Quick and Easy Freezer Paper Stencils

I tested a rashguard pattern for Peek-A-Boo pattern shop, and used red fabric to coordinate with the swim shorts that I tested earlier.   It came out really cute!   But after seeing it on him, I decided to add a freezer paper stencil, just to make it more fun.  Scroll down for an easy tutorial!

 

Freezer paper stencil tutorial: 

1. Choose an image to stencil.   I usually google whatever I'm looking for "silhouette" and see what comes up.  "Stencil" is also a good key word!   Or you can use a drawing of your own, or text (use a bold, clear font for easier cutting).   
2. Trace the design onto freezer paper, on the dull side.  Leave plenty of room around the design, this makes it easier later so you don't get paint where you don't want it.

   3.  Cut out the design - you can use small scissors, or an craft knife, depending on how detailed       your design is.   

4.     Line it up on your shirt, and iron it on.  If you image has more than one piece, iron down the biggest one first, then place the small detail bits and iron those too.   Go over it to get everything stuck down tight.     Make sure you use an iron setting suitable for you fabric.  For this shirt, I used a "cool" setting because swim fabric can get damaged from hot heat!   

 



 5.   Put a piece of cardboard or a few layers of paper inside the shirt under where the design is, if you forget to do this, paint can seep to the back of the shirt.

6.  Paint the design using fabric paint or screen print paint.  You can use a brush or a sponge, but I often just use my finger.   Depending on your paint and colors you are using, you may need to do more than one coat.  Its better to do a few thin coats instead of 1 thick coat.    Let this dry completely.

6.     Peel off the freezer paper and check out your design!   If you paint calls for it, iron it again to set the paint using a scrap of fabric over the design to protect it.