No-sew fabric covered boxes tutorial

These are fun and easy to make (no sewing involved) and look great as storage containers on childrens' shelves or desks.

 

 

I also decided to make one for myself for sewing pattern storage using the Alexander Henry "Perfect Pattern" print (I love this fabric - such a simple yet genius design!).  I'd seen the fabric in various online shops but it sells out quickly so I was really happy to find that Tessuti now has some both in-store and online. I added some "dividers" in coordinating prints with ribbon tabs to separate the patterns within the box.

(Grrr, Typepad has still not solved its image pixelation problems, so head over to flickr if you want to see better examples of my images....)

 

   

How to make:

• Use a shoe-box or other ready-made box such as a paper-mache craft box, or make your own to size. (I've included a basic cube box template below - click on the image to get a proper resolution).
• If making your own box, trace template onto cardboard (choose a cardboard that is heavy enough to be durable but not so heavy that folding is impossible!).
• Cut along the solid lines and using a ruler and a dinner knife (not a sharp cutting knife!) make scoring marks/indentations along the dotted lines to assist in folding.
• Fold along all dotted lines so that the box takes shape and attach the side tabs to the adjacent sides in the interior of the box using double-sided tape or craft glue.
• Using a quilting ruler and rotary cutter, cut a piece of (well ironed) fabric to the height and circumference of the box making sure that you add a bit extra to overlap at the back.
• Lightly spray the outside of the box and the wrong side of the fabric with spray glue and attach the fabric to the box smoothing out bubbles as you go.
• Attach a strip of ribbon around the upper edge of the box using fabric or craft glue.
• The dividers for the sewing pattern storage box can be made by wrapping a piece of fabric around some stiff interfacing (or even a piece of cardboard) and glueing together at the back.  (The ribbon loops should first be attached to the interfacing or cardboard before attaching the fabric.)

Comments

[soo]

what a fun idea for kiddies storage! I love your pattern pieces box, looks great!

[Lisa Badalamenti]

I also decided to make one for myself for sewing pattern storage using the Alexander Henry "Perfect Pattern" print I love this fabric - such a simple yet genius design!. I'd seen the fabric in various online shops but it sells out quickly.

[Andi]

Thanks for the great tutorial.
These will make great end-of-year gifts.
Andi :-)

[ingrid]

That pattern pieces pattern box is fabulous!
And the kiddy storage ones are cute too. I think I will have to try these out as Christmas gifts.

[Wendy]

So just to check that I understand the instruction right... is it just the sides that are covered and not the bottom?

[Rachel]

This is FABULOUS! I need to make about 100 and I'll finally be organized. =) I'll be linking to this.

[AmyG]

How have I not stumbled on your blog before? It's amazing and I've added you to my top reads category!