How to Use Tracing Paper Step By Step [2022 Guide]

Do you want to draw an intricate design with absolute perfection? And if you don’t have any idea how to use tracing paper and carbon paper, stay here and learn the correct way to use the tracing paper. Well, there is an effortless way to make your wish come true! A semi-transparent paper known as tracing paper is one of the greatest inventions for every artist.

Through these translucent papers, the artists can instantly copy an image and transfer it to other places instantly and effortlessly. The tracing paper never leaves any residue behind, and it is grease-less and entirely effortless to use.

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What is Tracing Paper?

In addition to this, tracing paper always keeps your artwork protected. The paper is available in different sizes, colors, and thicknesses so that the artists can get the one just according to their requirements. One can quickly get it from art or craft stores. Just go and get tracing paper and create different and exciting patterns!

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How To Use Tracing Paper In Different Ways?

Follow the given steps to use the tracing paper:

  • First of all, choose the image which you want to trace. Make sure that the image is simple and easy to trace. Then place the tracing paper over the image, and check if the tracing paper covers the image completely.
  • It is crucial to ensure that the tracing papers stay at their place, and for this purpose, you can also use masking tape. Fold the corners of the tracing paper over the edges of the image. 
  • Now it’s time to trace the image on the transfer papers. Never use a colored pencil, marker, or pen to trace the images. Always use graphite pencils to trace all of your images. It is always recommended to follow the lines of the image carefully and never worry about shading. 
  • If the tracing paper slips out of its place, then line it back by using the line you have already drawn.
  • And if you have made any mistake, carefully erase it with the help of an eraser. 
  • Once you have ultimately traced the image, peel off the tape and place the tracing paper just next to the image. And make a comparison to ensure that both of these images are looking identical. 
  • Now it’s time to transfer the image on any surface which you have selected. You can use a canvas, watercolor, or a sketchbook as well. Remember that you should transfer the traced image to something light in color to show the pencil clearly.
  • To trace the image, tape the traced image face down on any medium you have just selected. 
  • Rub the tracing paper in this way, and you can transfer the traced image to the medium present just below. For this purpose, you cause the pencil or any hard object or end of the marker. Try to trace the image with a bit of pressure. 
  • Remove the tracing paper, and keep it aside, and then you will get a faded copy of the image. 
  • You can trace or go over the line once again to make all the lines more prominent. To make the drawing more attractive, you can fill it with ink, paint, or colored pencil.

How To Use Tracing Paper Without Flipping? 

You can trace the image just the same way as described above, but do not flip the tracing paper before drawing the image on the surface. Anyone who wants to reverse the image can flip the tracing paper. But if you want to get the exact copy or an identical image, place the tracing paper just the same way as it is on the surface. 

How To Use Tracing Paper On Wood?

Trace the design over the tracing paper just as described earlier, and then fix the tracing paper over the wood. To keep the tracing paper fixed or in its place, you can use tape also. And then draw the required pattern or design on the wood. When the design has been transferred to the wood, you can remove the paper and can make your design more attractive by filling it with colors. 

How To Use Tracing Paper On Fabric?

To transfer your design over the fabric, follow these steps:

  1. Take the tracing paper and transfer or trace the required design over it
  2. Now, place the transfer paper over the fabric and stitch it to keep the tracing paper fixed
  3. Stitch the design directly through the tracing paper into the fabric 
  4. Once the embroidery gets complete, you can remove the tracing paper, and that’s it!

How To Use Tracing Paper On Canvas?

Trace the design on the tracing paper and then place it over the canvas. Fix the paper with the help of tapes and then make the design with the help of a pencil by gently pressing over it. After the complete transfer of design, you can remove the transfer paper. 

How To Use Tracing Paper For Watercolor Painting?

To use the tracing paper for watercolor painting, follow the given steps:

  • Place the tracing paper on the watercolor paper with the coated side down
  • To keep the tracing paper fixed, use the tape
  • Trace the drawing by using the pencil at the working surface
  • As you finished the tracing, remove the tracing paper

How To Use Tracing Paper For Letters?

One can easily use tracing paper to transfer the design on the letter very quickly. Make the design on the tracing paper and then fix it over the letter with tape. Here, you need to press the design more forcefully than you would do for standard surfaces. Once you have entirely transferred the design, remove the paper and then trace the design. 

How To Use Tracing Paper And Carbon Paper?

Transfer paper, also known as graphite paper, is used the same way one uses carbon paper. The only difference between carbon and the transfer paper is that transfer paper uses graphite in place of carbon. So, if you want to use carbon paper or trace paper to transfer the image or a design, follow the given steps:

  • Trace the image by using carbon or transfer paper.
  • Be careful, and choose a very easy or straightforward design.
  • Place the paper on any surface where you want to transfer the design.
  • Press the design on the surface, remove the carbon or trace paper and that’s it!

Final Thoughts 

Tracing paper has been specifically designed for the artists. Anyone can use these papers to create some very unique and beautiful patterns without much effort. You need to select the media or surface; always make sure you are using graphite pencil. In this article, different ideas or ways have been described to explain how to use tracing paper and carbon paper. Hopefully, all of them will help you in an incredible journey of arts and crafts!

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