Today’s post is a tutorial on how to make canvas art using fabric scraps. I am using my beloved Liberty fabric scraps but this can be done using any fabric scraps you have on hand. You can also check out my other fabric scrap projects here. Want to make one of your own? Instructions after the jump.
UPDATE – August 13, 2014 – I loved how this fabric scrap art canvas turned out that I made another one. Check out my post for more details.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and love, or think my readers will find useful.
Art Materials
- Fabric Scraps
- Canvas – I chose a 12 x 12 stretched burlap canvas but you can use a white canvas if you prefer
- Modge Podge – I am using Modge Podge Fabric but you can use Modge Podge Matte
- Foam Brush
- Scissors
- Freezer Paper
- Sewing Machine Silhouette – You can print an image off the Internet or draw one freehand
- Thread ( optional )
- Needle ( optional )
- Non-Stick Sewing Foot ( optional )
- Sewing Machine ( optional )
Fabric Label Materials
If you want to print your own fabric label like I did, you will also need the following:
- 1 sheet 8 x 11.5 Printer Paper
- Freezer Paper
- Muslin
- Glue Stick
- Inkjet Printer
Art Instructions
1. Measure the height and width of your sewing machine silhouette and cut a piece of freezer paper slightly larger than your measurements.
2. Apply a thin layer of Modge Podge to the shiny side of the freezer paper and start laying down fabric scraps. The Modge Podge on the paper will help the fabric stick. Keep going until you cover your freezer paper with fabric scraps. Apply a layer of Modge Podge on top of the fabric to help seal the fabric together.
3. Wait 2 – 3 hours for the Modge Podge to dry. It should still feel a little sticky. Find one corner of your Modge Podge fabric scraps and slowly peel it off the freezer paper. You will end up with a solid fabric piece that is similar to oilcloth or laminated cotton. On the right, you see a close up of the film that is binding the fabric together from the Modge Podge.
4. Cut out your sewing machine shape from your Modge Podge fabric piece. You can use a Sharpie marker to trace an outline and then cut out the shape or use a little bit of glue stick to hold down the silhouette and then start cutting. If you have difficulties getting around the small areas you can use an Exacto knife ( be very careful of the blade ) or scissors with a sharp tip.
5. Apply Modge Podge fabric to the back of the sewing machine silhouette and adhere to the canvas.
6. Optional – Wrap thread around the thread spool and use Modge Podge to keep the thread from moving. Use heavy weight or decorative thread to sew around the outline of the sewing machine shape. I used a non-stick sewing foot that helps the Modge Podge fabric glide across the feed dogs. To keep the loose threads from showing use a needle to pull the thread to the back.
Printer Label Instructions
1. Cut a piece of freezer paper 8.5 x 11 and then use glue stick to adhere the non-shiny side of the freezer paper to the printer paper. Make sure your freezer paper shiny side is facing up!
2. Cut a piece of muslin 8.5 x 11 and iron out the wrinkles. Then lay the muslin on top of the shiny side of the freezer paper and carefully iron to the freezer paper using no steam and a low heat setting. Be careful your iron does not touch the shiny side of the freezer paper. The fabric will temporarily stick to the freezer paper until you peel the fabric off. Use a glue stick to stick the edges to the freezer paper if the corners are not sticking.
3. Put the paper, freezer paper, and muslin fused sheet into your printer and print your image. I printed my image twice just in case. Peel the muslin off the freezer paper and cut to size.
4. Optional – I folded the edges over on my fabric label and stitched around the outline to make it look more decorative.
I hope this tutorial inspires you to try making your own fabric scrap art piece. Happy “mad” crafting.
Wouldn’t your Liberty sewing machine look great in a sewing room!!! A very clear and easy to follow tutorial.
I’ve featured your canvas wall art today…
http://www.threadingmyway.com/2014/07/threading-your-way-features_12.html
Okay I have been away from the craft store for a few weeks, but Mod Podge Fabric?!!! Where has it been What an waaaaaaa moment. The clouds parted and the sun shown on your blog. Thank you thank you
Cute idea!
so cute, love it
This is really adorable!!! I looove it! Thanks for sharing!
I have a giveaway on my blog to celebrate my 500 followers if you like to participate have a look on http://lovecraft2012.blogspot.pt/2014/07/500-seguidores-oferta-500-folowers.html
Have a fabulous day!
Hugs from Portugal,
Ana Love Craft
http://www.lovecraft2012.blogspot.com
Beautiful, thank you for sharing.
I love this! It is so pretty. Thank you for linking up to The Creative Exchange! I am featuring your project this week! xo, Laura
I found you via Totally Tutorials (i’ve added your blog to me reading list!) and I really like this. I’ve been wanting to make some canvas art but I’d never considered anything like that, it’s very pretty 🙂
Jeni
This is absolutely adorable and would make a wonderful birthday gift for my bestie’s sewing room. I’ve never seen burlap wrapped canvas may I ask where you got yours from?
I bought my burlap canvas from Michaels. You can also check Jo-Ann Fabric, Hobby Lobby, and amazon.com. Happy crafting!
One more question, once your machine is cut from the mod podge fabric are you saying that you stitch around the cutout and then mod podge that to the canvas. I’m ready to start cutting and it looks awesome! :o)
Yes, I stitched around the cutout and then used Modge Podge on the back to glue to the canvas. You can also use normal glue but I felt Modge Podge would probably stick more firmly.
So you only put it on the back, huh, I wouldn’t have thought to do that. Thanks so much for your reply and again, another great project.
If you iron the freezer paper shiny side down it will stick on its own also great for stencils
Love this! Saw your feature at Threading My Way. 🙂
Lovely! So cute! Thank’ s for sharing!
Love your artsy machine! Great idea 🙂
Very cute!
Very cute. I am really into appliqueing again. Love the little machine! follow from whoop whoop friday linky!
Cute! Pinned:) New follow too!
What a cute sewing machine! Love the use of scraps. Great tutorial. Well written and very informative!
this is great decor for any sewer, how fun! visiting from Show Off Sat – would love a visit back!
I love it!
That’s really cute. Thank you for sharing. Also I had never heard of Mod Podge Fabric….Now I must find it. I do not have a Laser Printer, It’s an Ink Jet…..Will that work for the lables???
Yes, the labels work with an inkjet printer since that is what I used.
Love how it turned out! I need to make me one for my sewing room! Thanks so much for stopping by the Creative Exchange. I hope to see you again tomorrow for this weeks link party!