With just store-bought freezer paper you can make this adorable baby blanket with your Cricut. Perfect for upcoming baby showers.
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I love my Cricut and use it for so many projects. Now that I’m expecting, I’m using it even more to make personalized items for my baby and for friends who are also expecting. One technique I wanted to try was using freezer paper as a stencil for screen printing on fabric. Once I finally remembered to buy freezer paper, I was ready to make a custom name blanket without paying a premium price for a pre-made one.
For this project I used a Speedball Fabric Screenprinting Ink Starter Set so I could mix and match colors. The starter set gives several colors that blend well and keep costs low. I also chose a very soft fleece baby blanket — a 30″ x 30″ white fleece works beautifully and is comfortable for baby.
Gather your supplies: a baby blanket, freezer paper, scissors, a ruler, screen printing ink, a foam paint brush or sponge brush, an iron, a cutting mat and your Cricut. Preparing everything before you start will make the process smooth and efficient.
Begin by cutting your freezer paper to the size of your Cricut mat. Depending on the size of your design you may need several sheets. When you place the freezer paper on the mat, be sure the shiny side is face down on the mat so the dull side is on top where your blade will cut.
Design your layout in Cricut Design Space. For this blanket I used the baby’s first and middle name across the blanket. Measure the blanket and plan the size of your lettering accordingly. I used a 12×24 mat, but a 12×12 would also work if you cut the design in sections to make ironing easier.
If you use a script or cursive font, remember to weld the letters together so the cut is continuous rather than individual letters.
When cutting the freezer paper, set your Cricut to Custom and choose a paper or parchment setting around .04mm. This tends to cut the freezer paper cleanly without tearing. Test a small piece first if you are unsure of the setting.
To apply the stencil to the blanket, set your iron to a medium heat. Place the shiny side of the freezer paper down onto the fabric and press the iron straight down for about 10 seconds at a time, lifting and moving to the next section rather than dragging. Iron the outer border of the design first and then press the smaller interior pieces so they stay in place. This approach helps keep tiny pieces from shifting before they adhere.
Use a sponge brush or foam brush to apply the screen printing ink. Dip lightly and blot excess paint before applying, then brush or dab the paint into the stencil area. Fleece can be textured, so make sure you fill in all areas evenly to avoid patchy coverage. Work carefully around the edges so your lines stay crisp.
Before committing to additional details, I tested the large name first to see how it looked. I decided to add a smaller first-name in a different font and color, but you can keep a single large name if you prefer. Design choices are up to your taste and the overall look you want.
Once the paint has fully dried, carefully remove all freezer paper. To heat-set the ink for durability, turn your iron to high and place a thin cloth or old shirt over the painted area. Press the iron for about 30 seconds, moving across each painted section. This helps seal the paint and makes it more resistant to washing.
That’s it — a custom, handmade baby blanket ready to wrap and give as a gift. I recommend washing the blanket once before gifting to ensure everything is set and to remove any loose fibers. The freezer paper stencil method works on many fabrics and projects, so once you’ve practiced a few times, the possibilities are endless.
