Using Freezer Paper Stencils and Appliques on T-Shirts, Part 1

While having a craft cutting machine like the Silhouette makes making these types of t-shirts easier, it can certainly be done by hand. Before I got the Silhouette, I used small, sharp quilting detail scissors/an exacto knife to cut out my freezer paper stencils and applique pieces.

Here are the two shirts I made my kids this week that I’ll be using as an example to demonstrate the process. Today, the Cherry tee and tomorrow the C-17 Air Force tee.

Things You May Need:

Fabric Paint (I use Tulip Slick)

Fabric Pens

Freezer Paper

Fabric Scraps
Heat N Bond Sewable Adhesive

Paint Brushes

Tees Shirts (I used Garanimals tees)

Silhouette/Detail Scissors/Exacto Knife and cutting mat

First, we’ll do the girl’s cherry shirt which uses a combo of stenciling and applique.

Before I cut the fabric, I ironed on some Heat N Bond Sewable Adhesive to the wrong side of the pink polka dot fabric. Then I picked a design and had the Silhouette cut the fabric. To do this by hand, google an image, print it, and trace it onto the Heat N Bond. I often trace the printed image with a black Sharpie so it’s easier to see through the Heat N Bond to trace it. Iron your Heat N Bond to the wrong side of your fabric and cut out the image.

If you used the Silhouette, the fabric pieces should peel off your cutting mat with the adhesive attached but not the backing. If you do this by hand, peel off your backing. Set the pieces aside for the moment while we do the freezer paper portion.

Either have your Silhouette cut the image on freezer paper or cut by hand using an exacto knife or detail scissors. With the Silhouette, I put the freezer paper onto my cutting mat shiny side up. (NOTE: If you have words or an image you want to face a certain way, make sure you use a mirror image so the lettering/image comes out correctly). Remember, the shiny side of the freezer paper will go down so cut accordingly. Iron (shiny side down), with no steam, onto your tee ensuring it adheres well.

For this image, I just want to paint the stems and leaves. It only took 2 coats for good coverage but depending on the color of the tee, sometimes I need to do 3 coats. Allow to dry, then carefully peel off your freezer paper stencil.

When the paint is dry, iron on your adhesive backed fabric pieces like so:

I sew around the edges with a 1/8 inch hem. The raw edges will fray up after a few washes leaving a cute effect. Sew slow and move your tee around as needed. The small pieces take some time to do well.

That’s it! Check your paint bottle details. Many tell you to dry for 72 hours before washing. I wash my tees cold and dry on low inside out and have never had issues with the paint cracking. You can line dry if that worries you though.

Tomorrow, Part 2. I’ll show you how I made this Air Force C-17 tee using paint pens, fabric paint and by hand details with all freezer paper stenciling. (Update: View Part 2)