This project came together as part of the Dear Stella Challenge over at Kollabora, in which a group of bloggers were each given fabrics from Dear Stella to use in a creative project. The fabric used here is from the beautiful Dear Stella Paloma collection, and it inspired a set of decorative storage boxes that are as practical as they are pretty.
The best part of this particular project is that no sewing machine is required. It is also an excellent way to use up fabric scraps, and the finished result is a genuinely useful addition to any room that needs a little extra organized storage.
What You Need
- Coordinating fabrics of your choice
- Matte Formula Mod Podge
- Cardboard or paper mache boxes (old shoe boxes work perfectly)
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Paintbrush
- Embellishments of your choice
How to Make It
Step 1: Trace the Box Base
Place the box face down on the fabric and trace around its outline using a fabric disappearing ink marker. This traced rectangle will form the base of the fabric pattern.
Step 2: Trace the Sides
Tip the box up onto each of its four sides in turn and trace along the outer edges to create flaps extending out from each side of the base rectangle. Working around all four sides ensures the fabric will wrap fully around the entire box once it is applied.
Step 3: Add Seam Allowance and Cut
On the left and right side flaps, add a quarter inch allowance on all three outer edges. On the top and bottom flaps, add a quarter inch allowance on the long outer edge only. Once the allowances are marked, cut the pattern out.
Before moving on, snip diagonally into the allowance at all four corners of the pattern. These small cuts are what allow the fabric to wrap cleanly and neatly around the corners of the box without bunching or puckering.
Step 4: Glue the Fabric to the Base
Apply a thin, even coat of Mod Podge to the base of the box and press the fabric down onto it. Keep the layer of glue light and streak free. Too much product risks seeping through the fabric and showing on the surface.
Once the base is secured, wrap the short side flaps up and around the sides of the box, folding the corner allowances over neatly as though wrapping a gift. This technique produces clean, crisp corners on the finished box.
Step 5: Finish the Long Sides
Fold up the long side flaps and press them into place with Mod Podge. Apply a small dab of Mod Podge along any raw fabric edges at the corners to prevent fraying over time.
Repeat the entire process for the box base, following exactly the same steps. Once both pieces are covered and dry, the basic box is complete.
Embellishment Ideas
This is where the project becomes truly personal. A few options that worked particularly well here are worth sharing.
French knot embroidery: Working french knots directly onto the fabric before gluing it to the box adds wonderful texture and a pop of color. Embroidering the flat fabric first, before any construction begins, is far easier than trying to work on the finished box.
Metallic studs: Iron-on studs are an appealing option in theory, though in practice the iron may not adhere them reliably once the fabric is already attached to the box. A small dot of glue underneath each stud solves the problem entirely. If using iron-on studs, applying them to the flat fabric before attaching it to the box would likely produce better results with the iron.
For more fabric based projects, take a look at how to make fabric greeting cards, a fabric covered bulletin board or a DIY fabric rope basket for even more ways to bring beautiful fabric into everyday functional objects.