How to Stencil Pillows
Throw pillows make cushy, colorful accents for couches, beds and overstuffed chairs. If you've unsuccessfully searched for a set of pillows that match your linens, furniture or surrounding room decor, you can create your own pattern to complement your decorating style. With the proper tools and materials, the pillow stenciling technique is fairly simple. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Fabric pillow
- Iron
- Plastic sheet or scrap paper
- Cardboard
- Stencil
- Stencil tape or low-tack adhesive
- Fabric paint
- Paper plate
- Stencil brush
Instructions
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1
Remove the cover of the fabric pillow and iron out any wrinkles.
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2
Prepare your work surface by placing a plastic sheet or pieces of scrap paper on the table to protect it from paint spills.
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3
Spread the pillow cover onto the plastic sheet or pieces of scrap paper. Place a piece of cardboard between the layers of fabric so the fabric paint doesn't seep through to the other side of the pillow cover.
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4
Affix the stencil in the desired spot with stencil tape or another type of low-tack adhesive so you can remove or reposition it without leaving residue. Ensure the stencil is adhered tightly to the fabric so the bristles of the stencil brush don't slip under the edges of the stencil, marring the design.
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5
Pour the fabric paint onto a paper plate. Dip the stencil brush into the paint. Pounce the brush at least five times onto a dry spot on the paper plate or onto a piece of scrap paper to remove excess paint from the brush. The bristles of the stencil brush should be lightly coated with fabric paint to produce an even layer on the fabric.
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Pounce the stencil brush over the open shape in the stencil to create a crisp image. Swirling or moving the brush back and forth will push paint under the edge of the stencil.
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7
Lift the stencil from the fabric carefully after you've completely covered the shape with fabric paint. Allow the paint to dry until it's dry to the touch, and then repeat the process to paint the next portion of the design until you've completed the stenciled image.
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Allow the paint to dry overnight before placing the pillow back inside the fabric.
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Tips & Warnings
If the pillow you plan to stencil doesn't have a removable cover, you'll need to hold the section of the pillow you're painting taut between your thumb and fingertips of one hand while you pounce the stencil brush onto the fabric with the other.
Use texture paint or smooth a thick layer of fabric paint over the stencil using a palette knife instead of a stencil brush to create a raised design on the pillow.
Ensure the stenciled pillow is completely dry before placing it on the couch, bed or sofa to avoid smearing the design and possibly ruining the item of clothing that brushes up against the wet fabric paint.
