How to Create Reusable Stencils with Cricut Maker

I love these reusable stencil blanks! You can cut them using Cricut cutting machine and use them over and over . . no need to throw away. I made three different designs that I thought I could use time and time again and cut them out using Cricut Design Space, this video shows you how. I also show the blade settings that worked for me on my machine, so you can have a starting point when you go to make your own reusable stencils.
I used 12" x 12" blanks that are 6mil thick, about 2 times thicker than the sheets you can use in a small laminator at home, and they came in a pack of 12 for only $7.29.
12"x12" Stencil Blanks 6mil amzn.to/2uPUI3h
Here is also some pretty stencil fonts you can use in Design Space without having to create a stencil font from scratch:
Vintage Stencil Font creativemarket...
Script Stencil Font creativemarket...
I will also be posting videos coming soon of the tiled wall sign, and the stenciled flour sacks in this video!
You can find the designs used in this video here! www.theappalach...

[@mrsefritzy]

You are a literal lifesaver for showing how to make your own custom material settings!!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Yay so glad this helped!

[@kathyb-007]

Finally. I'm so used to using stencils (10 m instead of 6) and bought a CM just for this sole purpose so I can make my own instead of buying them. Thanks so much!!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Yay you're welcome!

[@theresagross3523]

Christy Cain - The Appalachian Home I just got my Cricut Maker and I absolutely love it. I just got done watching your Hello Spring Video and now I’m going to make a Farmhouse Scroll😊! Thank You, so much for all of your help and amazing videos!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Thank you so much I am so glad you enjoy the videos! So glad you got your Cricut I love mine too.:)

[@tracms]

Thank you so very much for this video!!! Had a friend asking me to cut some Mylar stencils for her, and was having huge difficulties. Ruined one of her sheets. Glad she loves me lol. Your Mylar is the exact thickness she gave me to use!! Yay notes taken and trying again.

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

You’re welcome ☺️I have definite been there lol!

[@tracms]

@@AppalachianHomeCo So I gave it a shot, and I actually only had to do it one time with the pressure raised up. Yay!!

[@dianamccullough1736]

Oh my goodness girl. I didn't know you could make your own stencils. I made something for my granddaughter with my cricut maker, it was so much fun. Thank you for sharing.♡♡

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Yes I started making them because I hated throwing away stencil vinyl lol! I would like to figure out how to make reusable “sticky” stencils that stick down while I’m painting🤔

[@bmakers1]

I saw a video that recommended Krylon repositional adhesive!

[@lockiesain9145]

Liked what you did with make your own stencil.

[@kashakeys88]

Glad I found something about a more permanent stencil. I make fused glass items, and do stained glass, but am looking to enamel glass or use powdered glass with stencils and need something more permanent. I am thinking about purchasing a maker so I can offer other items that are not readily available. Thanks!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

That’s sounds neat! So glad this gave you some ideas!

[@huggableearth9832]

Thank you so much for this about to try your settings. My maker did not do well with the two settings I tried for this same material I was attempting to do stencils with. Thank you a bunch

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

You're so welcome!!

[@JohnPiperBoots]

@HuggableEarth - Hi :) Factors effecting cutting. Is your blade new and sharp? You using a 30 or 60 degree blade? Blade pressure to 374? Using 6 mil sheets?

[@essjayem6498]

Thank you for your very thorough tutorial. It felt like we were in the same room and you were showing me as a friend! The vid was not too long and very informative. I had been curious to know if i could do this and it looks really easy to accomplish. Especially glad for the detail on how to fine tune the materials settings for cutting. Thanks for your hard work and offer to educate us on how to do it without so much trial and error.

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Thank you so much for the nice comment!🙂 I am so glad you enjoyed this video and it was helpful!!

[@liesldejager9873]

THank you for the explaination, especially using Design space.

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

You’re welcome!!😊

[@feralart22]

I'm late to the party, but was looking for how to do this very thing. Which Cricut machine is this? I know there are a bunch of different ones, and don't know which one I should be looking for.

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi! I think I did these with an Explore Air 2. The Cricut Maker would work as well. You can use the blade that comes with the machine to cut these.

[@Mrs_Canary]

3. questions....1. what did you use to make the stencil transfer (ex ink or paint ). 2. will using this on wood or a cutting board require a certain type of paint? 3. can u was that last design u made?

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi! I used chalk paint for this, and for wood and cutting boards I find chalk paint works great. Flat paint also works well for stenciling. I didn't understand the third question I'm sorry!

[@sherylstevenson2509]

Thanks for the help in learning to make stencils on my Cricut. You were easy to follow.

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

You’re welcome so glad this helped you!!😊

[@brif5777]

Can you make your own custom material settings for your Explore Air 2?? Thank you!! Happy Crafting from Phoenix, AZ. ❤️🤗

[@liwhite484]

Thank you! Always look forward to watching.

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Thank you so much!!

[@mindfulchickadee]

Hi there! loved your video. I just purchased my first Cricut machine- can you tell me the name of the non-adhesive vinyl you purchased on Amazon- I would like to make reusable stencils for wood signs. Thanks so much in advance. Lucy

[@wd5739]

Can you PLEASEEE tell me exactly which cricut you're using here? 💛💖💙 I JUST found out about these and am SUPER interested!! I've been making hand cut stencils for about a month🖐💥😬 so these things look AWESOME

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Thank you! Yes I am using the Cricut maker it cuts thicker materials than the Explore Air versions.👍🏻

[@wd5739]

@@AppalachianHomeCo Thank you so much!💛💛💛💛 I'm definitely going to be looking into this! 😁👍

[@zealinajeter3107]

Using that font is that the only way to keep your letters together? Like the AOPDBQ letters

[@ehhbepbepbep]

I just got my very first cricut today and I'm so excited but I know nothing haha do you think these stencil blanks are thick enough? Or would a thicker material be better?

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi I’m so glad about your first Cricut! I would probably go with thicker stencil blanks. These were fine but thicker would work better for the grain sack lines and long lines, they kinda fell in and didn’t hold the shape as well.

[@MsHazza73]

Thank you so much. I wanted to purchase some stencils from Etsy for my journaling but the postage for a $9 stencil was $26 to Australia!!! 🇦🇺😳😱 Crazy! I’m better off making my own with my Cricut. A little fiddly initially with finding the right files but worth it in the end - especially if I’m after 2 different stencils from 2 different sellers. That’s over $50 postage that I just refuse to pay. Looking forward to seeing your beautiful projects.

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi thank you, I'm so glad this was helpful! Yes shipping can get really ridiculous . , So glad you commented I love journaling as well. Would love to see how they turn out!

[@MsHazza73]

Christy Cain - The Appalachian Home Well I’ve decided my project is going to be for the laundry and we can’t order from Amazon.com - we have to order from Amazon.com.au and I found a similar stencil material. But the important factor I think is how thick the stencil is, so that’s what I looked for. We’ll see how I go! 🙃😜

[@JohnPiperBoots]

@Christy Cain - Hi :) Question please. I have a Titan 15" cutter and was wondering what the blade pressure setting you have ot 374. Does this translate to grams? My cutter goes up to 500 grams. I vannot belive I just paid $11 + $10 shipping from UK for a stencil I could have easily designed and cut. The only thing is their stencil is 190 microns = 7.5 mil a little thicker. Perhaps our cutters cannot cut that thick? Also your fine point blade is 30 degrees? Thank you much CHRISTY! :)

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi! My Cricut Maker will go up to 375, which is a gram force pressure, with the fine point blade. If I need more pressure I just go over another pass or two. You can change the number of passes you want to make with Maker. The thickest stencil material I have cut was 6mil, but I'm sure it could cut deeper with more passes or the knife blade, which can cut materials as thick as chipboard. And yes the 30 degree blade is the fine point. Hope that helps!

[@JohnPiperBoots]

@@AppalachianHomeCo Hi Christy :) Thank you for the followup. I will order the stencil sheets you used and also bump it up to maybe 7 mils since I have 510g pressure capability. See if it works. Thanks for your video and reaching out. I do have 30, 45 and 50 degree blades. Take care :) :D

[@angelawatson4320]

I am wanting to make stencils for my glasses and I am wondering if this would work. I also need to k now if this machine charges you every time you print something.

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi! Yes this could cut pretty much any kind of stencil you would need. And no you don't have to pay to cut each time...there is a subscription you can get to cricut images but that is optional, not necessary.😊

[@DianChapman]

Very cool video and thanks SO much for the info about creating custom settings. I had NO idea that could be done. (I'm fairly new to Cricut.)

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Thank you I’m so glad the video was helpful!!🙂

[@noopyyk]

Do you need to change the blade or does the standard cricut blade work well? Thanks for sharing.

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi! You can use a standard blade on 3x cut setting and by the third pass it cuts thru completely. If you switch to a cricut deep cut blade you may be able to cut thru in one pass, but most likely two passes (2x cut setting). Hope that makes sense!

[@ashleyrodriguez4978]

Thank you for this video. It was very helpful! I will be making stencils that have small details. I tried 4 mil but it was way too thin. I'm thinking of trying 7.5 mil or 10 mil. What would you recommend? Not sure if the cricut maker will even cut through 10 mil. Thank you in advance ☺

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi! Thank you I’m so glad the video was helpful! These stencils were 6 mil and they worked well, the thin areas between the lines were a bit flimsy so 7.5-10mil would probably work great 👍🏻 You would need a deep cut blade (60 degree) to cut 10 mil, and probably need to make 2 or 3 passes. You can adjust the number of times your cricut will cut over an image in material settings.

[@ashleyrodriguez4978]

@@AppalachianHomeCo awesome, thanks for the tips! I ordered the 10 mil today. I'll see how it works out soon 🤞

[@livfurman1311]

Hey, I might have missed this in the video, but what tool did you use to cut the stencil sheet? I only have the Premium fine point blade and the Rotary blade. Great video by the way! Very informative :)

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi I think I used a deep cut blade for these, but a fine point blade should work if you do multiple passes.

[@afaour]

This is really great .. do you know if cricut maker can cut 8mil or 10mil stencil ?

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi thanks so much!! I haven’t tried 8-10mil stencil material but the knife blade attachment may be able to cut that. You would need to do some testing and adjust the number of passes to cut through it.👍🏻

[@cyndihughes2012]

Thank you so much for this. I have the same stencils. But I don't know if I should fabric paint or chalk. Please help.

[@grannygreen9701]

Thank you for the video and for sharing this useful information. What Cricut setting would you suggest using to cut a 7.5 mil stencil, please?

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi so glad this video was helpful! I would start with a pressure setting of around 350 and 4X cut. If that is too little, change to a deep cut blade and go up to about 375 pressure 4X cut. If it cuts into your mat, go down to about 325 pressure 4X cut. You might have to do a little testing as all materials are different. And my blade is probably a lot duller than a new one. You can also give another adjustment and bump the pressure up and down by changing the drop down box next to "material" to "more" or "less". Hope that helps give you a starting point!

[@grannygreen9701]

@@AppalachianHomeCo Thank you.

[@SusanCarpenter21stCenturyAdmin]

LOVE this!! Thank you for this demo!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

I'm so glad you liked thank you!

[@genevievesaunders4245]

I'm having a terrible time with my stencil. I'm using stencil vinyl .004, deep blade. Happens to be your word: BAKERY OVEN The - on B A R does not stay on the stencil. Each one is a large outline with no content. What an I doing wrong? Thank you! Genevieve

[@cindyd.3795]

I have an ooooold Cricut--I'm talking 2nd generation here--and the same age software. I think I can probably do this, but I don't want to end up wasting a lot of materials (aka money) and time. So, do you have any tips or tricks for me that could maybe make this a little easier? Love ya Christy!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Aw thanks so much! I haven’t used the older machines can you adjust pressure? If so I would apply pressure as high as you can and make 3-4 passes before removing your mat. If that doesn’t cut they make a few more passes. It may take a while. Also you could try deeper blades such as a 60 degree. I found some on Amazonz

[@britneyb3773]

Thank you so much. This was exactly what I needed!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

You're so welcome so glad this helped!

[@gestellgeviert]

Thanks for the video! But what cricut model are you using for this? Or in what versions of Cricut that would work?

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi you're welcome! I am using Cricut Maker.. I would suggest using that machine if you are doing these stencils. The Explore Air and Joy won't allow you to adjust the pressure settings as much as you can on the Maker.

[@clairemazure2806]

What kind of blades do you need for the cricut machine to make the stencils?

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi! For these I believe I just used the deep cut blade, the knife blade would be a good option as well.

[@donnamibusart]

Thank you for the video and info. I wanted to ask if the edges of the completed stencil are smooth and clean.

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

You’re welcome!! Yes the edges were super clean after I figured out a good cut setting they came out great. 👍🏻

[@asmamohammad6651]

Great informative quick video...exactly what ive been looking for, im new to the world of cricut...eeek :) just subscribed, have a great day :)

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi!! So glad you liked the video and you subbed!!😊

[@lilredsmiles]

Thank you so much! This worked amazingly well ❤️

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

That's great I'm so glad!

[@staceyadams8932]

Do you think these settings would work for smaller cuts to make a stencil for a planner?

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi! Yes I think these would work great for that...I actually have been wanting to try that.

[@staceyadams8932]

@@AppalachianHomeCo I have been looking for videos that are specific to cutting planner stencils. They are all over 2yrs, so I'm so thankful and happy I stumbled onto yours! I have been putting it off for a month, afraid I will break my machine.

[@staceyadams8932]

@@AppalachianHomeCo Do I have to do something special to get the pressure setting to 374? Mine only will go to 350 with the deep point blade with a 3x cut.

[@shuggaraecreation2009]

Love the flour design do you know if the Joy Cricket cuts reusable stencils too? I can't seemed to find a tutorial for that machine cutting stencils

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi thank you! I don't own the joy so I'm not for sure, you can check to see if you can change the material settings on the joy to make 3 or 4 or more passes. If so you could probably cut thicker stencil materials.

[@CookieMonsterLove163]

Does it matter what kind of mat you use? Light grip, strong grip, etc? Thank you for your videos!!! They are awesome and super helpful!!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi thank you I’m so glad you like these videos!! I would say a standard grip or strong grip mat. Light grip may not hold well enough for that thickness of material.👍🏻

[@quailco.designs5019]

I used a light grip mat and it was perfect.

[@KayeLeanRamos]

Hi Christy thanks for sharing this. It's exactly the video I am looking for since I want to do reusable Bible journaling stencils. I am pretty new to the Cricut world but I want to buy one. I don't know if I missed it but what exact model of Cricut machine is in this video or can cut plastics like those? Thanks.

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi I’m so glad this was helpful! In this video I used a Cricut Maker, but I also have the Explore Air 2 and I’m sure it would work as well. I love journaling!

[@charityd2269]

I love your channel! This was so helpful!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Thank you that is so nice! I'm so glad this was helpful.:)

[@loralinengel3162]

Can you please tell me which circut you have? I’m looking to purchase one and not sure if they all do different stuff. Thank you!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi! I have the Cricut Maker which does cutting, embossing, foiling, engraving. I also had the Explore Air 2 but it only cuts and writes. But both are great depending on what you plan to do!

[@loralinengel3162]

@@AppalachianHomeCo my 2 focus are cutting reusable stencil like the one you have and for words. So you think the air 2 works for those? And what tools do I need with those? Sorry it’s so new to me and I’ve been looking to see what I need. You bought the same stencil I did from Amazon so I feel it would be great to follow you.

[@ilanpasler5252]

Thanks❤ What kind of pain you used for the towel? does it washing-resistant?

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi! I used chalk paint, I believe it was Waverly brand. If you want wash resistant I would use screen print paint, or fabric paint.

[@jillb7234]

Love them all!! Would love the grain sack stripe stencil!!!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Thank you!! Me too I used it and already want to make some more.

[@billandterrikelly4637]

I would like the grain sack stripe stencil also.

[@jasmondavis5937]

You are so awesome thank you for the great lesson. Can't wait to learn more

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

That’s so nice thank you!😊

[@queeniemarieuy]

Hi there! What kind of cricut blade did you use for the cutting the stencil? Thanks!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi! I actually used a deep cut blade, which is just like the fine point blade but with a sharper angle.👍🏻

[@teekotrain6845]

Fantastic job thank you

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Thank you!

[@valjauful]

Best tutorial thank you!!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Thanks so much so glad it was helpful!!

[@jendiloreto3144]

Thank you! Is the deepcut blade the same as the one for cricut explorer 2? I have the maker.

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi! The deep cut blade is a little different ... it is a 60 degree blade and the regular blade is a 30 degree blade. It allows the machine to cut a little deeper. I find 60 degree blades on amazon and they work perfect in cricut blade housings.

[@handylady8015]

Hello from by Appalachian home to yours.

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi!

[@sabrinamorales7275]

What material is that you use to make your stencils?

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi! I think used 6mil mylar for this video, from Amazon. I have ordered some samples of thicker stencil material and plan to do an updated video on those.

[@markziegler5803]

Just what I needed. Thanks!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Great! I’m so glad thank you!

[@hairgirl1970]

What Cricut do you have? I am not able to make create my own setting to cut. I have the AirExplore 2. What setting would you recommend for this?

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi. I have the Cricut Expore Air 2 and Maker. You can turn your dial on the Explore Air 2 to custom (on the left of the dial) then it will let you change to a custom material on your screen.

[@hairgirl1970]

@@AppalachianHomeCo What font did you use for the bakery sign?

[@hairgirl1970]

@@AppalachianHomeCo I could only adjust to 350? Do you know how to fix this?

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Laurie W Hi. I used “Bahnschrift Condensed” on all the Bakery Flour stencil letters. I had to add a stencil opening on all the round parts of the letters so they would stay attached to the stencil ( like the “o” and so on). I did that by slicing out a small rectangle at the tops of those letters in Design Space.

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Laurie W Yes change your blade setting to deep cut blade. Even if u are using the fine point blade, that will let you move the setting on up. Also you can try a deep cut blade if u have one.

[@katiewithey5407]

Hi which cricut do u have for this? Thankyou 😊

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi! I used the Cricut Maker for the stencils.

[@Grambo1946]

You mentioned fonts for stencils are they on DS or somewhere else please?

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi! I found some on Creative Market online. You can type in stencil font and they have some that look nice.👍🏻

[@j.c.7555]

Great video! Thank you.

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Glad you liked the video!

[@loiserwin5991]

You should make these and sell on etsy. I would purchase them. I dont have a Cricut or a printer but I love doing crafts and painting. Would you consider a custom order?

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Thank you! I love crafting too . . I do have an Etsy shop with some items (www.etsy.com/shop/TheAppalachianHomeCo), and would love doing a custom. You can message me here, there, or private message me on Instagram (theappalachianhome). :)

[@soo8880]

What is font name?

[@carolerogers5944]

Hi thank you for this. Can you do food stencils too please? X

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

You’re welcome! Do you mean like for cakes and things? That’s a good idea I will try some of those!

[@harlem1393]

What’s the ink you use to put on the towel can you put it in the description

[@harlem1393]

Where’s the other video to this project?

[@mariehernandez9122]

Hello 👋🏼 what paint do you use ??

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi! I use a few different kinds, I love chalk paint and normally use Waverly chalk paints (Elephant Gray). I also love Rustoleum indoor/outdoor spray paint it really holds onto fabrics.

[@monikas341]

Hi Christy please show how to create stuff in inkscape for cricut

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Sure! I will work on that and try to get it posted for you tomorrow!

[@marienix1099]

what machine do you use for such stencils?

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi! The machine i used in this video was Cricut Maker.

[@209991314]

Hi, may I know what is the material of this stencil?

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi. Yes it is Arzok 6mil Blank Stencil Material 12”x12”. I have a link in the description box below the video.👍🏻

[@mollytraw3718]

What is the link for the plastic?

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi I think it is still in the description below this video... it has been a while I will check and see if it is still good!

[@mariascreations9783]

Can you use this stencil on cookie?

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

I haven’t tried it on cookies but I would say you could. Might have to try that!

[@mariascreations9783]

@@AppalachianHomeCo ok yhanks let memknow if u tried it thanks

[@123rororose]

can you use this on air 2

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi! I have not tried the thicker stencil material with the Explore 2. I would set the dial on custom and see if you can change the pressure settings in your computer or create a new material and set the pressure up as high as you can. You may need to make 2 or three cuts. And I would use a deep cut (60 deg blade) that will help. Hope that works!

[@akhtarmina9794]

Name of this sheet?

[@chancekim1]

LOVEEEE!!!!!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Thank you so much!:)

[@sarahballinger4405]

What is the name of the font on the flour bag? Thank you!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi! I think it was called Bahnschrift Condensed.

[@angeldharyl8638]

How you can be on 374 if the max is 350?

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

The max for the fine cut blade is 350. If you change the setting from fine cut to deep cut blade you can move up the pressure to 374.👍🏼

[@jennicardoza4107]

@@AppalachianHomeCo When I change to deep cut its still only 350 for the max. I'm using a Cricut maker.

[@mariabasulto11]

❤❤❤

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Thank you so much!!

[@kimmcamp]

This looks like it could be really good, but another video where the 'background' music is louder than your speaking. Many people with hearing impairment will be unable to hear this as a result.

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

I agree this was an older video...definitely learned a lot since then on audio. Thanks!

[@matt9908]

Ok so literally 90% of this stuff you are flying through my software does not have. I don’t have the page where you can fill spots when I click make it. That’s all mine does there is not a option for anything else period. Then it’s pulls the mat in and out error error error. These machines a trash between the laptop printer and cricut junk cutter I’m out well over $1000 for error error error. 2 days 0 stencils cut these things are GARBAGE!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

So sorry you’re having problems! Are you using an Apple iPad? Some features are different on iMac. Not sure about what you mean “fill spots”? If you are using a regular laptop try reinstalling Design Space and re connect your machine to your software. If all else fails I would contact Cricut for help or a new machine . . It could be the machine, but if you need a full set up tutorial I can help let me know k!