Do you like to sew, quilt, or make crafts? Want to know how to cut perfect felt shapes easily? If so, then you need to know the trick to using freezer paper! This inexpensive material can be used to create reusable pattern templates for all sorts of projects. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of using freezer paper for crafts, how to use it, what are the best projects or materials to use it on, and what kind of freezer paper is best for your needs.
What is freezer paper?
So, what exactly is freezer paper? Freezer paper, also known as butcher paper, is a type of plastic-coated paper that is typically used for wrapping food. It has a shiny side and a dull side. The shiny side is actually a thin layer of plastic that helps to seal in the moisture and prevent freezer burn. The dull side is absorbent and helps to keep meat or vegetables from sticking to the paper. You can find freezer paper at most grocery stores in the same aisle as the aluminum foil and plastic wrap.
What kind of freezer paper should you use?
There are two main types of freezer paper: butcher paper and natural kraft paper. Whichever you decide to go with, be sure to choose a quality poly coated paper that is coated on one side, not both. Also be sure that you don’t confuse wax paper with freezer paper.
- Butcher paper is the type of freezer paper that is typically used in grocery stores. It is slightly thinner than natural kraft paper and has a more uniform surface.
- Natural kraft paper is thicker and has a more textured surface.
Both types of freezer paper will work well for crafts, but you may want to experiment to see which one you prefer.
I prefer to use freezer paper specially designed for crafts, sold in pre-cut sheets. It’s a little pricier but the results are more consistent and it’s easier to deal with and store.
What is the difference between freezer paper rolls and precut sheets?
The main difference between freezer paper rolls and precut freezer paper sheets is the size and cost.
Freezer paper rolls are typically come in a variety of lengths and is usually much more cost effective due to the amount you are buying. Freezer paper rolls are great if you do a lot of sewing or quilting, because you can cut them to whatever size you need. Some crafters dislike using freezer paper rolls because it can be difficult dealing with the curl of the paper – both in the printer, when tracing and on your project.
Precut freezer paper sheets are usually standard US letter size (eight-and-a-half inches by eleven inches) or A fourth size (five-and-a-half inches by eight-and-a half inches). They are typically more expensive than buying a roll, but some crafters find them easier to use because they store nicely and it’s easy to pop into your printer. Precut sheets are convenient if you tend to user a printer or Cricut or Silhouette cutting machine rather than hand draw or trace.
How do you use freezer paper for crafts?
Now that we know what freezer paper is, let’s talk about how you can use it for crafts! Freezer paper is most commonly used for sewing and quilting, but it can also be used for other crafts like stenciling, decals, iron-on transfers, and more.
Freezer paper is a great tool for sewing and crafting. You can use it to create pattern templates that are reusable. Simply trace or print your pattern onto the dull side of the freezer paper and cut it out. Then, adhere the shiny side of the freezer paper to your fabric with a hot, dry iron. (Don’t use steam!)
*WARNING* Never iron the shiny side – unless you want an impossible mess to clean from your iron.
Your pattern will now be gently “stuck” to the fabric, making super easy to cut out your pattern pieces, or depending on your need, you can trace or sew around it.
When you are finished, simply peel off the freezer paper. It won’t leave a residue and you can save these pieces to use over and over again – just attach them with a hot iron. You won’t be able to reuse them forever as eventually they just won’t stick anymore, but you should get several uses out of each template.
Benefits to using freezer paper for crafts
There are several benefits to using freezer paper for crafts. One of the biggest benefits is that it is reusable. You can use each template over and over again, which saves both time and money.
Another benefit is that it’s easy to use. You don’t need any special equipment or skills to use freezer paper – just an iron! And, if you make a mistake, simply peel off the freezer paper and start over.
Using freezer paper gives you precise results. If you are looking for perfect circles or other shapes, freezer paper is a great way to achieve them!
By far, my favorite benefit is that it is a shortcut that saves time and frustration. I usually sloppy quick cut in the white space around a pattern when cutting the piece out of the freezer paper. Then once the freezer paper is attached to my fabric, that’s when I precise cut the pattern template – all without having to trace a thing!
And since it’s literally stuck to my fabric which makes it the best way to hand cut felt shapes easily. I don’t have to worry about the template shifting or getting poked with pins or even having to deal with tracing marks.
This method is especially great to use with kids since it eliminates tracing and trying to keep the pattern in place while cutting.
What are some of the best projects or materials to use with freezer paper?
Freezer paper works well on a variety of fabrics, including quilting cotton, canvas, denim, felt and more. It can also be used with other materials like paper and wood.
Some of the best projects to use freezer paper for are quilts (of course!), appliques, iron-on decals or transfers, and stenciling. You can even use freezer paper to print on fabric with your ink jet printer!
How to use freezer paper for stenciling
For stenciling, you will want to use the freezer paper SHINY SIDE UP. The easiest way to do this is to use a Cricut or Silhouette craft cutter to cut out your stencil design.
Then spray some Easy Tack spray on adhesive on the paper side and adhere your stencil to your project. Make sure you have a nice even, flat surface for a nice seal.
The waxy side is resistant to moisture so now you can paint over the stencil and still be able to reuse it a few times more for other projects!
Crafts we have used freezer paper on
I have to admit, using freezer paper for pattern pieces is a new discovery for me, but once you try it – you won’t even go back to any other way! Here are some of our craft projects where freezer paper was an excellent pattern template tool:
- How to Make Christmas Gnomes: Free Felt Gnomes Pattern
- Nightmare Before Christmas: DIY Jack Skellington Felt Pattern (Free!)
- Nightmare Before Christmas Oogie Boogie
- DIY Nightmare Before Christmas Zero Ornament
- Nightmare Before Christmas Ornaments: Sally (Free Pattern!)
Have you ever used freezer paper for crafts? What did you make?
