DIY Fabric Covered Canvas with Applique

I have had this idea of making a fabric covered canvas for a long time now and finally made the time to make it.  This is a great way to perfectly coordinate the nursery décor and add a personal touch.  I am going to show you how I made this canvas for a little boy, but really you can take the concept and do any fun shape for a boy or girl.

Supply List:

• Old Canvas (or new if you want)
• (9) 2.5 inch strips of fabric (I used a Riley Blake Designs Rolie Polie)
• Clear thread
• Bright Blue fat quarter
• White fat quarter
• Bright Yellow fat quarter
• Digital Cutter with sharp blade
• Other sewing essentials
• Upholstery Staple and staples

Step #1: Sew the Canvas CoverLay the fabric out in the order you like best. {I swear this is the longest process for me.}Thread your sewing machine with clear thread and a white bobbin. Sew the strips together by overlapping them about 1/4 inch on top of each other.  I sewed all 9 pieces together and ironed it.

Step #2: Applique with Digital Cutting MachineI cut “CALEB” & all three pieces of the truck using my Silhouette; you can do the same thing with a Cricut machine. I used wonder under to stiffen the fabric. Once my pieces were all cut, I took off the wonder under backing on the yellow, white and CALEB.Then I ironed them all together. I left the wonder under on the very back blue piece because I wanted to add some stitching to the truck before I ironed it on.I did a blue straight stitch all around the truck, the windows, and the tires.  {NOTE: sewing around the circles of the tires was NOT fun, don’t judge.}I took the wonder under off the back blue piece and ironed it right in the middle of my sewn strips.  Then I did a yellow zigzag stitch around the whole thing. {NOTE: Zigzag stitching the circles is also NOT fun. UGH!}

Step #3: Covering the Canvas

Grab a loaded upholstery stapler and let’s get started covering the canvas.Staple the sides first.  Pull the fabric tight as you go.Then cover the corners like the picture above…it’s easier than I make it look. 🙂Now you have a personalized one-of-a-kind work of art to enjoy! Fabric covered canvas is so fun.  My mind is swirling with ideas to make for my girl’s room.

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