Cactus
2.3 × 3.5 in / 5.7 × 8.9 cm
Tattoo Outline Stencils
Clean outlines with no shading: every line is closed and can be traced in one pass.
Fox
2.2 × 3.5 in / 5.6 × 8.9 cm
Hot Air Balloon
2.3 × 3.5 in / 5.8 × 8.9 cm
Lighthouse
1.6 × 3.5 in / 4.1 × 8.9 cm
Mountain Circle Outline
3.5 × 3.5 in / 8.9 × 8.9 cm
Mushroom
3.1 × 3.5 in / 8 × 8.9 cm
Octopus
3.5 × 3.4 in / 8.9 × 8.5 cm
Pine Tree
2.5 × 3.5 in / 6.4 × 8.9 cm
Whale
3.5 × 2.3 in / 8.9 × 5.7 cm
Outline stencils vs shaded stencils
An outline stencil shows only the edges of the design. A shaded stencil also marks where shading goes, usually with extra lines or hatching. Outlines are easier to transfer cleanly and leave you free to decide on shading as you work.
Why artists line first
- The outline sets the shape. Once it is in, the stencil can wear off without losing the design.
- Lining is done with a needle set suited to clean lines; shading uses a different setup.
- A finished outline shows clearly where shading and colour should stop.
What makes these easy to trace
Every design on this page uses single, closed lines with no gaps, no sketchy strokes and no hatching.
Related stencils
New to stencils? Read how to print and transfer a tattoo stencil.
Questions
Can I add shading to these?
Yes. Line the outline first, then add shading freehand or from a reference.
Are outlines good for beginners?
Yes. They are the best way to practise steady lines before you try shading.
What's the difference from the easy stencils?
The easy stencils have very few lines. These outlines have more detail but still no shading.