How to Use Fabric As Matting for a Picture
A mat can be as creative as the painting or photograph which is framed by the mat. A traditional mat is cut from a paper- faced mat board. An interesting alternative is to cover your plain mat with a decorative fabric. You can choose a fabric that matches or coordinates with your room's decor. Adding the fabric also allows you to personalize the mat for special occasions, seasons and special interests. You do not need to be a professional framer to be able to do this project with ease.
Instructions
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Place your fabric, wrong side up, on top of your work surface.
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Place tape, on the right side of your mat, along the four outside edges and along the four inside edges of the mat. Place the taped side down on top of your fabric. Press firmly to adhere the fabric to the tape.
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Cut an "X" in the fabric going from the inside corner to the diagonal inside corner. This will expose the mat's opening. Trim the fabric so that there is an inch margin of fabric around the inside edges. Fold the fabric over the edges, gently pulling to make it taut. Secure the fabric edges to the tape. Press firmly on the tape to adhere it.
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Cut the fabric so that there is an inch margin going around the outside edges of the mat. Fold the fabric over the outside edges and onto the back of the mat. Secure the fabric onto the back with the tape .Check the front of the mat for wrinkles as you work around the edges. The fabric should be smooth and taut.
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Tips & Warnings
Charms, buttons and ribbons can be glued or stitched to the front of the mat to personalize it after the mat has been covered.
Rotary cutters are very sharp so handle with care and always cut away from fingers.
