I’m not going to lie, I’m kinda of proud of this one. Even though it’s not at all perfect I’m a little in love. This went to my little friend who just turned one, son of my equally Harry Potter obsessed friend Heidi (you may remember her awesome Potter and Hunger Games Bottle Cap tute she shared here).
But yeah when I saw this jacket on clearance I knew exactly what I was going to make with it. The only sad thing is that now I’m insanely jealous of a one year old and will be on a mission to find a similar jacket for me to makeover for myself.
I used my favorite Freezer Paper Stencil technique. I’ve done it so much (and it’s a relatively easy thing to do) so I can practically do it in my sleep. You can use this technique to make a stencil of practically an image (or text) you want.
I used this Gryffindor Crest Stencil Image by Jennifer over at Sew Hooked and cut it out on my cricut. If you don’t have a cutting machine you could also just print the picture onto the back of the freezer paper and cut it out with an exacto knife. You want the shinny side to face down when you cut it out.
Then after testing the iron heat on an inconspicuous part of the jacket I carefully ironed it on shinny side down. This was by far the most detailed stencil I have cut out. I ALWAYS cut out multiples since the cutting machines can be finicky. I fit two on a sheet and the second one came out great. I just used my embroidery scissors to clean it up in a few places before ironing it on. To me this is the most important step so take time to make sure all the edges are securely down.
Put a piece of cardboard or a piece of freezer paper shinny side up in between the layers of the fabric. This is just to protect the back if the paint leaks through. Next I used fabric paint and a sponge brush to fill in the stencil. My favorite paint is Tulip’s soft fabric paint. Michael’s craft store carries a great selection of colors and different bottle sizes. Even glitter like I used on my nieces’ Hunger Games Shirts.
I find it works best to put a blob on my brush and then blot it around. I definitely have had better luck blotting as opposed to brushing and smearing the paint. And I just repeat until it looks like there is a good even layer.
Then let it sit to dry. I like to pull of the freezer paper while the paint is still tacking because if it dries completely you run the risk of peeling off extra chunks but at the same time pulling it off while it’s wet can be tricky with little pieces and since you’re more likely to smudge the image with your hand or the paper as your removing it. I peel carefully from the edge and sometimes use a pin holding the point to the garment and pulling the paper with my other hand (basically keeping the fabric still while pulling the paper off but I feel like I have more control if I use a pin. I usually wait 1 to 2 hours. if there are small pieces (the insides of “A”s) I use a pin to try to lift them off but if I’m nervous about smearing the paint I wait until it’s completely dry.
Now since this fabric was like that parachute fabric stuff I was able to remove some of the imperfections with a q-tip and some nail polish remover. Do not try this with any knits. And make sure to test the nail polish remover on an inconspicuous spot on the garment first. This is the messiest a stencil has turned out for me. I had a bit of trouble ironing it and I’ve never used this kind of fabric before so even though it was a little messy the design was curvy enough that I think it still looked good.
And then you’re done. And you have an awesome fan-tastic masterpiece. Or whatever you decide you want to cut out of freezer paper
You can and I have used this technique to make anything – really words, images, kid’s drawings the sky’s the limit! And because I know sometimes different instructions help here’s my old tutorial from my Make Love Not Horcruxes Shirt.
As always let me know if you have any questions and I’d love to see pictures if you try it out! And I do mean it any questions I love helping.
Gryffindor Jacket Tutorial
Supplies
Instructions
- I used this Gryffindor Crest Stencil Image by Jennifer over at Sew Hooked and cut it out on my cricut. If you don’t have a cutting machine you could also just print the picture onto the back of the freezer paper and cut it out with an exacto knife. You want the shinny side to face down when you cut it out.
- Then after testing the iron heat on an inconspicuous part of the jacket I carefully ironed it on shinny side down. This was by far the most detailed stencil I have cut out. I ALWAYS cut out multiples since the cutting machines can be finicky. I fit two on a sheet and the second one came out great. I just used my embroidery scissors to clean it up in a few places before ironing it on. To me this is the most important step so take time to make sure all the edges are securely down.
- Put a piece of cardboard or a piece of freezer paper shinny side up in between the layers of the fabric. This is just to protect the back if the paint leaks through. Next I used fabric paint and a sponge brush to fill in the stencil. My favorite paint is Tulip’s soft fabric paint. Michael’s craft store carries a great selection of colors and different bottle sizes. Even glitter like I used on my nieces’ Hunger Games Shirts.
- I find it works best to put a blob on my brush and then blot it around. I definitely have had better luck blotting as opposed to brushing and smearing the paint. And I just repeat until it looks like there is a good even layer.
- Then let it sit to dry. I like to pull of the freezer paper while the paint is still tacking because if it dries completely you run the risk of peeling off extra chunks but at the same time pulling it off while it’s wet can be tricky with little pieces and since you’re more likely to smudge the image with your hand or the paper as your removing it. I peel carefully from the edge and sometimes use a pin holding the point to the garment and pulling the paper with my other hand (basically keeping the fabric still while pulling the paper off but I feel like I have more control if I use a pin. I usually wait 1 to 2 hours. if there are small pieces (the insides of “A”s) I use a pin to try to lift them off but if I’m nervous about smearing the paint I wait until it’s completely dry.
- Now since this fabric was like that parachute fabric stuff I was able to remove some of the imperfections with a q-tip and some nail polish remover. Do not try this with any knits. And make sure to test the nail polish remover on an inconspicuous spot on the garment first. This is the messiest a stencil has turned out for me. I had a bit of trouble ironing it and I’ve never used this kind of fabric before so even though it was a little messy the design was curvy enough that I think it still looked good.
Kathryn Pepper says
Looks awesome! And I LOVE Harry Potter! I want one of those jackets! :)
Kathryn
destinationcraft.blogspot.com
marissa says
thanks! I’m really hoping I can find something in my size so I can make one for myself too :)
greatmunchiereads.com says
This is awesome! :-)
Shelby Swing says
That is such a cute idea, Marissa! Thanks for stopping by my blog and saying hello. I can’t wait to see more of your creative ideas!
~Shelby @ Gobs and Gobs of Books
Stacey says
I love it, Rae! I wish I had my own little Harry Potter reader but the guys are too little as yet. They may be hard pressed to get mommy to release her copies when they are ready, ha!
Halfway To Hipster says
Oh man, I am insanely jealous of that one year-old too! This is such a great idea!
Angela says
oh my goodness, you rock! My kids would go nuts for a coat like this. Actually, I kinda want one for me too.
Artsy VaVa says
Your stencil turned out great! I’ve never seen that done before. Thanks for sharing.
MJ says
I think it turned out great. Thanks for sharing this. I have a few new ideas whirling around in my head now!
David Hudson says
I found your blog in Google few moments ago, and luckily, this is it I was looking for the last weeks, thanks
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Jillian @ Hi! It's Jilly says
Aaah! I want one of these jackets tooooo! And thanks for the link to the Gryffindor stencil. You’re awesome! :)
Christine says
The jacket looks great Marissa!! I’m actually working on little bags with my girls today. I don’t have freezer paper.. so I’m going to see what happens with just using regular paper as a stencil..
Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!
Tonia L says
Very cool! I love freezer paper stenciling but I need to get some more freezer paper!
Tara @ Tales of a Trophy Wife says
Coolest jacket ever!!!!
Betsy Pool says
The jacket looks great! I can see how you would want one for yourself. Thanks for sharing at Romance on a dime’s TIOT party!!
Sarah Evans says
I love this – am a total Harry Potter Nerd!
Visiting via the Pomp Hop :)
Sarah
http://acatlikecuriosity.blogspot.co.uk
Michaela @ coveredinmodpodge.blogspot.com says
So stinking fun!
Carrie says
Oh, so fun!! Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!!
Aleisha McD says
So cool! I’d love to give this a try and make a shirt. I think it would be hilarious to have a shirt that reads, “Sexy. Kind of.” HA HA! I’ve wanted to make one for forever. Oh! And I want one like your horcruxes one! Could I handle this project? I am a little craft dumb at times! HA HA! I might need your help. Do you do house calls?!?!! HA HA HA!
Lois says
Just found this on Pinterest. How did you use your Cricut to cut that image of the Gryffindor stencil?
marissa says
I used a program that unfortunately is no longer available but luckily the new Cricut Explore machine allows you to cut an image you want
Isabelle Nyborg says
Great tutorial! Where do you get the freezer paper??? I’ve looked around Walmart, Frys, and Target but I haven’t been able to find any! When I find some freezer paper I am definitely trying your tutorial!!!
marissa says
I just found mind at Walmart but it was a few years ago since the roll was gigantic it’s lasted a really long time