DIY: Custom Fabric Art

This is a great project for repurposing fabric you may have around the house from window treatments or bedding into custom sized fabric art (finally a use for those odd sized pieces of fabric!). We recommend using heavier weight, non stretch fabrics as they are easier to work with and ensure that the backing frame will not be visible through the fabric. IKEA has a fabulous range of heavy weight cotton fabrics with bold graphics and patterns, at great price points. 

Materials & Tools

A. Iron

B. Fabric(s) to be framed

C. Gun stapler

D. Tape measure

E. Fabric scissors

F. Nail gun (if you do not have access to a nail gun, screws or nails are fine to use)

G. Power saw (a hand saw is fine to use if you do not have an electric saw)

H. Safety goggles

I. Pen & paper to plot out measurements

J. Wood for frame 1" x 2"

Step 1: Lay out fabric print side up and iron

 Step 2: Measure the width and height of the area to be framed. Add an additional six inches to the width and height measurements, this allows an extra 3" of fabric on all sides to ensure you will have enough fabric to wrap around the frame. With the reverse side of fabric facing up, rule out the measurements onto fabric.

Step 3: Cut out piece of fabric to be framed.



Quick tip: Lining up straight edges of fabric and/or using a T-square ruler will ensure you get a straight cut

Step 4: Measure and mark frame dimensions onto wood.

Step 5: Cut wood. If you are using a hand saw, clamp the wood to a solid surface before cutting.

Step 6: Arrange the cut pieces of wood into the frame ensuring that they are square and evenly aligned.

Step 7: Secure or clamp frame to a stable surface. If using a nail gun put three nails into each corner (two screws in each corner is sufficient if nailing manually).

Step 8: Spread out fabric reverse side up and lay frame on top, ensuring that there is an even amount of fabric distributed around all sides.

Step 9: Staple the fabric to the frame a couple of times starting at the middle of one side, and then pulling the fabric taut (without stretching), repeat on the opposite side. Working from the center of each side, continue stapling toward the frame corners.

Step 10: The corners are the last areas to be stapled. Pinch the remaining corner fabric together and pull taut away from frame.

Step 11: Create a crisp pleat into fabric and fold toward frame corner.

Step 12: Staple in place.

Step 13: If you end up with excess fabric, staple to the inside of the frame. This keeps it tidy and prevents any frayed edges showing.

Step 14: Hang your new piece of art and enjoy! If you have chosen fabric with an ambiguous design, a nice benefit is that the canvas can be hung vertically or horizontally.