How To Cut A Stencil By Hand
No Cutting Machine Needed!
Doing things the traditional way.
There’s something deeply satisfying about cutting a stencil by hand. The slow rhythm of cutting, the removal of yet another piece of paper (it’s a bit like doing a puzzle in reverse!) and the precision of each line you cut make it a gentle, mindful process.
And even though I have a cutting machine in the studio, which I use a lot, I still love cutting paper by hand — and in this post, I’ll show you why.
Why Cut Stencils by Hand?
Hand-cutting stencils isn’t about being traditional or old-fashioned — it’s about creative control. When you work by hand, you can respond to the design as you go. Adjust shapes, test ideas instantly, and allow new designs to emerge as you cut.
Benefits of hand-cutting stencils:
No expensive machines or software required.
It’s portable — all you need is a knife, cutting mat, and paper.
Perfect for small test pieces, one-off designs, and quick experiments.
Hand cutting helps you slow down and be in the moment, perfect when you need some headspace, to just create without having to make too many decisions.
Only simple tools required for hand cutting your own stencils.
Be warned: hand cutting stencils can become addictive! (I’m living proof!)
