How to Use Freezer Paper Stencils
Freezer paper is stiff paper with a waxy coating on one side--unlike waxed paper, which has a waxy coating on both sides--that can be used as a stencil to add simple designs to T-shirts. Ironing over the uncoated side will cause the wax to melt, holding the freezer paper in place on the T-shirt while you paint over a design cut into it. The wax also prevents the paint from smudging or bleeding around the edges of the stencil.
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Things You'll Need
- Freezer paper
- Craft knife
- Cutting mat
- Iron
- Ironing board
- T-shirt
- Fabric paint and brush
- Pencil (optional)
- Black marker (optional)
- Computer and printer (optional)
- Clear tape (optional)
Instructions
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1
Cut a piece of freezer paper an inch or two larger than the design you want to stencil. Place it on a flat surface with the waxy side facing down.
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2
Sketch your design on the freezer paper, then fill in all the parts you want to cut out with black marker. Alternatively, print out a stencil design, then tape it to the freezer paper.
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3
Place the freezer paper on a cutting mat and cut out the stencil with a craft knife.
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4
Lay the T-shirt or other fabric you want to decorate on an ironing board. Iron it to smooth out any wrinkles.
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5
Place the stencil, waxy side down, on top of the fabric. Place the iron on top of the stencil in one place and hold it still until the wax is melted. Don't push the iron back and forth, or you might pull up parts of the stencil. Repeat until all areas of the freezer paper have been ironed to the fabric.
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6
Fill in the stencil outline with a thin layer of fabric paint. Dab the paint on, rather than using a brushing, back-and-forth motion.
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7
Wait for the paint to dry, then gently peel the freezer paper stencil away from the fabric.
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8
Set your iron to the hottest setting and place it over the fabric paint for 20 to 30 seconds. This will set the paint.
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