How to Make Photographic Backdrops

Buy 5 yards or more of muslin fabric at a craft or specialty store. Extra fabric is desirable since a wide backdrop will need to be created. The color of the fabric will not matter since you will be dying it yourself.

Measure the area available for the backdrop, and measure the muslin. The muslin should be able to drape onto the floor. Cut the fabric evenly by using a pencil and an object with a straight edge, such as a ruler. Attach strips of no-sew fusible tape to each cut edge of fabric. Fold over each cut edge onto the tape and iron the edges into place.

Add water and colored dye into a large bucket. Follow any directions given on the dye packet. Wear gloves, since the dye will stain, and work outside or on a surface that can be dyed without any repercussions.

Lower the muslin fabric into the bucket of dye. Stir the mixture, and continue to stir every 30 minutes or so. Leave the fabric in the bucket until it has been dyed to the desired color. Lay the fabric on a grass surface or another surface where dye stains will not be a problem, or hang it on a clothesline.

Set up the backdrop once the fabric has dried. Pin or staple the fabric to a wall or attach a wire between two objects. Hang the fabric tightly or loosely, depending on the look you would like to create for the backdrop.