Stenciling shirts...

[lies and propaganda]

While I responded to sfexpat's post about photo transfers, I thought that Stenciling tshirts may actually deserve its own thread, so this is it!

I am obsessed with stenciling t shirts... This is the easiest way to design a shirt yourself, and a very rewarding project when done.

You need:
Freezer Paper, in ziploc area of the store.
An exacto
Tape
Fabric Paint
Paint Brushes
An Image

Lets say you want a shirt that reads 'FUGWB.' You can draw it yourself, or use one of the millions of awesome fonts on the internet to convey just what you want.

Print it out and tape in on the NON SLICK side of the freezer paper. Freezer paper has an awesome sticky layer that when wrapping meat allows it to not stick causing freezer burn. Perfect for 'gluing ' it onto your shirt.

You cut your letters out and then lay out your freezer paper cut out on your shirt where you like it. Now iron that baby on there!
A few really good passes to make sure its on there solid.

And then you just paint inside the cut out portions of your freezer papered shirt. Two coats will usually suffice, depending on you ;)

Let it dry overnight and then just rip the paper off. Sometimes you will need tweezers to get some of the tiny pieces of paper left behind.

Its not as accurate as screenprinting, but once you get the hang of it you can create some pretty magical things.
And its super cheap, a roll of freezer paper has 7164614 uses and is around $5, and you can practice while youre getting the hang of it on newspaper.

Super simple, super easy and perfect for the impromptu protest you need just the right shirt for!

If I left anything out or you have any questions, let me know!

an example of one of my last shirts...
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=16462142&albumID=0&imageID=4738108

[eleny]

1. I read that ironing some freezer paper on the inside also helps

One of my favorite craft bloggers said she irons some freezer paper to the wrong side of the front of the shirt as well. This helps keep the fabric from slipping when you're painting on the color.

Have you experienced any slippage while applying your paint? And what do you do to protect the back of the shirt when you're painting?

[lies and propaganda]

4. I forgot to address that in my OP, but i did in the comment below...

[eridani]

2. Any bleedthrough problems?

As in paint slipping under the freezer paper?

[lies and propaganda]

3. Ah! the first step I left off...

I knew it would be inevitable...

I put a thick layer of cardboard in btwn the shirt layers, and I make sure its not sticking to the cardboard in btwn paint layer one and two...

[eleny]

5. So you don't experience any slippage?

I guess not since you've had great luck with this. Freezer paper is a terrific craft tool!

[lies and propaganda]

6. Are you talking about the actual stencil when ironed on slippage?

Or slippage of paint through the cut sections of the stencil?

But no, the freezer paper once given a good ironing never moves, unless I screw something up like freak out at my cat and tear it or what not ;)

An occasionally, I do get small bits of paint outside the stencil area. This mostly happens when Im cutting very small letters of pieces in a small area. larger type designs usually come out perfecto.

[eridani]

7. I meant paint leakage

The paint never leaks under the freezer paper, even a little bit?

[eleny]

9. it's what i worried about, too

[eleny]

8. Slippage of paint through the sections of the stencil

I was thinking that tee fabric can be a little slippery. sounds like you do just fine.

Lettering must be tricky with all the cuts and sharp angles.

[AllegroRondo]

10. this works great with an airbrush

if you can get your hands on an airbrush and fabric paint, these kinds of stencils are great. And the paint dries very quickly through an airbrush, so theres almost no worry about paint getting under the stencils.