Creative fabric wall-hangings

You need: Bosch Zamo, Zamo - Tape Adapter, scissors, fabric

Are you ready to make your own unique wall art? Start by spreading your fabric out onto a table. Use the measuring tape adapter of the Zamo laser measure to measure a section of fabric corresponding to the length and width of your canvas frame. It is important that you leave 10 cm of extra fabric on each side to allow you to comfortably mount and fix the fabric to your canvas frames later on in the process.

Next, cut the fabric to size.

You need: plastic tube, work gloves, rubber bands, etc., fabric sections, blue textile dye

Shibori is a Japanese dyeing technique traditionally used by peasants to spruce up old clothing. The name ‘Shibori’ is derived from the Japanese ‘shiboru’, which means ‘to press’ or ‘to wring’. That is an apt description of the technique, which involves folding and binding the fabric to create unique patterns.

Search for a pattern that appeals to you and fold or twist the fabric sections using the Shibori method. Using rubber bands or string, you can bind the fabric as desired (Fig. 1). Remember that the areas where pressure is applied will be lighter than the rest of the fabric.

Traditional Shibori patterns use indigo dye, which creates vibrant shades of blue. However, indigo dye is very expensive, so we recommend using a conventional boil-proof textile dye, which will also produce excellent results.

To start the dyeing process, fill two plastic tubs with water. Soak the folded fabric sections in clear water for one hour. While you are soaking the fabric in one tub, add the dye to the water in the second tub. Follow the instructions on the packaging to determine the quantity of dye needed. Make sure to wear rubber gloves to avoid dyeing your hands along with the fabric. Finally, transfer the fabric sections that have been soaking to the tub containing the dye (Fig. 2). The dying process can take anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the intensity of the colour you wish to produce.

After the dyeing process is complete, wring out the dyed fabric and rinse it in cold water before hanging it to dry. Once the fabric sections have dried, you may iron them.

You need: PTK 3,6 LI, hammer, nail, canvas frames, dyed fabric sections, float frames

Now you will mount the fabric on the canvas frames. Spread out your fabric face down and place a canvas frame in the centre of the fabric section. Wrap the fabric around all sides of the frame and fix it in place by stapling the fabric to the back of the frame. Alternate the sides of the frame as you work to maintain consistent tension in the fabric. Finally, fold and staple the corners.

If you prefer, you can place the mounted canvas frames in float frames before hanging them on your walls. To do this, place each mounted canvas frame in the centre of a float frame. Use spacers to make sure the spacing is even on each side of the frame. You can easily make spacers yourself using folded pieces of cardboard. Attach the two frames at the back using nails.

You need: Bosch Zamo, Zamo - Tape Adapter, screwdriver, screws, sawtooth hanger with screws, float frame from Step 3

Place the Zamo laser measure at the corner of the float frame and find the centre of the frame using the measuring tape adapter. Mark the centre point with a pencil and mount the sawtooth hanger at the centre of the frame using two small screws. Repeat this process on all picture frames.

You need: Bosch Atino, pencil

Now you can begin hanging the top row of pictures. Use the measuring tape and the laser line of the Atino to mark the points for the nails or screws. To do this, attach the Atino to the wall at the spot where you plan to hang the top rightmost picture frame. Turn the Atino slowly until the LED in the middle turns green and the red laser line points horizontally to the right. Then pencil in the first point on the wall using the guide in the middle of the Atino. Measure the distance to the next point by adding the width of your frame to the desired spacing distance between frames. We chose a distance of 10 cm for our sample project. Extend the measuring tape of the Atino to the right and mark the other two points.

You have now marked out the mounting points for each of the three pictures in the top row. Now it’s time to start the next row. Keep the Atino in the same position on the wall. Turn the Atino until the LED turns green again and the laser line points straight down (Fig. 1). Draw the mounting points for the first picture frames in the second and third rows, respectively. Calculate the distance between points by adding the height of the frame to the same spacing distance you selected for the top row (10 cm). Now you can remove the Atino from the wall and hang the pictures in the top row.

Proceed to mount the Atino at the first point in the second row. You should be able to see your pencil mark in the centre of the device. Mark the remaining points in this row (Fig. 2). Repeat this procedure for the third row. After you have marked all remaining points, you should have six even points marked on the wall below the top row of pictures. You may now insert the nails or screws at the points you have marked.

You need: frames

Now it’s time to finish your work of art. Hang the six remaining pictures on the wall to create an attractive overall pattern. Then just stand back and admire your hand-dyed designs.