Freezer Paper Stencil with Cricut

Learn how to create a happy camper T-shirt with freezer paper, fabric paint, and a Cricut. In this tutorial, you will use the Cricut to cut a stencil.

Are you tired of wearing dull and uninspiring T-shirts?

Well, you're in luck! In just six easy steps, you can create a stunning Happy Camper t-shirt that will turn heads and make you the envy of your friends.

With your Cricut machine and freezer paper stenciling, you can personalize your t-shirts like a pro.

Our step-by-step instructions and expert tips will guide you through the process and make the freezer paper method easy. So grab your materials, and let's get started!

Craft Video Tutorial

Do you like videos? I have a video tutorial for you! Subscribe to my YouTube Channel so you don't miss any future videos.

Supply List

Some links may be to similar items when exact items can't be found online.

• Happy Camper SVG
• Cricut Cutting Machine
• T-shirt
• Freezer Paper
• LightGrip Cutting Mat
• Weeding Tool
• EasyPress Mini
• EasyPress Mat
• Cardboard
• Fabric Paint
• Foam Wedge

Creating your Stencil

When designing your stencil, consider a few things. First, consider the size and complexity of your design.

If this is your first time using freezer paper stenciling, starting with a simple design may be best.

However, if you're confident and have some experience with stenciling, feel free to get creative with your design.

You can use your own designs or use the same Happy Camper design that I used.

Or choose from any of my Free Svgs from my Shop!

Next, consider the placement of your design on the t-shirt. Do you want it front and center or off to the side? Before proceeding, take some time to visualize how the design will look on the finished product.

Cricut Design Space

I use Cricut Design Space, and the next several steps will be based on that.

Your steps may differ if you use Silhouette Studio or a different design software.

The first step is to upload the file into your cutter software.

Size the design to fit on your T-shirt. It can be helpful to lay the shirt flat and measure the space with a ruler.

I wanted Happy Camper to be 9 inches wide.

Add a rectangle to the canvas and size it so it is 2 inches wider and 2 inches taller than the original design.

Center the design inside the rectangle.

Highlight both layers and select Slice.

This will turn the two layers into three layers.

Delete the two layers of the design so you are left with the stencil.

Select Make It to move on to the next step of the cutting process.

Under the materials list, select Freezer Paper.

Tear off a piece of freezer paper from its roll.

I find the best way to cut the sheet to size is to lay the paper on top of the LightGrip Cricut Mat with the protector still on. Then, you can use those grid lines to cut the piece appropriately.

Freezer paper has two sides: a shiny wax-coated side and a matte paper side. The waxy side will adhere to the fabric to make our stencil.

The best part about freezer paper is that it doesn't leave any residue when it is removed!

Lay the sheet of Freezer paper onto the cut mat with the shiny side down.

You DO NOT need to mirror the design when using this technique.

Follow Cricut Design Space's prompts regarding when to load your mat and begin cutting.

Weeding the Stencil

Since freezer paper is thin and tends to roll up on itself, I have found the easiest way to weed is to keep the paper on the LightGrip Mat.

Using a weeding tool removes the design's positive parts so only the negative is left.

Don't forget the small pieces inside the letters.

Applying Your Stencil

Now that your stencil is cut out and ready to go, it's time to apply it to your t-shirt.

First, make sure your t-shirt is clean and dry. Lay it flat on top of the EasyPress Mat and place a piece of cardboard or thick paper inside to prevent any bleeding to the other side.

Carefully peel back the outer part of the stencil from the LightGrip Mat.

Position your stencil on the t-shirt where you want it to be. Use a ruler or measuring tape to ensure it's centered and straight.

Once you've got it in the right spot, use the Cricut EasyPress Mini on the highest heat setting to apply heat around the stencil.

The wax on the back of the Freezer Paper will temporarily adhere to the fabric on the shirt.

Remove the letters from the cutting mat and lay them inside the stencil, about where they will go. You don't want to adhere them to the shirt until the stencil pieces are evenly spaced.

Apply heat to each piece to adhere it to the shirt.

Applying Paint

Now it's time to start applying your paint. Make sure that the type of paint you are using is intended for fabric, and follow the instructions on the bottle for the best results.

Using a foam brush or stencil brush, dab the paint onto the stencil.

My favorite way to apply the paint is with a makeup sponge. They are inexpensive and work really well.

Be sure to use a light touch and only pick up a little bit of paint at a time. Work from the edges inward to prevent any bleeding under the stencil.

I let the first coat dry for about 15 minutes, and then applied a second coat.

Remove the Freezer Paper Stencil

Removing the freezer paper stencil is relatively easy. Simply grab a corner and peel it up.

A weeding tool can help grab the paper, but be careful not to pull threads or poke holes in the T-shirt.

My new Happy Camper shirt turned out great!

Wash and Dry

Follow the directions on your fabric paint to wash and care for your new shirt.

Optional Finishing Touches

Now you have created a unique and personalized Happy Camper t-shirt, and you can add some finishing touches to make it even more special.

Here are some ideas to take your design to the next level:

1. Embellish with Rhinestones: Add some sparkle to your design by gluing rhinestones to create stars in the sky, or use them as fireflies in the woods. This will give your design a fun and playful feel.
2. Puffy Paint: Use different colors of puffy paint to add special details to your design, such as creating shadows or highlights, or outlining the letters with a different color. You can also make a gradient effect by blending two or more colors.
3. Add a Pocket: If you have a plain t-shirt, you can add a pocket made from a contrasting fabric to add a pop of color and extra storage for small items.
4. Sew on Patches: You can further customize your t-shirt by sewing on patches of your favorite camping destinations or adding camping-related phrases.

By adding extra details to your design, you'll have a truly one-of-a-kind Happy Camper t-shirt that is perfect for your next adventure.

Creating a stunning Happy Camper t-shirt using Cricut and the freezer paper stencil method is a fun and easy way to personalize your wardrobe or create unique handmade gifts.

We hope our expert tips and step-by-step tutorial have given you the confidence to try this DIY project yourself.

As you experiment with different designs and colors, remember the endless possibilities.

And don't forget to try a freezer stencil on your next project with a tote bag, tea towel, door mat, or pillow cover.

And who knows, with a bit of creativity, you may just discover a newfound passion for crafting. So grab your materials and let your imagination run wild!

Crafting Essentials