How to Mount Fabric to a Shadowbox
A shadow box is a deep, framed box, often used by crafters and collectors to preserve memorabilia and ephemera. As part of the display design, you may choose to attach fabric or paper directly to the back and sides of the box itself, but you also have the option of creating a padded surface for affixing your collection. A shadow box also makes a protective frame for special garments, like christening or wedding gowns, and signed sports jerseys or quilt blocks, which you may also affix to the box.
Things You'll Need
- Shadow box
- Fabric
- Archival spray adhesive or glue
- Foam board
- Quilt batting
- Acid-free mat board
- Dressmaker's pins
- Needle
- Silk or nylon thread
- Archival tape
Instructions
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Flat-Mounted Fabric
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1
Measure the back panel of the shadow box.
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2
Cut the fabric 1 inch larger on all sides than the measurements.
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3
Spray the front of the panel with adhesive.
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4
Spread the fabric on the front of the panel, smoothing wrinkles and air pockets with a metal ruler, bone folder or your fingers.
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5
Fold the fabric over the edges of the panel to the back. Affix the fabric with spray adhesive.
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6
Cover the side panels of the box in the same manner, if you choose.
Foam-Mounted Fabric
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7
Measure the panels of the shadow box to be covered. Subtract 1/8 inch from the width and the length to allow for the thickness of the fabric.
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8
Cut foam board to match the shortened measurements.
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9
Cut the fabric 1 inch larger than the foam board.
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10
Attach the fabric to the front of the foam board with spray adhesive or fabric glue.
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11
Wrap the extra fabric to the back of the board and affix it with adhesive.
Batting-Mounted Fabric
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12
Cut a piece of quilt batting the same size as the panels to be covered.
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13
Cut a piece of fabric 1 1/2 inches larger on all sides.
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14
Spray the shadow box panel with adhesive.
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15
Affix the batting to the panels.
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16
Spray the top surface of the batting and stretch the fabric over the top.
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17
Wrap and secure the fabric to the back of the panel.
Mounting Fabric Garments
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18
Cut a piece of acid-free mat board to match the measurements of the back and side panels of the shadow box.
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19
Attach the mat board to the side panels of the box with adhesive or glue.
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20
Pin the garment to the mat board panel that matches the back of the box. As much as possible, pin through seam allowances, especially in old garments, so that the pinholes do not show.
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21
Thread the needle with silk thread that matches the garment. If you cannot match the color with silk thread -- not polyester or blends -- use nylon invisible thread instead.
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22
Remove the first pin and bring the needle up through the mat board and the same hole in the fabric.
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23
Make a small stitch and return the needle to the back of the mat board, staying close to the original hole.
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24
Tape the thread ends with archival tape and cut the thread.
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25
Repeat at each pin until the garment stays in place when you hold the shadow box up the way it will hang for display.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If you are unable to locate acid-free mat board, check for archival treatment spray at scrapbooking shops.
Have especially fragile fabric professionally mounted to avoid damage.
When using glues and papers with antiques, collectibles or such materials, use acid-free products to avoid discoloration and damage to the memorabilia or ephemera.
