How to Turn a Design into a Stencil Template in Silhouette Studio

Creating stencils in Silhouette Studio is far easier than you think. And once you understand this one simple trick, you'll be able to turn literally any design in your library or that you create into a stencil

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Most people struggle with stencils because they can't visualize what they need to weed out and what needs to stay when working in Silhouette Studio. But in reality there's just one step you need to take to cut stencils with your Silhouette CAMEO or Portrait.

The Problem With Most Stencils

Let's say you're cutting a flag design on vinyl or stencil material. If you cut it and weed it like normal that's just a flag decal - it's the inverse of a stencil.

For a stencil template, you need to remove the material where you can paint or stain - so you need the inverse of what you'd normally cut.

The One Essential Design Tool Step NOT to Miss

All you have to do in Silhouette Studio is draw a rectangle around your design using the Draw Rectangle tool. That's it!

When you add that border box, you're creating the border of the stencil which then allows you to weed away the piece outside of the frame and the inner pieces where you eventually want to paint or stain.

It doesn't look a whole lot different, but it makes a major difference when you cut and weed. So how can you confirm you've set up your stencil design correctly?

The Preview Trick That Let's You SEE It

Here's where it gets REALLY good. In this Silhouette U exclusive video, that anyone can preview, I share a visualization trick that makes this concept SO much easier to understand.

I'll explain how to use the compound path feature and fill color to actually see what your finished stencil will look like before you cut it to make sure you have it all set up correctly. This is a game changer because you can see exactly what you need to weed out and what stays.

When you change the transparency settings and fill your design, suddenly you can see your stencil material, the areas you'll weed away, and the open spaces where you'll paint or stain. It's like having a preview of your exact finished product!

Whether you're creating stencils for wood signs, fabric projects, or any other surface, this design method will save you from wasted materials and frustrating mistakes.

It's available exclusively on Silhouette U, but you can preview all videos in the Silhouette U library before you even join!

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing products through my links, I receive a small commission. That's what helps fund Silhouette School so I can keep buying new Silhouette-related products to show you how to get the most out of your machine!

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