How to Make a Framed Barn Quilt

Cut Plywood to Size

Barn art is traditionally square. Start with a 4’ x 8’ sheet of plywood and cut it to the size appropriate for your space. We made ours 42” x 42”.

Prime and Paint

Use a combination of primer-and-paint-in-one for your base coat.

Lay Out Design

Download the template. Use a straight edge to mark out your design. Our design starts with four square quadrants each divided into four triangles. Remember to leave a 2-1/2” border on all sides to account for the 1x3 wood matte that will sit on top of the canvas. To avoid mistakes, use a pencil to lightly mark each triangle with the color you intend to paint it.

Tape + Paint First Color

Use painter's tape to mark off the sections for your lightest color. Painting in order from the lightest color to darkest color will allow for any mistakes to be easily masked. Paint all the taped-off sections. When done, peel off the tape at a 45-degree angle just before the paint is fully dry to get a clean edge.

Tape + Paint Second Color

After the lighter color has dried, tape off the lines for the next color. Continue along this pattern until each of the colors or sections have been painted.

Add a Matte

The 1x3 matte should be cut to the length of the canvas with 45-degree mitered corners. These can be cut with a circular saw or a miter saw. Lay them on the canvas to test fit. Paint or finish as the pieces as desired. Staple the four boards together with a pneumatic staple gun. Paint or finish as desired. Apply wood glue to the back of the matte then lay it on top of the art. Attach the matte onto the canvas. Putty holes if necessary.

Frame It Up

The 1x4 frame will fit outside the matte and will be attached to the edge of the canvas and matte. Miter-cut the four frame boards on end to 42-3/4” long. Before fastening all four pieces together, test-fit them around the canvas to make sure you have a snug fit. Paint or finish as desired. Fasten all four pieces together at the corners. Lay frame around the canvas and attach it to the canvas and matte with screws along the outside edges.

Add Hanging Hardware

Add two D-rings to the back of the board and run a wire through, securely wrapping it around the D-rings for a strong hold. Hang your new artwork and enjoy!

(Do you like that two-tone bench? Here are the instructions on how to make it.)