Thread: Ideas on Tools to Make a Stencil

I want to cut my own stencil but have discovered that olfa no longer makes a cutting knife. Have read that xacto has a knife with a double blade but unable to locate same at AC Moore's or online. Does anyone have a idea of what I could try?

I've tried it with the exacto knives, even have the one with the head that turns, supposedly for marking circles/wavy lines...hate it. I think the burner would be the way to go, although I've never tried it.

Originally Posted by QuiltnNan

for a while, you could buy the cutters here http://quiltingstencils.com/olfadoub...etailonly.aspx They had purchased the entire available stock. Now, however, they have a note on the page that the mfg discontinued making them and they are no longer available. I have heard that some folks use a woodburning iron to cut the plastic. i've never done that, though. The last couple of times, I just cut my template out of paper and it worked for the quilt I was doing at the time. I doubt that it would last for too long. But I usually customize my designs for each quilt, so that's not a problem.

The Stencil Co has one left if you are interested. They are correct in that the Olfa is no longer being made as is the double blade Xacto.
I have found that the double blade knif is the easist to use. That along with the blue flexible plastic.
Folks who have the burning tool either like it or hat it. Some have reported a long learning period to use it successfully. I found that it melts and puttles melted plastic underneigh that must be sanded off.
You can make them with one blade knife but takes some care in order to get the double lines. I was given a sample one time fome a student who had made one out of freezer paper and used the single blade knife. Pepper Cory demonstrates making with the v shape gouging wood working knife with the plastic on a sheet of glass.
Now having said all this....depending on the design and how detailed it is, you can use a series of templates made from stiff plastic and draw around the shapes.
It would be helpful to know the design you want to make. I might be able to be more helpful.
Guess I should figure out some other tools to use.

I just saw a "stencil cutting pen" in the most recent "Connecting Threads" catalogue. It's on page 40 and only costs $14.39. It says it heats up and comes with 2 different tips. It seems that the cutters are still available.
Sue

[QUOTE=Holice;4995279]The Stencil Co has one left if you are interested. They are correct in that the Olfa is no longer being made as is the double blade Xacto.
I have found that the double blade knif is the easist to use. That along with the blue flexible plastic.
You can make them with one blade knife but takes some care in order to get the double lines.

Holice, Thank you so much for the information. I went immediately to The Stencil Co. site and they had the olfa cutter listed as being discontinued so was unable to load it into my cart. I called the number and left a message and lo & behold, four hours later I got a call back and they did indeed have one left. It must be the last in captivity!!
Also I appreciate the offer to make a stencil for me -- I've never made one so will try this first. Thanks again.........