Do you want to hide some junk and need a pretty way to do it? These fabric boxes are the ticket! I live in an old house and nothing ever fits (or works) quite right so when I go to do a project I find that goods off the shelf never fit quite right. After spending hours online trying to find bins that would fit my shelves I decided it would be faster to just make them. Here is how I did it!

Items Needed: Cardboard Boxes, Fabric, Glue Gun, Tacky Spray, Handles of your own choosing, Scissors, Fabric Pen, Power drill
Fabric Tips: Be careful with patterns they are tough to match up and you will need extra fabric if the pattern is complicated. I can’t seem to get enough gingham in my life right now and as a bonus the straight lines make cutting easier! A second note is you may want to consider oilcloth or a fabric that can be wiped clean. I think I am going to cry when my little one puts his dirty spaghetti soaked hands all over these.

1.) Get some cardboard boxes, if you need a specific size you can’t find try www.boxjedi.com (see note in playroom reorg post).
2.) Get some fabric (this step is the most fun!) How much do you need? It depends on the size of the box. I used 4 yards and got 6 boxes out of it.
3.) Measure the short end of each box and cut a piece of fabric 3 inches longer and wider than the box. Iron flat (I know you want to skip this step but don’t you will regret it). Go outside with your tacky spray and spray each end then press the fabric onto each end covering the edges.

4.) Measure the length of each box and around each box. Add 2 inches to each measurement and cut a piece of fabric.

5.) Iron the fabric and sew a 1 inch seam on the ends that will meet the edge you already covered. The piece should be slightly slimmer than the box which is ok because the covered edges hang over just a bit. Cover the outside of the box with tacky spray and press the fabric on.

6.) Measure where you want the handles and use a fabric pen to mark the spot. Using a power drill carefully drill a small hole in each spot. I started with small holes and increased the size as needed. Attach your handles. Be creative use vintage knobs, grommets, or peruse your local hardware store for creative solutions. I wanted grommets but my box was too thick so I used finishing washers (which retail for about $.20 each….easy and cheap!). I hot glued them over the holes and used a safety-pin to thread some grosgrain ribbon through.

7.) Measure the inside including the ends and cut a piece of fabric 1 inch longer on each side. Sew a 1/2 inch seam on each end. Err on the shorter side for this piece of fabric. If it is a little small it will be ok but if it is too big it will look messy. Tacky spray this sucker onto the inside of the box and you are done! Now go hide your junk!