How to Make a Large Fabric Picture Frame

Transform a plain picture frame into one that is covered in fabric with an attractive print or an elegant solid texture in colors that complement any room. Whether the frame is large or small, the technique and result are the same: an unusual but striking way to display photographs, prints, paintings or even a child's work of art. It will become an interesting room decor that will draw attention and admiration.

Things You'll Need

• Lightweight to medium-weight fabric that is larger overall than the frame it will cover
• White glue
• Small foam brush
• Scissors
• Large frame with glass or backing removed

Instructions

1. Lay the fabric flat on a work table, right-side down. Smooth out any wrinkles. Take the frame and lay the front of it down on top of the fabric, centered.

2. With scissors, cut an "X" in the center of the frame from one corner to the other. Also with scissors, cut the outside corners of the fabric within 1 inch of the frame.

3. Starting on the outside of the frame, apply white glue generously along the side, evenly distributing it with the foam brush. Hold the outside edge of the fabric at the top of that frame side and carefully press the fabric to the frame on the glue. Continue with this process all the way down one side of the frame. Add more glue if needed to secure the fabric. You may have excess fabric that overlaps the frame beyond the back; if that is so, cut off the excess with scissors so that the edge of the fabric is aligned straight up and down with the back of one side of the frame.

4. Continue with attaching the outside fabric of the frame for the other three sides and remove any excess fabric, if necessary. Overlap the corner fabric pieces over each other to make a neat finish, and secure this with glue.

5. Work on attaching the inside triangle pieces to the back of the frame. Apply the glue along the inside part of the frame and press the fabric down from top to bottom. Align the fabric so that it overlaps the fabric attached from the other side. With scissors, cut excess fabric as you work. The back of the frame should be neat and all fabric secured. Let it dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider the photo or artwork that will be used in the frame before buying fabric. Lightweight to medium-weight fabric is best because it has a little "give" when inserting glass into the frame, if glass is to be used. As a rule, glue should not be applied to the front of the frame before laying it on the fabric because it may be absorbed by the fabric and ruin the texture. It depends on the fabric. Experiment first.