When creating stencils for screen printing, keep in mind that you’ll want to use a design that is simple and not super intricate. You want the details to be big enough to allow for easy cutting and weeding.

Download Jennifer's design or use your own design, and load it into your vinyl cutting machine’s design software.

Within your vinyl cutting machine’s design software, adjust the design size to fit your blank. Make sure it fits nicely on the mesh of your screen by having at least 1 inch tolerance around the design.

We’re preparing our design in the Cricut design space. You’ll need to refer to your specific cutting machine’s instruction guide on how to cut vinyl.

We’re preparing our design in the Cricut design space. You’ll need to refer to your specific cutting machine’s instruction guide on how to cut vinyl.

Hit the "Make It" button located in the top right corner of your project page in the Cricut design space. The design will be displayed virtually on the cutting mat.

Edit the mat size or the design placement on the mat, if needed. If your artwork contains text like ours, you’ll need to mirror the image to ensure that it reads correctly when it’s applied to the t-shirt.

When using adhesive vinyl as a screen-printing stencil, the shiny side of the vinyl should be faced up and the adhesive side (applied to your mat) should be faced down.

Take your brayer tool and roll it evenly over the vinyl to remove any air bubbles.

Insert the cutting mat into the Cricut by using the rollers. Once the mat hits the rollers, push the flashing “Arrow” button. The cutter will pull in the cutting mat, and when it’s ready to cut the “Cricut” button will begin to flash. Now it’s time to push the button and watch the machine cut your design!

Once finished cutting, the Cricut will stop and the arrow button will flash. Push the flashing arrow button to release the cutting mat from the machine.

Remove the vinyl from the mat by holding the cutting mat down with one hand and use your other hand to pull the vinyl off the cutting mat away from you.

Using your weeding tool, begin to weed your vinyl. Keep in mind we’re making a stencil, so we’ll be weeding the design and leaving the negative space.

Use the vinyl scraper to evenly apply transfer tape to the face of the weeded vinyl, the adhesive side face down.This can be tricky so be patient and if you are new to this process, it could be beneficial to try on a simplified design until you get the hang of it.

Remove the backing of the vinyl to expose the adhesive.

Apply the vinyl, adhesive side down, to the bottom side (the flat side) of the screen directly onto the mesh.

Next, flip the screen over so the flat side is flush with your work surface. Use the vinyl scraper and rub over the vinyl multiple times to ensure it's securely applied to the mesh.  and there are no bubbles between the vinyl and mesh.

Flip the screen back over so the vinyl is facing you and carefully remove the transfer tape from the face of the vinyl.

On the side of the screen where you applied your vinyl, use painter’s tape to frame the vinyl, covering the exposed mesh between the screen frame and the perimeter of the vinyl. This will ensure that no unwanted ink is applied to your blank.

Cut a piece of  parchment paper to the size of your blank and slide it inside. This will prevent the ink from bleeding through to the other side.

Set your heat press to 310 degrees Fahrenheit. If using an iron, set the temperature to the closest steam-free setting.

Use a lint roller to remove any excess fibers from the design placement area.

Pre-press the blank for 3-5 seconds to ensure that the surface is completely flat, and that all moisture is removed from the fabric.

Determine your design placement and place the screen, flat side down, on top of your blank. For best results, we recommend printing to a flat surface and not over seams.

Using a spoon, scoop out ink and place it on the screen, distributing it in a line along the top of your design. Leave enough space between your ink and the screen frame to pull your squeegee. Then at a 60 degree angle, place the squeegee between the ink and the screen frame. 

Using light force, pull the squeegee toward you and spread the ink evenly across your screen covering the entire design. Watch your pressure as you need enough to push the ink through the mesh.

Lift the screen printing frame to reveal your printed design!

Allow the blank to dry. If you’re one of those that reads the book from cover to cover, this won’t be a problem. If you’re the wait-for-the-movie-version type, well…try your best to be patient here! If you can’t take the anticipation, go ahead and speed up this process by using a heat gun.

To cure the ink, use your heat press to press the blank. If using a handheld press, place a pressing mat under your blank. Next, place a piece of parchment paper between your screen printed blank and the heat press. Press for 20-30 seconds.

Stop, don’t throw out your excess ink! Use the spoon to scoop excess ink back into the jar, or use the ink to screen print additional blanks. If you’re screen printing more items, add extra ink as needed.

To remove the vinyl from the screen, pull the vinyl using slight force. Wash the ink left on the screen with warm running water and rinse it thoroughly.

Aaaaaaand scene. You now have a beautiful new tote bag…or t-shirt…or blanket…or whatever you end up making.