I’ve done my fair share of stenciling, but I must admit it was back in the 90’s. Stenciling has become very trendy again, especially with up-cycling and personalization being popular.
Not to mention the many gadgets out there to make professional looking work with stencils!
This page includes how to make DIY stencils without a Cricut machine as well as making stencils with a Cricut machine.
What is a stencil in art?
A stencil is a tool that helps apply a particular design onto a surface. Stencil designs range from florals, letters, geometric shapes to so many more patterns. Geometric designs and lettering seem to be the most popular at this time.
The method of repeating a design through a cut out shape on vinyl, freezer paper, metal, among other things is called stenciling.
Stencils are designs cut into a material overlaid onto a surface like wood, fabric, or canvas. Paint or stain is then applied over the stencil and the design remains when the stencil is removed.
Stencils made with a Cricut machine
Often the most professional and precise stencils are made with an electronic machine like a Cricut or Silhouette.
A Cricut machine is the ideal tool when it comes to making stencils. The Cricut takes all of the hard work out of the cutting process and ensures a perfect, professional-looking stencil each time.
Many links on this page take the crafter to sites that give hints and tips on making stencils with a Cricut machine. There are step-by-step instructions showing how to make a stencil with a Cricut from start to finish.
Stencils Made Without a Cricut Machine
However, making a stencil without using a Cricut machine is also possible. Making stencils doesn’t have to be expensive. As a matter of fact, making them without purchasing a machine makes them downright inexpensive.
As a stenciling project is being planned, be sure to set aside chunks of quiet time to focus solely on planning and making the stencil. Rushing creates poor cuts and poor cuts produce poorly finished projects.
The most exciting thing about making stencils without a Cricut machine is that they can be as low-tech or high-tech as desired.
Many links to the sites below give excellent directions for making DIY stencils without using a Cricut machine.
Scroll down this page and find many links to articles and tutorials on making stencils with or without a Cricut machine. Stencils are so popular right now, so don’t get left out!
Be sure to get creative with our free stencil projects page.
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Learn how to make a stencil with Cricut to achieve professional results.
Creative Blog
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Here is a step-by-step "How-To" tutorial for making your very own stencils with clear contact paper and a few other household supplies and tools.
Our Hopeful Home
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With only a few supplies and a couple of bucks, you can make your own stencils.
The Framhouse Life
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In this post learn how to make your own fabric stencils step-by-step.
Sewing Parts Online
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Learn how to use and make Freezer Paper stencils to perfection with your Cricut Maker, Explore machine or by hand.
Daydream into Reality
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Learn how to make a custom stencil in any design you want the cheap and easy way. No Cricuit, Silhouette, or other expensive cutting machine required.
Lovely Etc.
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Step-by-step instructions on how to make your own stencil without special equipment.
Salvaged Inspirations
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This post goes into detail on different ways to make your own stencils at home and use them to paint on fabric.
Sew Guide
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Want to learn how to make and paint with stencils? This article explains how.
Suncatcher Studio
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In this Cricut tutorial, Chris from Daily Dose of DIY shows you how to make a stencil in Design Space.
Daily Dose Of DIY
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Learn how to create custom stencils with Cricut stencil vinyl with these step-by-step instructions.
Sarah Maker
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In this tutorial, you'll learn how to make a four-layered stencil design.
Ideal Stencils
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Convert your photo to stencil and create stunning hand-drawn effect vector graphics using the all-new Art Vectorizer by Vectordad.
Vectordad
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Make printable alphabet, letter, and number stencils for painting, quilting, woodworking, stain glass and other arts and crafts.
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Automatically transfer pictures and photos into a stencil, line drawing or pattern.
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With this tutorial, Jennifer shows you how to make a reusable stencil with your Cricut for easy DIY gifts and decor.
Jennifer Maker
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Learn how to make spray paint stencils here.
WikiHow
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These instructions cover each step in creating complex multi-layer stencils from any source image.
By Tu in Crafts at Instructables
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How to cut a stencil - instructions.
The Spruce Crafts
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Stencil Generator is a free online stencil text to image creator program that allows you to generate and download text letters in stencil style format for free.
Stencil Generator
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This post will go over making reusable stencils, one time stencils, and what I found to be the best stencil material.
Leap of Faith Crafting
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Create your own fancy text, cool lettering, and stencils using this free online font generator.
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Make stencils from images! Just choose an image to make custom multi-layer stencils for art, painting, signs, t-shirts, and more!
Super Stencil Maker
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Learn how to create a vinyl stencil at home by choosing and printing your design, and then cutting it out with an X-Acto knife.
WikiHow
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