How To Make Stencils – 15 DIY Stencil Patterns Tips To Paint
Updated on November 13, 2020
Stenciling is an awesome DIY way to customize just about anything with clean, consistent patterns. When it comes to acquiring stencils, however, many people simply buy what they can find at the store. What if stores don’t have the pattern you want, though? Believe it or not, your crafting skills can come in handy when it comes to how to make stencils yourself.
Check out these 15 DIY stencils made from more than just pre-cut, store bought plastic!
Learn about modern designs of stenciling
1. How to Make hot glue stencils
Craft Mamashows you how to make any intricate pattern you please as a stencil using hot glue! Map out the pattern or shape you want on wax paper with your glue gun and wait for the pattern to dry. Peel it off and use it with paint or spray paint to recreate the negative space of that pattern (i.e. the parts with cut outs) on something else.
2. Create Diy Cardboard stencils
eHowwalks you through one of the easiest stenciling making methods of all! Did you know you can make them easily from simple cardboard? As long as you remember to create a negative space image and stay diligent when you use your Exacto knife, you’re all set!
3. Lace stenciling
Leethalreminds you how useful lace is when it comes to crafting in general, but especially when it comes to stenciling and creating patterns! Lay the lace down and spray, sponge, or brush the paint over it to mimic its beautiful pattern onto a new surface.
4. Fishnet stencil design
Brit + Co.shows you how to make a crafty stencil with simple fish net tights! This method is great for recreating the hole-filled pattern on three dimensional objects rather than just flat surfaces because you can wrap the fabric around sides and edges!
5. Duct tape diy stencil tips
Ductismshows you how useful duct tape is for making stencils because it’s easy to cut, adhesive, and doesn’t absorb your paint or let it leak through onto your project. It’s simple, but effective!
6. Make modern Freezer paper diy stencils
You’d be surprised how many kitchen based supplies make great custom stencils! For example, Nikki in Stitchesguides you through the process of creating your own stencilled patterns from freezer paper using a nice, even pattern printed from the computer. This helps keep the design consistent, but it’s more hardy than just using the printed paper itself.
7. DIY Vinyl stencils patterns
There are plenty of cutting machines that can create your custom stencils in seconds, but they’re not cheap. In case you don’t have one of those,Maison de Paxhas a great alternative method that still lets you work with vinyl!
8. Silhouette machine cutting mat stencil
If youdo have one of the fancy vinyl cutting machines, then you’re set to make reusable stencils from kitchen cutting mats! Keep it affordable by getting your mats from the dollar store. Your vinyl cutting machine will trace your custom pattern out in a shallow cut and you’ll be able to properly cut and poke out the shapes carefully with an Exacto knife.
9. Transparency paper stenciling
Do you remember the transparency sheets teachers used to use on overhead projectors in the 1990s? Those sheets are awesome tools for DIY projects!Reality Day Dreamshows you how to draw or trace a pattern and cut out the pieces.
10. Make plain paper stencils
Sweet Sugar Bellereminds you how easy regular pieces of paper are for simple crafts. You certainly won’t be able to reuse a paper stencil if you’re using something like paint to create your design, but it’s still a great method for small projects with block designs.
11. Tape and Stencil
Merriment Designsuggests using a stencil that you bought from the store or pre-made from plastic and altering it with tape. This cute design, however, creates a polka dotted pattern around the word “Mom” because of where the tape is placed. It’s so simple and yet so smart!
12.Mylar sheet stencils
Mylar sheets are a great tool for modern stencil making too! They also come in packs, making them a better option for trying your luck at drawing or painting a pattern free hand than other plastic stencil ideas, like cutting mats. Check out how Salvaged Inspirations made some!
13.Electric cutting tool stencils
If you like the idea of using Mylar sheets or transparencies so that your stencil art can be reused, but you’re having trouble getting the edges in your pattern smooth or properly rounded with an Exacto knife, take a look at this nifty gadget suggested by Sand & Sisal! This electric cutter uses heat to melt to melt the plastic very precisely rather than making a harsh cut like a knife.
14.Solid stencils
Sometimes the best stencilled patterns are ones that you spray or tracearound rather than across. North Texas Kids shows you how easily solid stencils are to cut out of cardboard so you can get interesting, modern shapes rather than just interesting lines.
15.Paint tape wall stencils
Creating stencil art big enough to cover your whole wall is basically impossible, but using a smaller stencil and repeating it risks inconsistencies in the pattern if you place it unevenly. Instead, try creating a pattern right on the wall itself using painter’s tape, just like PBJ Stories did here! Paint right over the pattern and, when everything’s fully dried, peel the tape off to reveal the colour underneath in the pattern you wanted.
Do you know someone who loves stencilling but who can never find the designs they really want in stores? Share this post with them for a little bit of crafty inspiration!