DIY Guide to Covering a Box with Material

Covering a box with material can be a fun and creative project. To get started, you'll need to choose the right material, such as fabric, paper, or contact paper.

Measure your box carefully to determine how much material you'll need. A good rule of thumb is to add 2-3 inches to each dimension to ensure a snug fit.

You can use a variety of techniques to attach the material to the box, including glue, tape, and staples. For a more permanent bond, use a hot glue gun or a strong adhesive.

Start by applying a thin layer of glue or adhesive to the box, then press the material firmly onto the surface. Make sure to smooth out any wrinkles or air bubbles as you go.

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To get started with covering a box with material, you'll need to gather some basic supplies. A measuring tape or ruler will come in handy for measuring the box's dimensions.

You'll also need some fabric, which should be cut to the right size. To do this, measure the bottom and sides of the box, then add 1-inch to each side.

A spray glue is necessary for adhering the fabric to the box. This glue should be applied to the bottom of the box and allowed to get tacky before proceeding.

You'll also need scissors for cutting the fabric and any excess material. A pencil and ruler will come in handy for drawing straight lines on the fabric.

Optional, but recommended, is some white glue to prevent fraying of the fabric's edges.

Measuring the box is the first step in covering it with material.

To do this, measure the height, depth, and breadth of the box.

You'll need to add 2 cm to each of these measurements to account for the seam allowance.

Cut out your fabric by measuring the height of your box, just like I did with mine, which was 4.5″ (11.5cm).

To determine the size of your fabric rectangle, measure the height of your box plus 1 inch (2.5cm) away from the box, which in my case was 5.5″ (14cm).

Draw the rectangle you get on your fabric, using any pen as it won't be seen.

Cut out the rectangle carefully, and then cut an identical piece out of your lining fabric.

Place your box into the centre of your fabric, making sure the fabric is right side facing down, and use double-sided tape to hold it in place.

Cut in from each corner of the fabric towards the corresponding corner of the box, leaving about 0.25″ (0.5cm) uncut.

To line your container, you'll need a piece of fabric. Place your container in the center of the fabric and snip the corners to match the container's shape. Repeat this for the other end.

You'll need to create a triangle shape at one end of a long side of the fabric, apply glue to the right side of the fabric, and then attach it to the wrong side of the short end. This will start to form a box shape.

Repeat this process for the other side that will attach to the same short end, and then do the same for the other end of the fabric. This will form a complete box shape.

To finish, place the lining inside the container, making sure the right side is showing, and then fold down the top edge of the lining to cover the raw edge of the outer fabric.

Attaching the cover to the box can be a bit tricky, but with the right techniques, you can achieve a smooth and professional finish.

To start, you'll need to apply glue to one of the longer sides of the box and to the fabric, making sure to cover the edges of the fabric so it glues right to the edge but not so much that it squeezes out and shows.

Fold the fabric up and press it onto the side of the box, making sure all surfaces are smooth.

Working on one end of the box, apply glue to the triangle shape at either side of the short sides of fabric and fold them onto the main rectangle, resulting in a rectangle shape of fabric that will fold up and fit perfectly to the end of the box.

This will require some patience and folding, but the end result is well worth it.

You can now apply glue to this piece of fabric and fold it up onto the box, ensuring it's smooth and glue the extra fabric into the box.

If you're using a directional print, make sure to position the fabric correctly by placing one of the pieces upside down.

You can choose to leave the cover as is or line it for a more polished look, like I did – it makes a big difference, trust me!

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Cut a top for the box out of cardboard or foam core, and make sure it's just a little larger than the box. I personally prefer foam core for its sturdiness.

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Cut a piece of fabric the size of the top, plus 1 inch added to all edges. This will give you enough material to work with when covering the lid.

To create the "hinges" for the box, use a sturdy material like grosgrain ribbon. Cut two pieces of ribbon and glue them to the back of the box, with a slight overlap of the lid and the top of the box.

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To make a lid, cut a top for the box out of cardboard or foam core, and I actually prefer the foam core because it's a bit sturdier.

The top should be just a little larger than the box.

Cut a piece of fabric the size of the top, plus 1 inch added to all edges.

To create the hinges for the box, you'll need some grosgrain ribbon. Cut two pieces of ribbon, one for each hinge.

Glue one end of the ribbon to the back of the box, positioning it so that the other end can attach to the box lid.

Sewing the cover for your box is a crucial step, and it's easier than you think. To start, you'll need to take two of the smaller rectangles and sew them together along one of the long edges. If you're using a directional print, one of the pieces will need to be upside down.

You should check that the seams match before sewing the side seams. This ensures that your cover will look neat and even. Take one of the larger side sections and one of the smaller ones, and with the right sides together, pin them so that the short edges are aligned on the right-hand side.

It's essential to trim the seam and press it open to create a crisp fold. This will make it easier to work with the fabric and ensure a professional finish. Take one of the larger side sections and pin the bottom section to the bottom of the side pieces, aligning the edges carefully.

To sew the side seams neatly, pin one side at a time, starting from the bottom. This will help you maintain even tension and avoid any wrinkles. You might not need to trim the seam allowance, but it's a good idea to cut the corners off for a clean finish.

To give your fabric-covered box more weight, consider adding interfacing. You can also use extra length on the outside pieces and tuck them under or use elastic to keep them in place.

If you're working with leftover fabric, feel free to mix and match different materials for a unique look. Making a fabric-covered box with each section in a different fabric can be a fun and creative project.

When using a directional print, remember to place the inside section of the side pieces in the opposite direction of the outside piece to ensure a symmetrical look.

To give your fabric-covered box more weight, consider adding some interfacing.

You can also add extra length to the outside pieces and tuck them under or use elastic to keep them in place, making the bottom hem invisible.

This is a great opportunity to get creative with leftover fabric from other projects. Choose a different fabric for each section to add visual interest.

If you're using a directional print, remember to place the inside section the opposite way up to the outside piece when sewing the side pieces.

Making a fabric-covered box with each section in a different fabric can be a fun and unique way to express yourself.

To line your box, you'll want to use fabric or poster board to cover the raw edges and create a smooth surface.

Snipping in from the corners of the fabric to the corners of the box is a great way to get a clean fit.

Apply glue to the triangle shape at one end of one long side of the lining fabric, making sure to use the right side of the fabric.

You can also use glue to attach the triangle to the wrong side of the short end, starting to form a box shape.

It's a bit tricky, but repeating this process for the other side will help you create a complete box shape.

Place the lining inside the box so that the right side is showing, and it should stick up above the box.

To finish the lining, fold down the top edge of the fabric to cover the raw edge of the outer fabric inside the box.

Make sure the lining sits nicely inside the box and glue it in place, if necessary using clothespins or clips to hold it in place.

Using poster board to line the inside of the box is another option, and it can help hide fabric edges.

A strip of poster board can be glued to the inside edges of the box, but be sure to cut a piece long enough to go all the way around.

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