Marimekko fabrics are considered by many as artwork. So, how do you bring this “art” into your home? One great way is to create wall hangings. Using fabric as wall art is an inexpensive way to create large pieces to decorate your walls.
Below is a step-by-step guide showing you how to create your very own wall hangings from Marimekko fabric.
What you need to get started:
- Heavy-duty staple gun and staples (we recommend 5/16″ heavy-duty staples)
- Iron
- Hammer
- 4 Strecher bars/strips (we use these http://www.taramaterials.com/Accessories/ProductCategory.aspx?path=002014001)
- 2 Eye hooks for hanging
- Marimekko Fabric!
Step #1: Frame Assembly
Slide the notched ends of the stretcher bars into place to make each corner a tight 90 degree angle. Use a hammer to tap the corners into place. You may use wood glue or multi-purpose glue if desired to further secure your frame.
Step #2: Fabric Preparation
Iron folds or creases on the fabric’s reverse side. Use as low of a temperature setting as possible if your fabric has a metallic sheen. (Test the iron temperature on an unseen portion of the fabric.)Lay the fabric face down on a table and place the assembled frame on it to center the pattern as you choose. Cut off excess fabric at this point, keeping an extra 2 inches of extra fabric on each side of the frame.
Step #3: Stapling
Start at the center of each side, stapling in 4 or 5 inch sections at a time. Pull/stretch the fabric quite tightly when stapling. (We recommend folding the fabric under so that you will staple through two layers of fabric. Since you have allowed 2 inches of fabric on each side of the frame you have enough fabric to create this fold-under.)Space staples about 2 inches apart, working your way toward the corners.
If you notice that your fabric is too loose, carefully pry staples free with a flat-head screwdriver. Re-staple, pulling more tightly.
Step #4: Corners
We recommend cutting off the fabric corners’ tips so you will have less material to staple through. Fold the fabric “hospital corner” style with a tight triangular fold to create a flat and unpronounced edge of fabric. Staple to secure.Corners can be difficult if you have never done them before, but remember that the goal is to make it look good from the front and sides. It will not matter what the wall hanging looks like on the side that will face the wall.
Step #5: Finishing Touches
Hammer in any staples that didn’t sink deep enough into the wood.Screw in the eye hooks about 1/3 of the way from the frame’s top, one on each side. Cut wire slightly longer than the width of the frame. Attach wire to hooks by looping the wire ends through the hooks once or twice and then by twisting the wire together.
Make sure that the wire is not visible above the frame.
Consider mounting your finished wall hanging on two nails rather than one. It will be easier to straighten when it’s on the wall.
Good luck! We’d love to see how your project turned out. Let us know.
I LOVE fabric wall hangings (and esp in Marimekko fabric!) However I always struggle getting a perfect corner so am going to pay very close attention to that bit.
one other tip I could add - I always cheat and buy a cheap blank canvas to start with, then just mount my fabric on top of it, instead of making the frame myself… shhhhhh!
Good tip, Sally. A bonus of buying a blank framed canvas is that you won’t have the problem of seeing the frame through a light-colored fabric.
I did this already. With Marimekko fabric. I need to post my pics, it’s Marimekko too and looks great!:)
[...] fabric can be used to decorate your home. Want to make your on wall hanging like this? Read our Marimekko wall hanging instructions. Fabric used: Marimekko Unikko. [...]
[...] of Marimekko used in decorating their home. Above is a Marimekko Unikko wall hanging (learn how to make your own wall hanging) and below is Marimekko Ystävät (wall hanging and pillow). See the entire article here and more [...]
[...] Would you like to try this project yourself? Get some Marimekko Päärynä Fabric and read our wall hanging instructions here. [...]
[...] Learn how to create your own Marimekko Wall Hangings. [...]
[...] Marimekko prints make great wall art. I just came across this post at Apartment Therapy of a great apartment transformation – of course, what caught my eye was the beautiful Marimekko wall hanging. The print is Marimekko Tuuli… learn how to make your very own Marimekko wall hanging here. [...]
[...] Get your supplies and follow our online instructions. Click here. [...]
[...] I came across this great interior photo on Anna at D16’s Flickr page. This clean, modern room features a large Marimekko Tuuli wall hanging. Like the look? Learn how to create your own Marimekko wall hanging. [...]
how do you clean a marimekko wall hanging??
Hi! The best way is to first try a fabric spot cleaner (such as Scotchguard: http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Scotchgard/Home/Applications/Fashion_Upholstery/Do-It-Yourself/Fabric_Cleaner/)
Follow the instructions provided with the cleaner and make sure it is suitable for the type of fabric you have.
As a last resort, you could remove the staples and wash the fabric - wash in hot if Marimekko - but keep in mind that the fabric will likely shrink some, so you will need to make sure you have enough excess to account for this.