Learn How To Stencil a Tote Bag Using the Otomi Pattern

Stencils Add Pattern and Personality To A Plain Tote Bag

Good morning, my crafters!  Cutting Edge Stencils hopes you had a chance to gobble till you wobble.  While the couch might be your new best friend, we have some awesome news that could put us in a close second.  Ready to hear it? Our biggest sale of the year has kicked off! Take 30% off all stencils, stencil supplies, and pillow kits using the code BFR30 during checkout.  The best part is that all your shopping and your savings can be done from comfort of your couch.  See I told you we would be besties!

Today we want to share a tutorial for a stencil project that is super easy and fun.  Adding pattern and personality to a plain canvas tote has never been easier than with our stencils and our unique stencil frame. Janna Makaeva, one of our owners and avid DIYer, recently crafted this adorable Otomi stenciled tote bag. Come see how she did it.

Here is the scoop on how to stencil a tote bag with the Otomi pattern.  First you’re going to need this stuff listed below:

• A plain white cotton tote
• A stencil (for this project the Otomi Pillow and Tote Stencil was used)
• Stencil Frame
• Stencil brush <— We prefer the one in this link.
• Painter’s tape
• Small paint tray or plastic plate
• Paper towels
• Fabric paint ( for this project Jacquard Fabric Paint was used)
• Designer Tassels

Once you have gathered all of the materials listed above you will be ready to kick-off your project. Be sure to iron your cotton tote bag, if needed, to remove any wrinkles.

1. Pour the Paint: Pour your craft paint onto a plate or paint tray.  For this project, Janna used several different paint colors including yellow, sapphire blue, ruby red, emerald green and pink.  Then dip your stencil brush into the paint. Blot off the excess paint onto your folded paper towel until the brush looks almost dry.  The key to stenciling is using as little paint as possible.  Too much paint will cause the design to bleed and smudge.

2. Start Stenciling: Our unique stencil frame will hold the stencil pattern snug in place while you stencil the tote. Use the clasps to secure the stencil.  Next you will paint the design onto the canvas tote with the stencil brush using a dry brush (stippling) technique.  Stippling is when you tap the brush repeatedly over the stencil opening.

3. Reveal the Pattern: Let the paint dry for about two hours and then lift the stencil to reveal the pretty pattern.

4. Embellish the Tote: Then add your favorite embellishments.  For this project, Janna added designer tassels in four assorted colors along the bottom.  Using the latch hook tool, she would pull the top of the tassel through the bottom of the canvas.  Then she would tie a knot at the top of the tassel to keep it in place.

Ready to see how it all turned out? Here is Janna’s Otomi Stenciled tote bag. We think it turned out amazing!

Tell us, would you consider customizing  a tote bag with a stencil? Leave us a comment below!

Haven’t had enough stenciling fun?:

• Shop our pillow and tote stencils on the Cutting Edge Stencils website!
• Follow us on Pinterest and Instagram to see awesome inspirational photos!
• Have you completed a stencil project? Come share it on Facebook!

Thanks for reading, and happy stenciling!
Michelle and the Cutting Edge Stencils Crew