I love freezer paper. It is dirt cheap and practically magic! My apologies to non-American readers, I have heard it is impossible/difficult to find outside the states. You can iron the paper down on fabric and it adheres quite nicely, and then peels away without leaving a trace. This makes it useful for a number of things – but I most commonly use it to stencil!
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You can find the graphic for the ‘MILK’ carton in this post, and I have rounded up a ton of bunch of free silhouettes and appliques in this Pinterest board. A lot of the refashions I see are using Silhouette or Cricut machines to cut out their design but you don’t need to go to all that trouble! A craft knife works just fine.
I’ve used this technique to stencil my own shirt and shirts for my son – it is so versatile.
Supplies
- x-Acto or craft knife*
- Fabric paint* – I really like Tulip soft matte!
- Freezer paper* (the regular roll is cheaper at your grocery store BUT Amazon has these fancy printable sheets, too* OR my brilliant friend Amy remarked in the comments that she cuts the roll to printer size and uses them!)
- Pen
- Foam brush
- Thin cardboard
- Ruler (optional)
- Iron
Steps
1 – Draw or print out the design you’ll be cutting and then layer the freezer paper over top, shiny side down. Trace.
2 – Use your craft knife and cut out the outline, carefully preserving the corners.
3 -Lay all your pieces shiny side down on the shirt – iron with a high heat setting, making sure to catch all the edges.
4 -Apply a light coat of fabric with your foam brush, painting with the grain of the fabric and watching out for bumps or lumps. Let dry, apply a second coat if necessary.
5 -Gently tease up one edge and pull all the freezer paper away!
6. After the paint is dry, use an iron to ‘heat set’ the paint. Mine wasn’t 100% dry so I used a pressing cloth in between them, but this is optional.
Done! It took longer to photograph and write this tutorial than to actually do it – freezer paper stenciling is so satisfying. Have you ever tried it?
If you have never gone thrift shopping for t-shirts to upcycle, check out this post with tips on picking the best stuff! Then, freezer paper stencil it!
Amy says
I loooove freezer paper! I like to cut 8.5×11″ pieces and just run it through my printer – saves a step cause I’m too lazy to trace ?
Stephanie - Swoodson Says says
omg you’re brilliant. added that to the post, credited to you!
Domenica says
I love freezer paper too. We can only get it in craft stores here in Australia. Love this technique. It’s a great option if you don’t have one of those expensive cutting machines.
Stephanie - Swoodson Says says
When I worked with One Thimble, an AUS e-mag, the editor said it wasn’t common there! I would miss it terribly!
Cat says
Oh I’m pinning this. I will totally use it as I don’t have one of those fancy silhouettes or cricuit machines. Thanks for sharing!
Stephanie - Swoodson Says says
Thanks for pinning! It’s a handy trick, I’ve used it for my own, adult, shirt designs too, not just kids!
Sharon Martin says
Great instructions. One of best I have seen on this. thank you. Will definitely try using your instructions. I already have the freezer paper with intent to try.
Stephanie - Swoodson Says says
Sharon, that is the kindest thing to say! I’d love to hear how it works out for you, please email me and let me know 🙂
Pam @Threading My Way says
If only we could buy freezer paper by the roll at supermarkets! I’ve showcased your easy to follow tutorial, Stephanie…
http://www.threadingmyway.com/2017/04/showcasing-how-to-stencil-with-freezer.html
Stephanie - Swoodson Says says
Thanks so much Pam!
Stephanie - Swoodson Says says
Thank you Pam!
Doreen Nelson says
In Australia we call freezer paper , “wax paper” and it is available in our supermarkets where we get plastic wrap and aluminium foil too…
Stephanie - Swoodson Says says
Oh neat, thanks for the tip Doreen!