How to Make Fabric Picture Frames: An Easy Boho Tutorial!

Revamp old picture frames with boho flair! This step-by-step DIY tutorial shows how to make fabric picture frames perfect for gifting or decor.

Do you love creating handmade gifts for your friends and family as much as I do? Check out this super simple DIY fabric frame guide and discover how to cover a picture frame with fabric.

It’s a unique gift idea perfect for boho lovers, but you can also customize the design for any style. Either way, it’s sure to be a hit!

Why Boho Fabric Frames?

Boho isn’t just about the accessories or the furniture; it’s an expression, a reflection of one’s personality and experiences. The myriad patterns, textures, and colors, from rattan and macramé to ethnic designs on pillows, echo stories from around the world. 

The charm of boho lies in its ability to make spaces feel warm, personalized, and alive. And there’s no better way to integrate a piece of yourself into this eclectic decor than by displaying cherished memories in DIY fabric frames.

What Does Boho Stand For? 

Boho, derived from the French word “Bohémien”, has its roots deeply embedded in the artistic and free-spirited culture of the Bohemians.

Originally referring to the unconventional lifestyles of impoverished artists in Europe, the term has evolved over time, absorbing influences from various eras like the beat generation of the 1950s and the hippie culture of the ’60s and ’70s.

Today, the modern boho style marries the natural elements, ethnic patterns, and vibrant colors of its predecessors with sleek, contemporary designs. It’s a fusion of the old and the new, and there lies its appeal.

How To Make Fabric Picture Frames – An Ultimate Guide!

Hello, my friend and welcome to Day Six of A Very Global Christmas, where Casa Watkins Living and I are sharing twelve days of globally inspired Christmas DIYs, decorating tips, and entertaining ideas.

We have shared home tours, Christmas trees, wreath ideas, DIY ornaments, and advent calendars and today’s theme is a global-inspired DIY gift idea.

If you are new here, howdy! I’m a retired military spouse who moved back to Texas after being gone for 19 years. I perfected the art of rental decorating and overcoming challenges in small spaces for over fifteen years, but now I am tackling homeownership with a new set of challenges!

Our family of four lived in some of the most beautiful coastal towns in the US and Japan, which have influenced my colorful and global style with DIYs and furnishings in our one-story 60’s ranch-style home in Fort Worth.

I try to repurpose or use Thrifted finds when I come up with DIY gift ideas. I have been holding on to five picture frames for years now and decided it was time to repurpose them.

At first, I thought about decoupaging global printed paper on them but then remembered I had Thread Bare Fabric left over from another project. So, I’d like to share a tutorial on how to create fabric picture frames.

Here’s What You’ll Need For This DIY Project:

• Thrifted or outdated picture frame (Any size you prefer)
• Scrap or Boho-themed fabric (Ensure it’s a bit larger than the frame for a neat wrap)
• Fabric spray adhesion (I went for Scotch® Super 77™ Multi-Purpose Spray Adhesive)
• Fabric glue Mod Podge (optional)
• Paintbrush (for spreading the glue)
• Scotch tape – (I picked up black Scotch tape for a seamless look on the backside of the frame)
• Scissors

Step-By-Step Guide to DIY Boho Fabric Picture Frames

1. Prep Your Frame and Surface

Begin by disassembling the picture frame. Remove the glass and the back, ensuring you’re only left with the wooden or plastic frame.

Cover up the space that you are working on with newspaper or wax paper. Also, you need to add more paper to the opening of the frame once you remove the glass.

2. Measure and Cut Your Fabric

Lay out your fabric, place your frame on top, and trace around it, leaving an extra inch on all sides. Make sure it is lined up the way you want if it has a pattern, and cut out this piece of fabric.

3. Adhere the Fabric to Your Frame 

Begin by deciding on your adhesive. You’ve got a couple of options here:

1. Brush-On Method: Using a paintbrush, apply a thin layer of either glue or Mod Podge to the front side of your frame.
2. Spray Method: If you prefer a quicker application, opt for fabric glue in a spray can. Give the frame a light, even coat.

Here’s how to cover a picture frame with fabric:

Place your frame on the backside of the fabric – that’s the side you don’t want showing. Make sure the frame sits neatly in the center, especially if there’s a specific pattern going on. You wouldn’t want it to look off-center.

Once the frame is on the fabric, gently smooth out the fabric to eliminate any bubbles or wrinkles. Make sure the fabric sticks well to the frame. You’ll have a few minutes to make the fabric completely smooth before the spray glue gets too hard.

If you’ve opted for the brush-on tacky glue method, it’s a bit less messy than spray glue but requires some patience. Let it sit and dry overnight before proceeding to any next steps.

4. Make a Nice Opening in Your Fabric Frame

With the fabric-covered side of the frame facing down, carefully cut an opening in the middle of the fabric. It’s best to leave a bit of excess fabric around this opening – don’t cut too close to the frame’s inner edge.

Here are two easy ways to do it:

• Slit and Fold: Make a small cut in the middle of the fabric. Then, fold the fabric towards the frame’s edges. This way, you can adjust things easily without taking away too much fabric all at once.

• X-Cut: Make an ‘X’ by cutting from one corner to the other in the middle of the fabric. Then, fold the four triangle pieces to the back of the frame. This gives a clean look and is also easy to adjust if needed.

5. Secure The Edges Using Black Scotch Tape

Neatly fold the excess fabric over the back edges of the frame, using the tape to hold it in place. Don’t forget to tape down the fabric around the center opening as well!

Time for the grand finale! 

Place a cherished photo in the frame or, if you prefer, add a piece of decorative craft paper in the center to give it that extra boho charm.

I would love it if you customize this by using different fabrics and papers. Isn’t it such a sweet gift?

How To Make Fabric Picture Frames Tutorial – FAQs

1. How much time does it take to complete one frame?

Depending on your proficiency with cutting and attaching the fabric, making one frame can take anywhere from 10-15 minutes. 

2. How do I clean the Boho Fabric Picture Frame?

To clean a Boho Fabric Picture Frame:

• Gently dust with a soft cloth.
• For stains, dab with a damp cloth using mild detergent.
• Let it air dry away from direct sunlight.

 Avoid using wet wipes or liquid cleaners, as they might damage the fabric.

3. I don’t have any boho fabric. What can I use as a substitute?

Any fabric with vibrant colors or intricate patterns can mimic the boho aesthetic. Feel free to get creative and use what you have! 

Here’s a great idea for you: Recycle your old boho dress or shirt to repurpose and give it a new life.

4. Can I use a cutter to slit open the middle of a DIY fabric frame?

Absolutely! Using a cutter (or utility knife) can be a precise and effective tool for slitting open the fabric, especially if you’re aiming for a neat and straight cut. Just make sure to:

• Place a Cutting Mat or Thick Cardboard: Beneath the frame to protect the surface you’re working on from any potential scratches or cuts.

• Exercise Caution: Ensure the cutter is sharp for a clean cut and always move it away from your body to prevent any accidental injuries.

• Work Slowly: Especially if it’s your first time using a cutter on fabric. This will help you maintain control and precision.

Final Thoughts for Those Looking to Craft the Boho DIY Fabric Frame!

Knowing how to cover a picture frame with fabric isn’t just a crafty skill—it’s a window into a world of limitless creativity. Whether you’re sprucing up old frames or buying new ones, these boho-inspired designs add warmth, personality, and that coveted bohemian vibe to any space.

So, the next time you think of home decor, remember this easy and stylish DIY fabric frame tutorial. Happy crafting!

You can find all of my Christmas decorating ideas and DIYs on this page. Make sure to check out Stephanie’s global-inspired DIY gift idea and more thoughtful Christmas gifts in this article.

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