fabric walls

[229]

I would like to apply fabric to my bedroom walls, but I'm not sure how to go about it. I want it to look more like a cushion and less like wallpaper. I was told at the fabric store that I could first staple a cushion-like, spongy material to my walls, and then staple the fabric on top. However, I'm not sure how to put together the fabric. The gentleman at the store suggested I staple the pieces of fabric to the wall, but this would cause an indentation in my vertical seams. Should the fabric be sewn prior to stapling it to the top and the bottom? What should I do about the vertical seams? Please advice!!!!!

[phdesign]

<div>Hi. I have fabriced walls and it is easy, but definitely a 2 person job. Staple gun (get an electric one for this project) the poly batting (get this at a fabric store) to the walls at the top and bottom edges. Make sure to put staples as close as possible to the edge and trim any excess. Then place just a few (3-4) staples at the very side edge of each batting panel. Now the walls are ready for fabric. Cut the fabric lengths approx 2 inches longer than the wall height. Make sure you take into consideration any repeat in the fabric pattern. You must match these patterns when you sew them together - just like wallpaper.To figure out how many panels you need, measure the circumference of the room and divide it by the width of your fabric (minus the salvage edge). Sew the panels together (right sides facing each other) and iron the seams out flat - very important! Then, with the help of a buddy, start in an inconspicuous corner (behind a door maybe). One of you holds the extra fabric while the other staples the first panel edge to the wall at the top and bottom &amp; corner edge (again, just a few staples to keep it in place). Don't over stretch the fabric but make sure it is taut. When you get to a door or window, staple the top of the fabric in place and cut out a rough opening, leaving a little extra that you will trim off later. Staple the opening edges and then the bottom edge. Proceed all around the room. When you get back to where you started, overlap an inch and staple this last panel only at the top &amp; bottom. Now go back to do a final trim around top, bottom, doors &amp; windows. You now have to finish off the rough edges with double welting, 2 thin rows of fabric cording sewn together. (Use the same fabric for this.) I recommend that you have a drapery fabricator or upholsetrer make this double welt for you. This is not expensive and saves you a ton of time - well worth the cost. Ask them to trim off excess fabric or you can do this using good, sharp sizzors.Use a glue gun with <u>all purpose</u> glue sticks (<u>don't use fabric glue sticks</u> - they make a mess) to apply this welting at the top &amp; bottoms of the walls and around the doors &amp; windows. Very important to keep this welting perfectly straight! Sounds like a lot of work, and it is, but is so rewarding and the result is usually gorgeous. Good luck!!</div>