Mylar
 

Can anyone tell me where to get mylar for stencils that in inexpensive?

I bought some at WalMart like a big pad but think there must be a cheaper way. I just needed a couple of small pieces for SunBonnet Sue. I was going to check Home Depot or something like that maybe they have a big piece. Good Luck if I see any I'll let you know. Sue

I got all my stencils for making patterns from the hospital. They gave me the outdated e-ray films, cut the names off and I have a large stack of them for nothing.

I bought a package of 8 1/2 x 11 "Binding Covers" from Staples, 25 in a pkg and they work gr8. I can't remember what I paid, but I'm pretty sure it came out to $1 or less a piece.

I don't use mylar, I use laminate. I go to Kinko's and ask them to give me the heat set laminate without anything sealed in the layers. It comes in roughly 24" wide pieces (some stores have wider) and I ask them for as many feet in length as I want. It is cheaper and it rolls nicely. Not only that, I can just trace all of my designs on it and my patterns don't have to get cut up. If there are a lot of pieces for appliqué I write 1 of say 6 and so on, on each piece I cut out.

I got some flexible chopping mats from the dollar store to use for stencils. They come 2 in a package, for $1.00. They are clear enough you can trace through them, and they can be cut with scissors or exacto knife.

Some people use old tupperware lids ... or other plastic containers or lids such as yogurt, laundry soaps etc. Just make sure they are flat to begin with and not molded into a curve.

oddly enough, when done reading this, i went to the next post about DWR. the link there http://www.theplaidscottie.com/2011/...e-cutting.html shows the blogger using gridded template plastic and states that she purchased it in a pad at Joann's. it's probably not inexpensive, but might be something to use when you need the straight lines :)

Mylar. The term Mylar is often incorrectly used. It is a specific type of platic that is heat resistant. If you are using it for shapes then you just need a platic and not the no melt. Mylar is probably too stiff and hard for cutting stencils if you are using a cutting knife but is suitable for the buring tool. Teachers often ask for Mylar in their supply lists when they mean "stiff plastic". It is easy to cut with scissors but harder with knife.
If you have the double blade knife then it i easier with a more flexible plastic such as DBK which is blue and flexible.