DIY: How to Make Your Own Stencil

Ever wonder how to make your own stencil? You don’t have to be artistically gifted to add creative flair to your walls. For centuries, stencils have been helping people personalize their spaces, but sometimes it’s tough to find the right image in the right size for the right price.

Good thing making your own is a snap! Allow me to divulge the secrets of the pros.

The quality of materials is key. If the stencil plastic is too thin, you end up with a flimsy mess, and if it’s too stiff, it’s difficult to cut.

Materials: 12″ x 18″ Dritz Quilting Template Plastic (Find it in the quilting notions section at Joann Fabrics, available in clear and gridded. DON’T buy the heavy duty variety!), quality scissors (Cutter Bee scissors are my favorite), black Sharpie marker, correctly sized printout of desired image (you can piece it together from several printed pages)

Begin by placing the plastic template over your printed image. My letters take up the entire sheet, but feel free to trim the plastic down to size for something smaller. Just try and keep your image about an inch from the edge, at minimum.

Trace the outline of your image onto the plastic with a black Sharpie. You may need an ultra fine tip for intricate designs.

Use the sharp point of your scissors to poke a hole inside the stenciled shape. Cut to the edge, and follow the outline. In some instances, an X-Acto knife works well for this step also.

Don’t forget to cut out any interior pieces of the stencil design!

Keep your stencil together by taping the smaller pieces to the main stencil with painter’s tape. Because they are entirely reusable, I like to label the stencil in the corner for future reference.

Shapes, patterns, letters, numbers and beyond—your stenciling options are now limitless! Whether you use them on a wall, a canvas or a piece of furniture, your custom cut stencils will turn your creative vision into reality.