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Andrew Novak — Reviewed writer, former magazine editor
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How to Handle Cover Shelves with Fabric Step by Step

When cover shelves with fabric leaves you confused, worried, or unsure what it means, a clear step-by-step approach can help you sort the signal from the stress. This guide explains how to understand the situation, reflect on what matters, choose a practical next step, and know when to ask for trusted support.

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1

Cut a piece of fabric large enough to cover both sides of your shelf.

Cut a piece of fabric large enough to cover both sides of your shelf.
Measure your shelf to find the length and width of both sides, then measure the front edge of the shelf as well. Cut out a piece of fabric that can fold over both sides and the front edge of your shelf. Tanglewood Sue DIY & Upcycling Specialist Expert Interview Cotton fabric works the best for this project, since i
  • Measure your shelf to find the length and width of both sides, then measure the front edge of the shelf as well.
  • Cut out a piece of fabric that can fold over both sides and the front edge of your shelf.
  • Tanglewood Sue DIY & Upcycling Specialist Expert Interview Cotton fabric works the best for this project, since i
  • Measure your shelf to find the length and width of both sides, then measure the front edge of the shelf as well.
  • Cut out a piece of fabric that can fold over both sides and the front edge of your shelf.
2

Paint Modge Podge onto 1 side of the shelf with a paint brush.

Paint Modge Podge onto 1 side of the shelf with a paint brush.
Spread a thin layer of Modge Podge glue on top of the shelf. Make sure to cover the entire side so that your fabric sticks to it evenly.
  • Spread a thin layer of Modge Podge glue on top of the shelf.
  • Make sure to cover the entire side so that your fabric sticks to it evenly.
  • Spread a thin layer of Modge Podge glue on top of the shelf.
  • Make sure to cover the entire side so that your fabric sticks to it evenly.
  • Spread a thin layer of Modge Podge glue on top of the shelf.
3

Place your fabric on top of the Modge Podge.

Place your fabric on top of the Modge Podge.
Line up the edges of the fabric with the edges of the shelf. Leave the end of the fabric hanging off the front of the shelf so you can wrap it around and underneath.
  • Line up the edges of the fabric with the edges of the shelf.
  • Leave the end of the fabric hanging off the front of the shelf so you can wrap it around and underneath.
  • Line up the edges of the fabric with the edges of the shelf.
  • Leave the end of the fabric hanging off the front of the shelf so you can wrap it around and underneath.
  • Line up the edges of the fabric with the edges of the shelf.
4

Apply Modge Podge onto the front edge of the shelf.

Apply Modge Podge onto the front edge of the shelf.
Use your paint brush to add a thin layer of Modge Podge across the thin edge of the shelf. Try to paint it as evenly as possible so your fabric lays flat.
  • Use your paint brush to add a thin layer of Modge Podge across the thin edge of the shelf.
  • Try to paint it as evenly as possible so your fabric lays flat.
  • Use your paint brush to add a thin layer of Modge Podge across the thin edge of the shelf.
  • Try to paint it as evenly as possible so your fabric lays flat.
  • Use your paint brush to add a thin layer of Modge Podge across the thin edge of the shelf.

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