How to Frame Fabric on Canvas

By
Caylin Harris
Caylin Harris
Caylin Harris
Caylin Harris is a crafter, stylist, and writer with over 10 years' experience creating easy DIY projects. She has created craft and DIY projects for The Pioneer Woman magazine and the "Naturally, Danny Seo" TV show on NBC.
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Updated on 10/07/20
Framed fabric placed near potted plants

The Spruce / Caylin Harris

Project Overview
  • Total Time: 1 hr
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $20

A beautiful piece of art is a decoration every home needs. But framed artwork can be pricey. Instead of shelling out money for a print or painting, consider framing a gorgeous piece of fabric on a canvas panel instead. Not only will the fabric add color, pattern, and texture to a room, but there also are many types of fabric that can suit various design styles and tastes. You can frame a vintage piece of fabric that has been passed down in your family or simply a pattern that caught your eye at the fabric store. This project is quick and easy. Besides making artwork for yourself, the framed fabric also can be a great customized gift.

Tip

You can frame fabric in a traditional picture frame. However, stretching it over a canvas panel is the best way to show off the texture of the fabric.

18 DIY Canvas Art Ideas

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Fabric marking tool
  • Scissors
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Hot glue and hot glue gun (or pins)

Materials

  • Canvas panel in size of your choice
  • Fabric (enough to cover the canvas with some excess)

Instructions

  1. Cut the Fabric

    First, lay your fabric flat over your canvas, and wrap it around to the back. Mark cutting lines around the fabric, so there will be at least an inch of fabric that reaches around to the back of the canvas on all sides. Then, cut your fabric along these lines.

    If the fabric is vintage or heirloom and you don't wish to cut it, you can leave it as is. You can simply fold the excess on the back of the canvas, so it can't be seen from the front.

  2. Iron the Fabric

    Iron your piece of fabric to remove any creases. This will allow it to sit as flat as possible on the canvas.

  3. Stretch the Fabric Over the Canvas

    Place your fabric piece right side down on a flat surface. Center the canvas panel with its front down over the fabric. Make sure there are no wrinkles in the fabric.

    Stretch the fabric around the sides and to the back of the canvas. Pull the fabric taut. Then, secure the edges to the back of the canvas panel with hot glue. Work slowly and adjust as necessary to maintain the fabric tautness and remove any creases.

    If you don't want to get glue on your fabric, an alternative is pinning it to the back of the canvas.

  4. Display the Fabric Artwork

    Once you're done gluing or pinning, flip over the panel and check out your new artwork. If you ever want to switch up your decor, you can simply rip the fabric off of the canvas and redo the project with new fabric. And you can save the old fabric piece for projects that use fabric scraps, such as a braided rug.