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How to Make a Muslin Stage Flat

Flats are artificial walls that form the backdrop for many stage plays. They can be made from plywood or muslin attached to a wooden frame, but muslin is often preferred because it makes the flats lighter and more portable. If you are planning a performance of your own, you can build these flats out of materials that are commonly available at your local lumber yard and fabric store. Cover one side of the flat with muslin if you have only few sets to make, or cover both sides to make a double-sided flat that will allow you to quickly change from one scene to another.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 pine boards, 8 feet, 1-by-3 inch
  • 4 pine boards, 4 feet, 1-by-3 inch
  • Table saw with dado blade
  • Carpenter's square
  • Electric drill
  • 1/16-inch drill bit
  • 3/4-inch wood screws
  • 3 to 6 yards unbleached muslin
  • White paint or primer
  • Paintbrush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the width of the 4-foot boards. They should be approximately 2 1/2 inches.

    • 2

      Measure 2 1/2 inches or the width of the 4-foot boards from each end of the 8-foot boards and mark the distance with a pencil. Measure 3 feet from the top and bottom of the boards and mark another 2 1/2-inch section.

    • 3

      Set your blade on the table saw to 3/8 inch high and cut out the marked portions on each of the 8-foot boards.

    • 4

      Measure the width of each 8-foot board and mark this distance on both ends of each 4-foot board. With the dado blade still set to 3/8 inch, cut out the marked portions. The 4-foot boards should now fit like puzzle pieces into the grooves you made in the 8-foot boards.

    • 5

      Lay the 8-foot boards on a flat surface and fit the 4-foot pieces into the grooves. Square the corners with a carpenter's square, then glue the pieces together. Let them dry thoroughly.

    • 6

      Drill a pilot hole through each joint with the 1/16-inch drill bit, then drill 3/4-inch screws through each hole.

    • 7

      Staple a 3-yard piece of muslin to one corner of the flat. Draw a line of glue on the top beam, then stretch the muslin taut across it. Staple it on the other corner. Repeat this process until the fabric is stapled to all four corners, then add additional staples as needed to secure it.

    • 8

      Attach a piece of muslin to the back of the frame, if desired. Allow the glue to dry thoroughly.

    • 9

      Trim off the excess muslin.

    • 10

      Water down white paint or primer, then brush it onto the muslin. Let it dry completely. This tightens the muslin onto the flat and prepares the surface for painting.

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