stencil paper

Transfer and tracing papers work on many surfaces, including paper and cardstock, canvas, wood, leather, fabric, and hard surfaces like glass, metal, and ceramic. Stencils are also widely used on posters, signs, and other craft surfaces.

Many stencil books and templates are described as reusable and durable. Cardstock stencils are generally sturdy for repeated use, thickened cardboard templates for sewing are often warp-resistant, and some transfer sheets can be used multiple times depending on the product.

Stencil books usually group multiple shapes across pages. For example, a 20‑page book might include 80 stencils total, often offering several sizes of each shape (e.g., four sizes per shape).

Tracing papers are generally uncoated, translucent sheets intended for dry media and overlay work. Graphite transfer sheets are typically wax-free and formulated to transfer clear, smudge-resistant lines that can often be erased if needed.

Place the transfer paper face down on the target surface, put your image on top of the transfer sheet, then trace over the image with a pencil, pen, or stylus. The tracing pressure transfers the design as lines onto the surface, which can be erased or refined as needed.