Editor: Alicia Thommas

Tuesday, 19 January 2010 03:00

Create a pretty fabric mat for an inexpensive frame and turn a favorite photo into a showpiece. We patchworked eight squares from a charm pack, and added some ribbon for accent, but you can use the fabric of your choice. We think using a selection of fabrics from a wedding would make a great memory piece. Covering the mats is easy, even for a beginner, and they make a perfect gift for family and friends.

Sewing Tools You Need

Any Sewing Machine (we recommend the Janome Décor Computer 3050)

Fabric and Other Supplies

Frame with a pre-cut mat. We used a 10" x 10" frame matted for a 5" x 5" photo. We found ours at Michael's.
Fabric. We used several 5-inch squares from two charm packs provided to us by Fat Quarter Shop: L'Amour by Sandy Gervais and Sent with Love by Deb Strain.
Ribbon
Spray adhesive that is suitable for fabric. You can also use a clear-drying craft glue.
Double-sided tape (optional)
Mini Glue Dots (optional)
Thread
Scissors
Ruler
Fabric pencil or pen

Getting Started

You can adapt these steps to fit your mat size.

Open the frame and remove the mat. Our frame came with an additional black plastic insert used to border the photo. We didn't use that piece so you'll need to gently separate it from the mat.
Measure the mat so you can create your patchwork to fit. In our example we have a 10" x 10" mat with a 5" x 5" center hole. Our fabric will need to be about 12" x 12" with a 3" x 3" center hole. The extra fabric all around will be used to overlap onto the back side of the mat.

At Your Sewing Machine

Make your patchwork. We used eight 5" x 5" charm pack squares. Sew three pieces together to form the top row using a 3/8" seam allowance. Set aside. Sew three pieces together to form the bottom row.
Position an additional charm square between the top and bottom strips on both the left and right sides to make a frame shape. Line up the inside corners, which means you’ll have 3/8” extra along the outside edges as shown below. This is okay; you’ll trim it off later. Pin right sides together.
Using a 3/8” seam allowance, stitch these four short seams to complete your frame. Trim off the excess along the outer edges. Press your seam allowances toward the middle.

Finishing your mat

Position your mat on your completed patchwork piece. Using your ruler, draw a diagonal cut line as shown.
Trace around the inner edge of the mat.
Spray a thin layer of adhesive (or apply a thin layer of glue) to the front of the mat. Place the front side of the mat over the back side of the fabric aligning to your pen line.
You can use spray adhesive on the back side of your mat, or double sided tape (as we did). Clip at your corner diagonal marks and wrap center edges of fabric to the back of the mat. Fold the outside corners of your fabric as shown below.
Wrap the remaining edges of the fabric to the back of the mat.
Cut strips of ribbon long enough to wrap your mat.
Wrap each seam with a piece of ribbon and secure with a mini glue dot (or tape)
Flip over and position your photo onto the back of your mat and insert into your frame.