Postcards, reminder notes, business cards, photographs… When they are lying around, these things can clutter desktops. Pin boards can be a useful way to keep desk surfaces tidy, plus an organised pin board can create a really attractive display on your wall.

We’ve decided to make a pin board covered in fabric. This is a perfect opportunity to tie in the colour scheme of your cushions, or pick up a matching tone from your curtains. Pick a fabric that suits your room and won’t clash with the paintwork that the pin board will be hanging on.

Our pin board has elastic criss-crossing over it so that you don’t need to worry about sharp pins falling out. Simply tuck your cards and notes underneath the elastic strips and they’ll be held in place. This design makes the pin board a safe option for children to use as there are no tacks for them to prick themselves with!

Materials Required

Step 1

Cut softboard and fabric to size, allowing sufficient fabric to wrap around the back of the softboard. Place softboard on top of fabric, fold fabric over, keeping it taut, and staple in place.

If softboard is not available, use a sheet of light MDF board. Get some thick Dacron to use as padding. The Dacron should be big enough to fold over the front of the MDF board and be stapled into place at the back. Pull it taut. Trim the corners before stapling to reduce bulk.

Step 2

Measure elastic, stretching it so it is taut and allowing enough elastic to staple it securely into the back of the covered softboard. Work diagonally across the board in one direction, spacing the lines of elastic evenly, 15cms apart. You may need a few staples in the back to hold the elastic firmly.

Step 3

Repeat Step 2, working diagonally in one direction and then in the other direction to create a criss-cross effect.

Your completed fabric covered pinboard should now look something like this: