Transparent border around shape.

Good afternoon,   I have tried searching the discussions and while I learned some tricks, I did not find one for my current issue.   I'm trying to add a transparent border to a shape.   Think of it as adding a small shape on top of a larger item of exactly the same color.  I want to add a transparent border around the smaller item so the silhouette shows up.   If I was printing on a shirt, the shirt color would be the border of the small item.    I was able to create the border, zoom in and delete the border color so it shows transparent, When I move the small object over the larger item the transparent border is not maintained. and you would not be able to see it if printed in a single color.    Any tips?  (using Elements 2018) Thanks!