top of page
< Back

Supplies and Tools

Supplies and Tools

by John Marshall

Supplies and Tools

Having the right tools and equipment will make any endeavor a more rewarding experience. I recommend acquiring the best quality supplies and equipment right from the start. Imagine trying to learn origami using construction paper!


CARVING KNIVES - Traditional  carving knives have curved blades that make it easier to cut several  stencils at one time. X-acto® knives work quite  well as a substitute.


HOLE PUNCHES - Traditionally, stencil carvers make their own hole punches, often in very complex shapes. Circular hole punches, in a variety of sizes, are available for the studio artist.


CUTTING MAT - The mat allows your blade to pierce the paper and at the same time protect your table top. The mat should be a bit resilient and should not contribute to the dulling of the knife.

Supplies and Tools

SHIBUGAMI - Shibugami is made of hand-made mulberry paper that has many layers laminated together using persimmon tannin. It is then smoked to preserve the paper and speed the curing of the persimmon. Synthetic stencil paper is also a modern option.


SHA - Stencils often need additional support, especially when there are very delicate lines or free-floating elements. The sha, a silk leno-weave gauze, supplies this support.


LACQUER - In  lieu of lacquer, I recommend using a high quality water based floor paint. It is less toxic and much easier to use. When shopping for paint, look for the most rugged. This will normally be indoor/outdoor paint or  floor paint, and high gloss. 

Supplies and Tools

KOMON NUKA - Nuka is rice bran and may be found in any Asian market or health food store. However, komon nuka is very finely ground, de-oiled bran.


MOCHIKO - Mochiko is available in any major supermarket  or health food store. You may also be able to find it in gourmet  grocery stores (it is used to make curry roux) and of course in Asian food stores.


SURIBACHI - A suribachi has grooves all along the inside surface of the bowl. It is used to grind and mix. 


SURIKOGI - A surikogi is the pestle used with the suribachi. Any wooden pestle will do – in a pinch, even a broomstick handle may be pressed into service.


HERA (a.k.a. DEBABERA) - In English this may be referred to as a spatula or a spreader. In a pinch, a silkscreen squeegee pay  be used.

Supplies and Tools

HARITE and SHINSHI – The shinshi stretch the yardage side to side, the harite are used to stretch the fabric lengthwise. Harite may be purchased, or if you are a bit handy with tools, they are fairly easy to make on your own. Shinshi are bamboo dowels with needles inserted into their tips. The shinshi should be longer than the fabric is wide. 


SPRAYER – The sprayer is used to moisten newspaper during the lacquering process and to make it easier to pull the stencil up from the fabric once paste  has been applied. 

JIZOMEBAKE - One of the most difficult affects for dyers to achieve is an evenly solid background of color. Jizomebake have been designed to have the same number of bristles touching the  surface of the cloth as long sweeping applications of dyes are made.  Made of deer hair, it will last decades if given proper care. After each use, be sure to shake out as much dye as you are able, rinse the brush thoroughly, shake again, and hang to dry. It is important to set it aside at the end of the day and allow it to dry completely before using  it again.


PIGMENTS-  Dyes come in many forms, both natural and synthetic. Pigments make up  the oldest class of nat