Fabric Boxes with Handles Project

It’s the details that make a space uniquely yours. And these fabric boxes are all about details – they are the perfect accessory for adding decorator style to your space because they can be made in a variety of sizes and using the fabrics of your choice. Create clever storage solutions: stash them in cubbies or shelves, or by tuck them under beds or in other bespoke nooks in your home. Finish your boxes with stylish Dritz Home faux leather handles. You choose the handle size and material, and then get creative with how you install them on the boxes.

 

 Supply List

• Fabric – outer and lining fabric (you will determine fabric needs in step 1 using our worksheet)
• Foam Interfacing (for structure; amount determined in step 1)
• Stiff plastic canvas (optional for base of box; see step 13)
• Dritz Home 10″ Faux Leather Handle Set, 5-1/2″ Faux Leather Handle Set
• Dritz Home Drapery Hem Gauge
• Dritz Marking Pen or Pencil
• Dritz Sharps Hand Needles
• Ruler
• Sewing Machine and Matching Thread
• Iron and Pressing Surface

Note seam allowance is ½”

Step 1: Print out our worksheet and use it to determine the cut size of your fabric pieces based on the finished size of the box you want to make.

 

 

Step 2:  Cut 2 pieces each of outer fabric, foam interfacing, and lining following the worksheet cut sizes. Cut away a square at each bottom corner that is ½ of depth measurement. For example, if depth is 10” then cut a 5” square from each bottom corner.

 

 

Step 3: Use a drapery hem gauge to press in hem on outer fabric pieces; fold down ½” and then 1”.

 

 

Step 4: Mark stitching lines on right side of both outer fabric pieces. Follow diagram to draw lines. Stitching lines are ½” up and in from bottom cut away squares. Stitching over these lines will help the box fold at edges.

 

Step 5: On wrong side of outer fabric, line up foam pieces with side and lower edges. Foam will be 1½” shorter than outer fabric top edge.

 

 

Step 6: Turn pieces over and pin foam to fabric along marked stitching lines.

 

 

Step 7: Stitch over marked lines with a long straight stitch. (A walking foot or dual feed foot will make this process much easier.) Remove lines as directed.

 

 

Step 8: Baste at 3/8” around all edges but the top edge. Trim foam close to basting stitch. Note: if fusible foam is used, no basting is necessary.

 

 

 

Step 9: Stitch fabric/foam pieces, right sides together, along the side seams. Press seams open. Repeat with lining pieces.

 

 

Step 10: Top stitch the seam allowances to help keep the seam flat. (This is because seams will fall in the middle of a box side.)

 

 

Step 11: Stitch bottom seams with right sides together. Press seam open. Repeat with lining pieces.

 

 

Step 12: Align bottom and side edges, right sides together, and stitch. Repeat with lining.

 

Step 13: Optional: loosely stitch a plastic canvas bottom (cut ¼” smaller than width and depth) to bottom side seams for added stability if desired.

 

 

 

Step 14: Turn box right side out. Insert lining, wrong side out, into basket and line up with top edge of foam at folded hem edge.

 

 

Step 15: Fold hem down over lining and foam; pin in place. Stitch along hem fold edge to secure.

 

 

Step 16: Choose and install your faux leather handle. For this small box, we chose the 5-1/2″ brown faux leather handles. Determine the placement of the handles on your box and install following these instructions.

 

Have fun deciding where your cute fabric box will live. It can act as functional storage, but looks great as a decorative accent, too. Because you can make the boxes in a variety of sizes and fabrics you’ve got plenty of options! A set of varying sizes makes a great display. And get creative with the handles – there are many ways to apply … place them vertically, horizontally, solo, in pairs or looped over the edge of your box.