Learn how to frame a silk scarf with this easy DIY guide, featuring step-by-step instructions on preparing and framing a scarf.
This summer, we spent a weekend near Myrtle Beach with my husband Seans’s mom and sister.
It was a really fun weekend, but one of the coolest things about it was that his aunt brought a bag of old scarves that used to belong to Sean’s Grandmother.
There were a lot of beautiful, colorful silk scarves, but I fell in love with one in particular.
It is a white, square scarf with a print of a painted map of Capri, Italy.
![A photo of a square silk scarf lying on ground with cat sitting nearby](https://www.charlestoncrafted.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/MG_2437-1024x682.jpg.webp)
You wouldn’t know it from his complexion, but Sean’s mom’s family is Italian.
Pair this with my love of maps and the fact that we are planning a Honeymoon to Italy – I just knew I had to display this scarf in our condo.
So, I spent the next three months looking for the perfect frame!
In this article, I share creative way to hang scarves.
![how to frame a silk scarf](https://www.charlestoncrafted.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/how-to-frame-a-silk-scarf.jpg.webp)
Finding the Perfect Frame – A Big Challenge
Transforming this sentimental scarf into wall art proved to be quite the challenge!
The problem was that the scarf measured 27”x27”. Because of this, I couldn’t find a square frame that was large enough anywhere.
I looked at stores, online, and even at collage art frames – thinking I could take the collage piece out.
Nothing! I even priced a custom frame, and it was almost $200 – even with a discount coupon at Michaels.
Finally, as I was digging through the clearance bin at Michaels, I found several pieces of a build your own frame kit. No glass, no backing – but I thought we could make it work.
I also picked up a large piece of matting board from the framing section and carted it all home.
How to Make Your Own Framed Scarf
Supplies needed:
Before you begin, here’s what you need:
- Your vintage silk scarf
- 28 x 38 frame, or whatever fits your scarf
- Matting board
- Double-backed tape
- Hanging hardware
- Clothes iron & ironing board
- Scissors
Steps to Framing a Silk Scarf
![A photo of the scarf being ironed with a hot clothes iron](https://www.charlestoncrafted.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/MG_2435-1024x682.jpg.webp)
STEP 1: Iron the Scarf
The first major task is to iron the scarf.
Use the silk setting on your clothes iron so you don’t damage the fabric.
To be honest, I’m a crap ironer, and I really do badly on the colder “silk” setting.
I got most of the creases out – but it’s not perfect. I’m hoping it will shake out a little over time.
![A photo of the silk scarf on an ironing board](https://www.charlestoncrafted.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/MG_2428-1024x682.jpg.webp)
STEP 2: Cut the Matting Board
Next, cut the matting board to the exact size of the frame.
![A photo of a man cutting matting board with scissors](https://www.charlestoncrafted.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/MG_2447-1024x682.jpg.webp)
Mine was a very stiff cardboard, so it was a little hard to cut, but we powered through.
![A photo of a woman cutting matting board with scissors](https://www.charlestoncrafted.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/MG_2451-1024x682.jpg.webp)
STEP 3: Stick the Scarf to the Matting Board
After that, use small pieces of double-sided sticky tape to attach the scarf to the white side of the board.
![A photo of the scarf being stuck to the matting board using tape](https://www.charlestoncrafted.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/MG_2453-1024x682.jpg.webp)
Sticky tape is great because it is removable and you can easily reposition the scarf if there are any creases.
I suppose you could use glue – but I imagine it would be quite difficult to get perfect!
STEP 4: Fit inside the Frame
Whether you’ve bought a frame, or you’re using custom framing, your backing board should fit nicely inside.
Here you can see my 36×36 scarf frame:
![A photo of one corner of the framed scarf](https://www.charlestoncrafted.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/MG_2467-1024x682.jpg.webp)
STEP 5 (Optional): Cover the Edges
Unfortunately for me, my scarf was slightly too small for the frame. D’oh! I should have gotten the 26”x26”!
Having the edge of the scarf showing is something I really didn’t like – so I used leftover strips of matting board to cover the edges.
I cut them about an inch and a half wide and painted them black with acrylic paint.
![A photo of additional pieces of matting board during the painting process](https://www.charlestoncrafted.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/MG_2463-1024x682.jpg.webp)
Then I used more double-sided tape to attach them to the front of the scarf – not perfect, but much better than the raw edge.
STEP 6: Attach the Hanging Hardware
Securely attach D-ring hangers or sawtooth brackets to the frame’s back for easy hanging.
![A photo of the underside of the frame with the handing hardware ready to be attached](https://www.charlestoncrafted.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/MG_2458-1024x682.jpg.webp)
STEP 7: Hang on the Wall
Find the perfect spot on your wall, use a level for precision, and hang your framed silk scarf proudly.
![A photo of a man hanging the framed scarf on a wall](https://www.charlestoncrafted.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/MG_2461-1024x682.jpg.webp)
So now, when it comes to framing scarves – you should be an expert!
Regarding our framed scarf – the frame I chose is not a long-term solution. It’s an inexpensive way to display this special scarf – though I’d like a nicer frame.
When we have a more permanent house, I’ll probably get it professionally framed to better match whatever room it ends up in.
![A photo of the framed scarf above the living room chair](https://www.charlestoncrafted.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/MG_2511-682x1024.jpg.webp)
Sean hung the scarf above our living room chair. In case you didn’t notice… we moved the canvasses to over the couch.
So, above the couch is looking a little empty at the moment. But it is an active work in progress – and I can’t wait to share what we add next!
Have you ever framed a scarf?
Want More Framing Guides?
Just take a look at these easy framing tutorials:
- How to Frame Your Bathroom Mirror
- Fabric Wall Art: 3 Creative Framing & Display Ideas
- 3 Ways to Showcase Your Sea Shells
- Natural Art – Framing Nature-Inspired Letters
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Hello, I’m Morgan, half of the creative force behind CharlestonCrafted.com! With a passion for DIY that dates back to 2012, I’ve transformed three homes and now I’m dedicated to helping others craft their dream spaces. Let’s turn your house into a home together!