How to Use my Stencils

Okay. I am no expert on this sort of thing, so I just go about things my own sometimes convoluted way. I strongly urge you to experiment and find a method that works best for you.

When you download one of my stencils, you will get several files. One is what the final image should look like, denoted, obviously, by the word ‘final’ in the file name. I like to include this because I think it keeps me focused on what my goal is. The others are the conveniently numbered steps, as most stencils are done in layers, I take to get to the final image. Whatever section of the image is in pink is what you must cut out. The other sections, in blue, are there to remind you of placement.

So, what I do:

fiddle around with the size until I think I’ve got it right
print out cutting guide, hold it up to shirt to judge size, promptly realize it is completely wrong
repeat the preceding steps many times, cursing all the while, until I get what I want
save all of the failed print outs to draw on later
tape cutting guide and a piece of freezer paper, glossy side down, to a flat surface
cut out pink sections
use pencil to lightly outline blue sections (not necessary on the first layer, generally, but on following layers, yes, to use as a line-up guide)
place garment to be decorated on a flat surface with something in between the layers of cloth; I use a piece of plywood, and just slip the shirt over it
place stencil, gloss side down, in correct spot
iron on medium heat - NO STEAM - for a minute or two; freezer paper has one side (glossy) covered in wax and what happens here is that you are melting the wax gently into the fibers of the shirt to keep the stencil firmly in place while you paint
let cool, mix paint
paint area, aiming for a uniform texture; as in, try to use all down strokes, or side strokes, instead of just going crazy - streaks will show in the paint
the fabric paint I use takes four hours to dry, but if I want to do a second coat on a certain layer, it’s generally safe to do so after three ish hours
when paint is dry, gently but firmly pull the stencil off
repeat for remaining layers
hand paint touch ups
enjoy shirt, making sure to follow the fabric paint’s rules for washing