Using Stencils For Fabric Design

Have you ever worked with stencils? If you love to transform surfaces, give stencils a try.  They are a blast.

I was recently contacted by Stencil Revolution about working with their products. I love anything to do with fabric AND designing fabric, so thought it would be fun to try their stencils. Stencil Revolution has an amazing selection of high quality stencils – I especially loved the farmhouse, mandala and decor items. Go check them out!

I had a blank canvas tote in my stash and though their arrow stencil would be perfect. I placed the stencil in different directions around the tote and came up with a unique design. I added a single arrow to each strap. Initially I thought this was a big mistake.  When I compared the side with the arrow on the straps vs the side that I hadn’t worked on –  I realized the arrows gave the tote that extra touch it needed.  AND the best part.. My husband saw the bag hanging at our front entry and thought I bought it!

Using stencils to design fabric is super easy. Here is the quick breakdown:

Materials needed:

1. Blank canvas tote or fabric
2. Fabric paint
3. Sponges
4. Stencils
5. Cardboard for protecting your work surface
6. Masking tape
7. Iron and ironing board

Simple steps:

• Lay the fabric onto a flat work surface. Smooth any wrinkles out. Make sure there is something like cardboard or paper underneath to protect the work surface.
• Place the stencil onto the area and adhere the edges with masking tape. I like to use painters tape as it pulls of easy.
• Dip the sponge into the fabric paint, but don’t goop it on too much.
• Hold the stencil down with one hand and dab slightly. Make sure not to use too much paint, as it can run underneath and look messy.
• Work quickly dabbing away. Remember to dab lightly.
• Pull the stencil off and repeat as needed.

A little bit about Stencil Revolution:

• The company was founded in October 2016.
• They are located in Florida and all their stencils are cut in the USA.
•  Co-founder Jacob ran stencilrevolution.com as a community and informational site for quite a few years. He decided to start producing stencils after the site’s popularity continued to grow.
• Stencil Revolution works with freelancers and also has in-house designers.
• Why create and sell stencils?  Stencils are amazing!

Let me know how it goes! I was provided stencils for this post.  All opinions are my own.

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