Making a fabric backdrop is a fun project. I thought it requires a lot of effort to create an aesthetic view at the back of the stage. But when I started researching the way of making it, I realized that it’s nothing but a piece of cake!
So today, I’m going to teach you how to make a fabric backdrop with ease and quickly. Trust me, you can do it yourself just by getting a number of things, from a rotary cutter to a single piece of the marker.
Another important thing for making a fabric backdrop is to measure the fabric perfectly and choose the right colors. My personal choice is always pink and blue, a better combination that can dramatically turn the beauty of your stage!
What’s more? Safety matters a lot when you try to make a backdrop. Since you’re going to use a rotary cutter or such sharp objects, you better learn to use it first in order to stay in the safe zone.
How to Make a Fabric Backdrop: Step-by-Step Guide
Necessary Tools & Materials
Before you move on to the making process, don’t forget to check the list of the things you need to purchase. These are some of the “must-have” tools if you’re wondering about making the fabric backdrop like a pro!
- A Rotary Cutter or A fabric Cutting Scissors
- Cutting Mat
- Cutting Table
- Measuring tape
- Staplers
- Parachute Cord
- Marker
Step-by-Step Guide of Making a Fabric Backdrop
Have you collected all the necessary tools I’ve mentioned above? If yes, then it’s time to jump to the real action. I’ll make sure you learn the easiest way of making a fabric backdrop. So let’s get started now:
Step-1: Measuring and Choosing Fabric Color
A standard-size backdrop may stand about 50 inches in length, and the width should cover the buffet area of nearly 68 to 70 inches. But, there is indeed no actual size that a fabric backdrop should have to be.
That’s the beauty of fabric backdrops! They can be of any size and height you want. So, after doing the calculation, you can purchase about 1.5 yards of each fabric to start things off.
Now, you’re able to select multiple colors, or you can also stick to the standard one, which is the two-color checks (mostly pinks and blues). Let’s say, you need eight colors in total, then you have to buy about 12 yards of fabric.
Again, the coloring depends on your taste. But, if you ask me – I would prefer pink and blue as this combo looks great at any event.
- Extra Tips
Try to purchase the fabrics from a store that has coupons or discounts, why? Because you’re about to buy a lot of fabrics from there.
Read Next: Guide on Making Fabric Look Like Leather
Step-2: Cutting the Fabric
Let me give you a reminder, you have the full freedom to pick any size you want. But I’ll like to stick with the previously mentioned height and width. You can whether follow this size or do the math yourself – it’s totally up to you.
Now, place the fabric on the table or on the cutting mat and fold it like the shape of a half hamburger. This will ensure that you can start the process with ease. Next, you have to cut the longest section in this folded style.
Then, divide the pieces and make sections that measure about 4.0 inches. After that, make sure you mark the section with a temporary marker and then use the rotary cutter for cutting purposes.
If you don’t have a rotary cutter, I highly recommend buying at least a single one. But, always maintain safety, otherwise, the cutters may be proven dangerous to you.
Well, the cutting process can be completed within a short period of time and that’s how fast the cutter actually works. Even if you work a bit slower, it isn’t going to take more than 15 minutes to cut the fabrics effectively. And, the cutter works just fine if you can safely use it.
- Note
If you aren’t able to handle sharp objects like cutters too well, then don’t try to jump into the cutting process straight away. Ensure to learn the basic way of operating it, or else you might cut your finger instead of cutting the fabric. Get it?
Read Next: Tips & Tricks on How to Replace Awning Fabric
Step-3: Tying the Parachute Cord
When you’re completely finished cutting all the fabrics, make a simple knot on the parachute cord to start the tying. Don’t mess around while tying, as the first step of the knot is as simple as lacing up your boots.
Now, pull the fabric towards the outside to fluff it once you finish tying the knot. Afterward, if you know that the knot is strong enough to hold the fabric, you can move on to the next step.
Step-4: Using the Stapler
Any airstrike stapler will help you to hang the fabric, which is a tad bit hard to set up perfectly. But, no need to be worried if you don’t have any staplers in stock since the nails can work just fine.
Avoid using the tape because it mightn’t be able to hold the full weight of the fabric backdrop, especially if you tend to create as big as the size I’m discussing. But for smaller ones, I think you can apply the tape if you want to.
Step-5: Overlapping and Adjusting
Now, you’re almost about to have the beautiful fabric backdrop ready to be an aesthetic decoration.
Instead of adjusting the fabric, spend some time fixing its position. Overlap the fabric one by one so that they don’t look clumsy and disorganized. Let your perfectionist mind of yours grow and shine in this final step to make your backdrop more lavishing and attractive. And so you are done with the task.
There it is! By following each and every step above, it’s 100% possible to make an aesthetic fabric backdrop! Wasn’t it easy-peasy?
Safety Measures
I know, this isn’t a chemical lab where you need some kind of safety tools! However, you can’t avoid ending up with minor injuries as you’re going to deal with sharp objects while making a backdrop. So, make sure you check all of the things I’ve written down below;
- Put on thin gloves while cutting the fabrics, especially if you feel unsafe while handling sharp objects
- Never try to place your hands under the fabric, as you might cut your fingers while cutting
- Make sure you complete the whole task as slowly as possible just for extra safety
Wrapping Up!
So, by collecting a number of tools and following the steps mentioned above, you can easily make an attractive fabric backdrop all by yourself. Through the write-up on making a fabric backdrop, I’ve also given you 3 special tips for which you can maintain adequate safety while cutting.
Feel free to share your knowledge with your friends and families and try to help them all so they can also make an eye-catching backdrop!
