How to Use Fabric in the Classroom: 9 Simple Ideas

As a former fabric store employee, I have always thought using fabric in the classroom is underrated!  Fabric just tends to add a softness to the classroom atmosphere and it is long lasting and easy to store!  

I recently got connected with FWD: Fabric Wholesale Direct and I was so excited to learn that now I can purchase my fabric online and get it shipped to my house, which is a huge bonus when I'm working late and everyone has practice.

To share my love for fabric I wanted to share 9 simple ideas for using fabric in the classroom and a simple tutorial for my favorite garland!

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1.  Classroom decorations  -  As mentioned above, I love the soft, comforting touch that fabric adds to the classroom.  I used a sheer organza to make the canopy on my book nook!  My scholars love the sparkly stars.

2.   Erasers for dry erase boards -  This was the easier project I've completed in a while!  I bought one yard of terry cloth, cut little squares with my pinking shears and my class has erasers for their dry erase boards--erasers I can afford to be lost or damaged.

3.  Bulletin board background - Forget the paper!  Put up fabric for your bulletin boards!  It is easier to store year after year, doesn't look damaged from staplers, and doesn't fade as quickly  My sons helped me put this awesome bulletin board afternoon this week.  Cotton prints are my favorite! 

Pro tip:  stretch the fabric out with push pins if you're working alone.  That makes it a lot easier to staple up!

4. Reupholster furniture - Teachers love two things, themes and thrifting.  Make your chairs or pillows match your aesthetic by throwing on some themed fabric! 

5. Transform your classroom - When we're digging deep into a theme, I like to throw a tablecloth on my kidney bean table!  Since we live near Speedway, Indiana I got this checked fabric for our Indy 500 unit in May! We are going to be setting the scene! 

6.  Learning the sense of touch - Every year we dive deep into the 5 senses.   Collecting different fabric samples is a great way to teach different textures!

7. Spirit week gear  - Need some spirit week gear?  Make a headband or hairbow with a scrap of cotton! Easy peasy! It's also an affordable way to share some school spirit and get all of your students in school colors.  Give them a little strip to tie on their arm, in their hair, etc... It doesn't have to be fancy or sewn, it just needs to last a day!

8. Music and movement  - Obviously you could use fabric for arts and crafts, but scarves and long strips of organza or taffeta are great tools for a quick dance break if you need some movement in your day!  A great way to engage primary minds!

9. Garlands, garlands, garlands! -  This garland is my favorite to make for my Christmas tree, so I thought why not try it on a bulletin board! You can cut longer strips if you want it to hand to put it on places such as your desk or just short strips if you want it to be spunky

I used the short and spunky approach for the bulletin board below. Then I made my oldest son pose with it to his dismay!  

See the steps to make your own below! 

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Make your Own Garland!

Step 1
Cut 2 x 6 inch strips.  I used my pinking shears so they were less likely to fray, but I've used straight edge without issue.  Disclaimer: These do not need to be perfect, you can totally wing it and your end result will still be cute!

Step 2
Tie the strips to a piece of string. I've used ribbon, fishing line, whatever I can find, it all works fine.   I usually tie a knot at the end.   

Step 3 
Add as many for as few strips as your please.  I like to add a ton and bunch them up.  You can also alternate colors or even add in some ribbon if it makes you happy! 

Step 4
Hang it with pushpins or staples on your display!