Sewing Crafts With Letter Stencils

Crafters can use stencils in many sewing projects.

Crafters can apply stenciled art to almost any project, and sewing projects are no exception. From home goods to gifts to clothing, an intrepid stenciler can apply letters and words to just about anything by using paint, markers, glitter or embellishments. It is a quick, inexpensive way to add names, phrases or worded logos to clothing, or feature family names or initials to linens or decorative accessories.

Linens

Stenciling can impart images to bed and kitchen linens. Use a large letter stencil to add the first letter of a surname to create an informal family crest. Once you finish stitching bed linens, apply this to pillowcases or the cuffed portion of a flat sheet. Crafters can apply entire names, words or phrases to linens, which would be suitable for homemade tablecloths, place mats or napkins. Use the family's entire surname, personalize linens with first names, or feature words such as "home," "family," or holiday greetings.

Home Accessories

Crafters can also impart self-created family crests to countless decorative accessories including homemade drapery panels or throw pillows. A throw pillow would be a canvas for myriad stenciling projects depicting names, holidays, salutations, favorite quotations or homey terms like "welcome." Sew a decorative fabric panel, structured by sewn-in dowel rods, to hang as artwork in the home. Stencil names, important dates, quotations or entire stories onto the panel, and hang it with ribbon or decorative cords.

Clothing and Fashion Accessories

Use stencils to add the names of individuals, schools or teams to clothing or team uniforms. Apply sayings or quotations like "Once upon a time..." or "'Twas the night before Christmas..." to the hem of a girl's dress or jumper. Creating a border of the alphabet would be a charming addition to the home-sewn apparel of younger children. Use stencils on tote bags, hair accessories or scarves, all of which are easy to make at home. Stenciling would be an ideal craft project for a child's party. Sew headbands or totes for each guest and allow them to use fabric paint or markers to customize the item with her name.

Gifts

Many people sew small tokens to bestow on loved ones. In addition to gifted versions of the aforementioned projects, consider stenciling names or letters onto potpourri sachets, gift basket linings or fabric coverings for jarred treats like jam. Instead of using a basket for a compilation of small gifts, give a gift bag or gift tote. Pack all of the treats into a reusable, stenciled, home-sewn tote so the packaging is a gift unto itself.

References

• Threads: Stenciling Workshop