How to design Stencil Edges in Procreate 📖 DIY Stencil Edges
On this page you’ll find the instructions to how to design your own stencils for book edge painting in Procreate using our free templates and brushes.
Video instructions
Written instructions
01 - FREE Procreate Templates & Brushes
The first step is to download the free Procreate brushes and templates. There are 3 brushes included (2 stamp brushes and 1 drawing brush) and 6 templates for stencil edges. To import these assets to Procreate you just need to tap on the file on your iPad and it should import to Procreate automatically.
02 - Choose your stencil template
The first step is to open the Procreate template file and choose the template file from the Design Templates group. Toggle the visibility of your chosen template and hide all the other templates in the group. If your spine is smaller than 4cm, you can use the layers in the "Spine Size" group to make the template smaller.
03 - Use the stamp brush to place your elements
After you've chosen your design layout, you can start creating your design. Make sure to draw your design on a separate layer from your template. I recommend drawing all your elements on the group "Your design here". Use the stamp brushes or the drawing brush to create your design and position all your elements according to the template.
04 - Export your design as a PNG image
Once your design is finished export your image as a PNG to be opened on your plotter's software.
05 - Convert your image to a cut file
Open your PNG image in your machine's software (I'm using Silhouette Studio) and convert your image into a cut file. To do this, I use the "Trace" tool from the software and it automatically converts the image into a cut file.
06 - Cut your vinyl stencil
Cut the stencil using your cutting machine (I'm using a Silhouette Portrait, but you can use any cutting machine that you have) and weed the excess vinyl. I use permanent vinyl from the Silhouette brand for my stencils and clear transfer tape to apply it to the book.
07 - Paint your book edges
Paint your book using light coats of paint and a stippling motion. Check out my stencil edge tutorial for a step-by-step instructions on painting stenciled edges.
08 - Remove your stencil
After the paint is dry you can remove your stencil and your book is ready! If you enjoyed your brushes and would like to get some for Procreate brushes for your DIY stenciled edges, you may want to check out the Gilded Tales Toolkit for Procreate.
This toolkit is a set of brushes, stamps and templates made for book lovers to create their own special edition designs of their favorite books.
So, what's included in this toolkit?
- 31 Procreate Brushes: 17 drawing brushes + 14 texture brushes
- 64 Procreate Stamps: 25 ornament stamps + 39 decorative stamps
- 6 Procreate template files: 4 book cover + 2 book spine template files
- 1 PDF Guide: Step-by-step instructions + examples
- BONUS: 2 Mockups: Book Cover Foil Mockup & Stencil Edges Mockup (for Photoshop + Procreate!)
