FABRIC COVERED MAT- HOW TO

Well, awhile back I promised I would show you how to create some of my favorite craft items... This one happens to be one of the items that my sisiter-in-law and I used to sell at craft shows. These simple fabric covered mats add big impact to a framed picture.  This tutorial is for creating a 8x10 mat that holds a 5x7 picture.

MATERIALS:

• a rectangular piece of cotton fabric approx. 11x13 in. or a bit bigger (it doesn't have to be cut perfectly)
• a 8x10 mat - you can either purchase a pre-cut mat or cut your own out of mat board
• spray glue -nothing beats 3M Super 77  You can find it here: 3M 86234 Super 77 Multipurpose Spray Adhesive, 13.44 fl. oz.
• a scissor - one you don't mind getting glue on
• a sheet rocking knife with a thin blade... an x-acto knife/craft knife will work, too Stanley 10-079 Retractable Blade Utility Knife  OR  X-ACTO 1 Knife, Z Series With Safety Cap
• Mod Podge  Mod Podge Waterbase Sealer, Glue and Finish (8-Ounce), CS11301 Matte Finish
• small foam brush  Royal Brush RFOMW-4P Foam Brush, 4-Pack

THE PROCESS:

1.With all your supplies laid out and ready to go, spray the back side of the fabric and the front of the mat with a generous coat of spray glue (outside).


2.Lay your glue covered fabric on a table, glue side up.  Carefully place your glue covered mat face down onto the fabric.  Make sure to center it, leaving equal portions on each side.  Press down firmly all over the back side of the mat.  Check the front of the fabric to make sure all air bubbles are out.

3.Cut off the corners of the fabric with scissors... careful to leave only a tiny margin by the corner of the mat (see close-up pic)

4.Pulling firmly, starting next to the corner, pull the fabric up over the mat, one side at a time.  Press down, smoothing out all air bubbles.

5. With your knife, cut the interior of the fabric diagonally out, starting in each corner -creating an X.  Trim edges.

6. Again, pull fabric up over the edge of the mat, starting in the corners. Pull firmly to ensure that the fabric is tight, especially in the corners. Use Mod-podge on your foam brush to help adhere, if fabric doesn't stick.  Once all edges are in place, use Mod-podge to go over the edges of the fabric for extra security and to prevent any fraying.  Also pay special attention to the outside corners.  These will need a dab of Mod-podge, smoothed down with your finger, also (second photo shows how corner should look before smoothing down).

7. Let dry thoroughly and place in frame!!

These also look wonderful in sets of coordinating fabrics.  If you have any question, let me know!  Happy Crafting :)

WANT TO SEE MORE FABRIC AND PAPER CRAFT INSPIRATION?  TAKE A PEEK!.....

Blessings,