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How to Stencil T-shirts

Looking for that perfect t-shirt with the perfect design? This page is full of ideas to make DIY stencils out of freezer paper, contact paper, plastic sheets, or vinyl cut with a cutting machine to create stenciled designs on t-shirts.

Sometimes finding the t-shirt you want is not so easy. If it is found, it is usually the wrong size or ridiculously expensive.

Luckily, it is easy to make custom t-shirts at home using stencils. All that is needed is some sort of base material for the stencil, a laundered t-shirt, fabric paint, and paintbrushes.

Regarding base materials for stenciling on t-shirts, freezer paper stencils or stencils made with a cutting machine such as Cricut or Silhouette are best for fabric. With this method, print or draw the design on freezer paper with the shiny side down.

Cut out the design and iron the stencil to the fabric. Once painted, peel the freezer paper stencil off for crisp lines.

Plastic sheet or Mylar stencils are reusable. To use this method, find a sheet of thin, plastic material. Transparent binder dividers work well for this. Cut out the design carefully with a sharp knife.

The fabric is then painted and the stencil washed and reused for multiple shirts.

Vinyl cutter stencils are made with a Cricut or Silhouette machine. With these machines, intricate designs can be cut. The vinyl stencil is stuck to the fabric, the fabric painted, and the stencil carefully removed for a beautiful stenciled t-shirt.

Some examples of designs found below include firework stencils to make t-shirts to celebrate the 4th of July. This is an inexpensive way to have matching family t-shirts for the holiday.

An interesting article below shows how to use spray paint to stencil on a t-shirt. A risky but fun activity is using bleach to make unique t-shirts, and there are several articles on that topic.

T-shirts aren’t the only fabric items that can be stenciled. There is an article that goes into detail about other DIY fabric stenciling ideas on bags and totes, sweatshirts, and other types of clothing.

Use these stenciled t-shirts and other t-shirts to create a t-shirt quilt to hold on to all of the memories that have been made.


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3 Ways to Stencil a T-Shirt

It's easy to make your own custom t-shirt using one of the methods - Contact Paper Method, Freezer Paper Method or Plastic Sheets Method. WikiHow

4th of July Shirts

This DIY 4th of July Shirt project is not only quick and easy to make but also a fun way to express your patriotic spirit. With just some spray paint and stencil, you can create it in no time. Cupcake and Cutlery

Apparel Stencils Tutorial

With this tutorial, learn how to use stencils to make a custom t-shirt. This method can also be used to customize bags, sweatshirt and other apparel. Stencil Stop

Bleach Stenciled Shirt

A bleached stencil method is an easy way to customize a shirt yourself. Stencil Stop

Bleach Stenciled T-Shirt Tutorial

In this fun post, Chaotically Yours will guide you through the exciting process of bleaching a shirt to create your very own unique patterns and designs. Chaotically Yours

Custom Design on T-shirt

Learn how to create your own design on a t-shirt using a freezer paper stencil. Minor DIY

Decorate a T-Shirt with Paint and Stencils

This tutorial provides you all the steps and shows you exactly what are the best supplies to use for stenciling t-shirts. Bluesky At Home

DIY Spray Paint Tee-Shirts

This post describes the step-by-step process of stenciling t-shirts with spray paint. Also, a lot of stencils are free to download. My Silly Squirts

DIY Stenciling T-Shirts

This tutorial will teach you how to make your own one-of-a-kind stenciled T-shirts, sweatshirts and other clothing using an image-editing program. Rookie

DIY T-Shirt Painting

This DIY T-shirt painting process made from freezer paper creates the perfect silhouette for little fingerprints to fill with color! Use the free stencil templates to make these fun painted shirts. Great craft for kids!!! Kitchen Table Classroom

DIY T-Shirt Stencils

DIY T-Shirt Stencils

Follow these simple instructions to create stenciled t-shirts for the entire family using t-shirts, Sharpies, and a few other household supplies. Craft Bits

Fabric Markers and Freezer Paper Stenciling

Here is an easy shirt tutorial with freezer paper stencil and fabric markers. Creative Ramblings

Firework T-Shirt

Firework T-Shirt

Learn how to make a DIY Firework t-shirt with Plush fabric paint and a firework stencil and this tutorial. Heather Handmade

Freezer Paper Stencil Shirt Tutorial

On this blog, discover how to easily create a stencil with freezer paper and use it to paint a shirt. Pretty Providence

Funny Boating T-Shirt

Discover how to create a humorous DIY boating shirt using freezer paper stenciling, making it an ideal gift for Father's Day or your favorite dad! This tutorial is straightforward and includes a free downloadable template compatible with Cricut or Silhouette machines. Alternatively, you can use an X-Acto knife for the project. Bre Pea

Ghost Face T-Shirt (Kid Craft)

This Ghost Face Halloween t-shirt is a simple craft for kids. An adult uses freezer paper and a craft knife to make stencils. Then, the child uses fabric paint to fill in the stencil. Artsy Momma

Halloween Ghost T-Shirt

Super Simple! Super Easy! Follow these instructions to make a Halloween t-shirt using the super simple freezer paper stencil technique. Alice & Lois

Handprint Freezer Paper Stencil T-Shirt

Craft a quick Father's Day gift using this tutorial on making a stencil with freezer paper, stenciling on a T-shirt, and finish with handprints. Craft Passion

Henna Stencil T-Shirt

For this stencil t-shirt project, henna sticker stencils were used along with fabric paint and a few art supplies to create a stenciled design on a t-shirt. A Crafty Arab

How to Stencil a Shirt

All you need is T-shirts, a stencil and ink pads, and some cardboard and this tutorial to stencil a T-shirt. Creative Whimsy

Jack-O-Lantern T-Shirt

Wee Folk Art offers two Jack-o-Lantern stencils which can be used to stencil a t-shirt or other clothing item for Halloween. Includes complete instructions for the project. Wee Folk Art

Leaf Stencil T-Shirt

Get the free leaf print stencil pattern and then use it to stencil a variety of t-shirts. Freshly Found

Leopard Print T-Shirt Project

Make a cool t-shirt using a leopard print stencil design and bleach stencil technique. Ideal Stencils

Mushroom Stenciled Shirt

with this tutorial, you'll create your own original mushroom artwork and stencil it onto a t-shirt. This is an excellent project for anyone. Lettuce Crafts

Patriotic T-Shirt

Get ready for summer with this DIY Patriotic T-Shirt hand painted using a freezer paper stencil. Spot of Tea Designs

Rainbow T-Shirt

If you're seeking a fun and colorful DIY T-shirt project to create with your children, this is the perfect activity for you. Hispana Global

Scribble T-Shirts (Kid Craft)

This scribble t-shirt idea is the perfect activity for kids. It only needs three supplies - a t-shirt, fabric markers and painter's tape. Eclectic Momsense

Silhouette T-shirts

Here are the instructions for creating stunning stenciled T-shirts featuring silhouettes. Use contact paper and fabric paint to stencil your own T-shirts. Heat set the fabric paint with an iron. Jewels At Home

Stencil Painting on T-Shirt

In this step-by-step tutorial, learn how to use Textile Opaque paint to transform a plain or old t-shirt into a customized, creative masterpiece. Royal Talens

Stencil T-Shirts

For a quick t-shirt makeover, use these free stencil patterns, fabric paint and these instructions. Aunt Annie

Stenciled Arrow T-Shirt

This is a simple stencil design. Learn how to make an arrow t-shirt with stencil and fabric paint. Shannon Sews

Stenciled T-shirt with Cricut

This tutorial will explain how to customize t-shirts and clothing with stencils made with Cricut Maker. By jnifrwebb in Craft at Instructables

Stray Painted Stenciled T-Shirt

This post explains how to use spray paint to stencil a t-shirt. You can apply this technique to any fabric item, including tote bags, sweatshirts, etc. Club Crafted

Sunflower Stencil Print T-Shirt

Print and cut out the free pattern sheet for the stencil and then creat a bright, fun and very simple sunflower print t-shirt in less than an hour. Freshly Found

Super Hero T-Shirt

This tutorial is a two-part-er. First, learn how to use a freezer paper stencil to create the super hero icon on the shirt and then how to make the cape. I'm Feelin' Crafty

T-Shirt Stencil

Don't have any freezer paper on hand! No worries! This tutorial shows how to make a t-shirt stencil using plastic bags. Lettuce Craft

Valentine T-Shirts for Kids

Valentine T-Shirts for Kids

Make some simple DIY Valentine t-shirts for your kids by upcycling adult t-shirts using some freezer paper stencils to add the graphic. Heather Handmade





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