Cricut Fabric Stenciling: Top 6 Supplies for Clean, Crisp Results

Stenciling fabric with Cricut without paint bleeding is easy once you know the right supplies to use. The biggest challenge most crafters encounter is getting those clean, crisp edges without paint bleeding beneath the stencil. Choosing the correct stencil thickness, adhesive, brush, and fabric paint (plus a few handy tips) will help set you up for a successful outcome.

Best fabrics to use for stenciling
Before we go over the best supplies, it’s important to select a fabric that will provide a smooth, flat surface so there’s minimal movement; for example, linen, cotton, or a cotton/polyester blend (not knobby or fluffy materials).

Cricut Fabric Stenciling Supplies

Here’s a quick rundown of the top 6 supplies I recommend to prevent paint from bleeding and to achieve successful results when you’re stenciling with fabric.

Supply #1 – Stencil: What is the Best Stencil for Fabric?

Always choose a sturdy stencil, preferably a thickness of 7.5 mil. I’ve found this thickness works best on a Cricut cutting machine and holds its shape better than a 4, 5, or 6 mil stencil. Thinner stencils can be more flexible and may shift or lift while you’re applying paint (causing under-bleeding).

Supply #2 – Paint: What Kind Of Paint Should I Use For Fabric Stenciling?

Always use heat-activated fabric paint when working with fabric. After you paint on the fabric and it dries, you’ll press the fabric from the underside to set the design.  

Supply #3 – Brush: What Brush Is Best For Applying Paint in Stenciling?

A bristle pouncer brush is ideal for applying paint through the stencil. Smaller pouncer brushes are especially helpful when working with detailed designs because they’re easier to control. (There are also foam pouncer brushes, but they tend to work better on wood, not fabric.)

Key: In the video, I’ll show you how to use a light, up-and-down pouncing motion with the brush rather than loading it with paint.

Supply #4 – Stencil Tape: How Do I keep the Stencil From Moving On The Fabric?

Adding a heat-safe stencil tape along the edges of the stencil provides stability to keep the stencil from moving.

Supply #5 – Adhesive Spray: What Can I Use Along With Tape To Hold the Stencil In Place?

Stencil adhesive spray helps keep the stencil firmly against the fabric. This is especially useful in areas where you can’t secure the stencil with tape. The spray is applied to the back of the stencil, making the areas between the pieces of tape adhere to the fabric.

Supply #6 – Heat Press: How Do I Heat-Set The Fabric Paint So It Lasts After Washing?

Finally, you want your stenciled fabric to survive washing, so you’ll need an iron or heat press to heat-set the fabric paint. Use the appropriate temperature for your particular fabric. This final step of heat-setting activates the paint and helps create a long-lasting design.

Full Supply List & Templates for Stenciling On Fabric

• Cutting machine
• Linen napkins (or item to stencil)
• Stencil mylar plastic sheets (7.5 mil), botanical stencils, or stencil vinyl
• Heat-activated fabric paint
• Poncer brush
• Iron or heat press (if paint requires)
• Stencil adhesive
• Scrap cardstock (to place underneath the fabric, optional)
• Butcher paper (to protect your work surface, optional)
• Floral & Leaf Design Stencil Templates (A-Star Crafters)

Get Abbi’s stencil designs as a member inside A-Star Crafters and access her vast catalogue of ready-to-make projects and done-for-you designs. Not an A-Star yet? JOIN A-STAR CRAFTERS HERE.

How To Stencil Fabric With Cricut – Video Tutorial

Ready to see the step-by-step process? Watch the video tutorial below as we go through the entire process using linen fabric and applying a beautiful leaf design to dinner napkins. The video will answer the most common questions that crafters have when stenciling with fabric.

There are endless materials to stencil on besides fabric. You can apply your stencils to walls, wood, floors, and more. You can even stencil on cookies! Share your creative ideas, questions, or comments below. I’d love to hear from you!