Artistic Edge Digital cutter: Making custom stencils

Artistic Edge Cutter : cutting stencils

One of the techniques offered by Janome’s Artistic Edge digital cutter software is cutting your own stencils. This technique has been used for centuries for various purposes such as advertising/posters, educational activities, decoration of objects, walls, floors, furniture, scrapbooking, as well as for cutting sashiko, quilting, and painting patterns on fabrics.

Social networks offer an infinite number of creative ideas as well as techniques, tools to use, different methods of use in addition to tips and tricks. You will be inspired by looking at Pinterest.

Images from Pinterest

Let’s see how to cut a stencil:

• Select the stencil technique.

• The software includes a special type of contour that can convert any shape into a ‘stencil’ shape. To stay in the same theme as the previous articles, I used a snowflake pattern. Note that the “Stencil” feature is enabled.

•  I suggest enlarging the zoom of the pattern to see where to insert the ‘stencil bridges’
• Select Edit nodes  & right click to get a green dot.
• A drop-down menu appears – Left click on ‘stencil bridge’ and space is created (blue arrows). It’s simple! Be careful not to insert too many bridges to keep the material firm and stable.

• When you are satisfied you have enough stencil bridges,  select the material you will cut.  The the ideal for practicing is a cardboard or acetate sheet so you need to click on ‘plastic’. Template plastic is a little thicker and can be used once you have tested your stencil cutting. 
• Then export to the cutter.

• Insert the blade recommended for the specific stencil material into the cutter .

• Since this stencil could be used often, you need to check ‘Cutting Frame’ to get an outline for the pattern pattern.

Note the other adjustments used:

• Testing is a must
• You may need more than one pass of cutting depending on the material being used. 
• Reduce the speed for plastic/acetate.
• Experiment with the blade pressure suggested in the presets.

The white is what is left on the cutting mat  (this mat has been used a lot and is very damaged).

This shows the stencil  with frame. The lines cut in the white material are where you paint, draw or mark as per your project. 

This post is just an overview to assist you to practice the technique of ‘stencil’. In the ‘help’ section of the software, you’ll find more detailed explanations in: Stencil – Creating Stencil Drawings, between pages 454 and 466. On YouTube you will be able to watch many  videos where stencils are used on all kinds of different surfaces and applications.

 

It is necessary to look after your stencils if you intend to reuse them:

• Between each use, wipe them without damaging the bridges.

• Clean them with light soapy water and rinse them with clear water.

• Place on paper towels and let them dry flat.

• Store them between two sheets of tissue paper in a rigid box  –  flat with a heavy weight on it.

Do you practice making your stencils?

Originally posted on Vie Janome. Translated and edited for Janome Life.