How to Make a Fabric Switch Plate
Fabric light switch plates are a fun way to add a pop of unexpected color to a room or to liven up old light plates. Children's rooms, sewing or craft rooms and kitchens are great places to add this decorative touch. Any switch plates can be used for this project, whether they are made of plastic, wood or metal. They take very little fabric, so it's a great way to use up extra fabric from curtains, pillows or other elements in a room. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Fabric scraps at least 1 inch larger than the switch plate
- Small screwdriver
- Sharp scissors
- Ruler
- Fray check
- Yes! Paste or double-sided tape
- Mod Podge® (a glue and sealer)
- Brush, 1 inch or smaller, for the paste
- Craft knife
Instructions
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Decorating a Fabric Switch Plate
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1
Turn off the light switch and then remove your light switch plate with the small screwdriver.
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2
Choose your fabric. If it is a knit fabric, it won't unravel. However, if you're working with a woven fabric, use a product such as Dritz's Fray Check on the edges to prevent unraveling.
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3
Lay the fabric on a protected surface with the wrong side up. Position your switch plate in the middle of the fabric and, using a pen or pencil, draw around the plate and also mark the holes for the screws.
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4
Use a small ruler to add 1/2 inch of fabric all the way around the plate, then cut it out. Cut each corner in 1/2 inch diagonally. Cut tiny holes for the screws with the craft knife.
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5
Brush the right side of the switch plate with Yes! Paste and position the fabric on the plate, being careful to match the holes for the screws. Use the paste on the edges and inside the plate about 1/4 inch. Trim the extra fabric.
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6
Brush a coat of Mod Podge over the fabric side to add durability and for easy cleaning. When the Mod Podge sealer is dry, replace the switch plate on the wall. Tuck any fabric ends behind the plate.
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1
Tips & Warnings
You can use a 1/8-inch hole puncher instead of a craft knife to cut the hole for the screw.
For safety sake, be careful not to poke the screwdriver very far in behind the light plate when using it to tuck in ends of fabric.
