How to frame fabric for wall art

If you want to give your interior a quick new look, adding some new art is an easy and inexpensive way to switch things us without redecorating. For something a little different than the usual posters or artwork, why not make your own DIY wall art using a piece of your favourite fabric?

In this post we'll show you how to frame fabric and create your very own unique piece of fabric art. The best DIY crafts reuse and repurpose some materials, whilst making something entirely new and different.

All you need for this project is a few simple craft tools and a piece of decorative fabric that will complement your existing interior design. Then say goodbye to boring walls!

How to make your own framed fabric wall art

This is a DIY you can easily do in an afternoon, once you've gathered all the materials. It's perfect if you've got guests or visitors coming and you want to give your home a fresh new look without a major overhaul.

It's also a brilliant way to use up any offcuts or spare fabric, making it a sustainable, eco-friendly project as well as bringing something exciting to your space. You can also use a thrifted frame to cut down costs and waste.

What you'll need:

• Picture frame (look in thrift stores to save money and repurpose existing materials (you can also use a framed mirror and remove the glass)
• Fabric - choose something fairly robust, like linen fabric, that won't snag or pull
• Eggshell or wood paint (if you want to change the frame colour)
• 1/4" thick plywood (cut the same size as the frame) OR cork board
• Stapler or glue
• Tape measure
• Picture hooks and string (if none on your frame)

Step-by-step guide to DIY wall art

First, prepare your frame. If you've sourced a second hand frame you might want to lightly sand and re-paint it. Some frames have glue residue or old sticky tape holding the backing board, so this will need removing before you add your fabric to the frame.

You may be able to give it a simple quick wipe down if the frame is in good condition already.

Then you need to choose your fabric. Whether you're rummaging in your local fabric store or buying online, it's important to keep these things in mind when selecting fabric for wall art:

– What is the decor in your room like? Choose a pattern or print that works with your existing colour scheme. A bold or distinctive pattern looks amazing framed on the wall, but you also might want a more minimalist look, like some natural linen fabric.

– What type of material will work best? Very fragile textiles like silk might not be the best choice as they might run or snag when stretched over the cork board or plywood. Removing the staples will also be harder than if you use a more robust fabric like cotton or linen, or an upholstery fabric.

Measure your cork board or plywood, and the frame up to the trim. Cut the board to fit using a jigsaw for clean edges.

Cut your fabric slightly larger than the board so you have fabric for folding over the back to create a hem.

Lay your fabric right side down on a clean, flat surface. Make sure the focal point on the other side is going to be the right part of the pattern or print on your fabric.

Place the board on top, so the wrong side of the fabric meets the facedown side of the board. Fold over a 2-3cm hem around the edge, keeping the corners neatly folded (like a bedsheet corner).

Glue or staple your fabric along the back of the board. Pull the fabric tight as you work, to avoid wrinkles.

Place the fabric-covered board inside the picture frame, pushing it right up to the trim. Fasten it in place - usually this is done with small clips that you just fold down over the board. Attach the hanging thread or hooks to the back of the board.

Hanging your framed fabric wall art

If you have an existing picture hook or nail, just hang your art work there. If you want it somewhere else, to optimise the impact of your textile art, or to fill an unused space on the wall, follow these tips on how to hang a picture.

Change things up whenever you like!

The great thing about making your own fabric art this way is that you can easily change the fabric whenever you fancy a different look for your room.

Just unfasten the frame clips on the reverse of the frame, then remove the plywood and fabric-covered board. Carefully loosen the staples from the fabric and peel the fabric away from the cork board.

Replace with a new piece of fabric to decorate your wall, then hang and create a whole new vibe in your space.

Browse our extensive range of linen fabrics to find inspiration for your homemade picture frame fabric art. Linen is not just a durable, robust fabric, it comes in a huge range of colours and patterns so there's something for every home.

You could buy extra fabric for other upholstery projects and use up any surplus to make wall art around your home. Choose contrasting colours for a dynamic, contemporary look. Or go for neutrals and calming tones to bring a tranquil feel to a space.

Happy creating!