sheet between the layers of the fabric to prevent paint from bleeding through.

6. Use paint markers to trace the design around the freezer paper stencil. Allow the paint to dry for the recommended time on the label.

7. Remove the freezer paper.

Tips & Warnings

• Sprinkle glitter on the paint when it is still wet to add shine.

References

• How to Make a Stencil Using Freezer Paper
• Stenciling with Freezer Paper