Fabric boxes are so easy to make and can be made in any size. They are perfect for a special gift wrap, or to just keep those special little things organized! You can customize the fabrics for the décor of the room, or for a special interest for the recipient. Make them as storage you display on shelves! Learn how to make fabric boxes with our step-by-step photo tutorial.

Key steps to making fabric boxes:

Start by cutting the bottom of the base of the box from the double sided heavy weight interfacing. It can be any size. I chose a square shape.
Next, cut the sides to the box. If you are making a rectangle, you’ll make two sets of sides. One dimension will be one side of the rectangle and the other will be how high you want the box for each set of sides. Example: If your bottom is 6-inches by 8-inches and you want a box that is 4-inches high you’ll cut two side rectangles that are 6-inches by 4-inches and two side rectangles that are 8-inches by 4-inches.
For the top, you’ll cut 1/2-inch larger than the base. Using the same example, you’ll cut a 6-1/2 inch x 8-1/2 inch top. Then, cut side triangles for it.
Follow the basic directions below.

One (1) Fabric Box

How to Make Fabric Boxes

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Active Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Difficulty: Easy

Learn how to make your own custom fabric boxes with this simple step-by-step tutorial. Be creative with your fabric choices to create a decorative accent to your home or reflect a special interest or hobby of someone special.

These fabric boxes are easy to make and a perfect beginner project. They are a quick project, good for something creative to do in an afternoon.

Materials

1/4 yard double sided fusible Peltex or other firm double sided fusible interfacing
1/4 yard of two or more fabrics for coordinating box and lid
Thread
Optional: Trim or contrasting thread to finish box edges

Tools

Sewing machine
Cutting mat
Rotary cutter
Quilter's ruler
Iron
Ironing board
Nice to have: Teflon pressing mat

Instructions

Determine the size of your fabric box.

You can make it any size you'd like! Figure out how long, wide and tall you want your box. Sometimes it is easier to do this with cutting up some scrap paper. I'm making a 3-1/2" square box.

Cut the size for the bottom, sides and top of your box from the interfacing. For my 3-1/2" square box, I cut six (6) 3-1/2" squares from the interfacing.
Next, using the zig zag stitch on your machine, zig zag the four (4) sides to the bottom of the box. By doing this, it makes nice sharp edges to your box. TIP: If your heavy weight interfacing has cellophane on one side, it is easier to remove the cellophane before sewing . (Ask me how I know!)
Now we'll prepare the interfacing for the sides of the box top. Take the piece you've already cut out for the box top, which should be the exact same dimensions as the box bottom.

Cut a piece of interfacing that is 1/2" larger in both length and width. Since my box top is 3-1/2" square, I'm cutting a 4" square from my interfacing.

Then, cut four triangles from the piece by cutting diagonally across the square twice.
Zig zag the long edges of the triangles to your box top interfacing piece.
Here is what you should have at this point. The interfacing zig zagged together for both the bottom and top of the box.
Lay the interfacing pieces on the wrong side of your box and lining fabrics and cut a piece at least 1/2" larger than the overall outside edge. Repeat for the box bottom, cutting it as a full square or rectangle with fabric remaining in the corners. We'll make those corners into inside folds that will finish the inside nicely. Layer the interfacing between the outside and lining fabrics, with the right sides out on both. Press according to the fusible directions. If you have teflon pressing sheets, you can use them under and over the fabric and interfacing sandwich. TIP: Make sure the fabric is a square or rectangle - don't trim around the inside of the bottom.
Now we are ready to form the bottom of the box. Fold up the sides so they match, folding the corner fabric. You can either fold them to opposite sides (like a take-out box), or around each corner.
Trim off the excess fabric around the top of the box. Sew down the edges of the corner folded fabric. I like to sew a trim around the top edge, or do a zig zag, satin or overlock stitch to make the finished edge clean and neat. You can use a matching trim or thread, or contrast - make it yours!
Here is the finished box bottom.
Now we'll finish the box top. Start by trimming the excess fabric from around the entire fabric and interfacing sandwich. Next finish the edge for the top of the box. You can use a trim, or just stitch it. Here I was using a narrow zig zag. We do this while the box top is still flat - it is easier!
Find the interfacing seam lines (you should be able to feel them through the fabric) and fold the corners back. Topstitch about 1/8" - 1/4" to form the corners of the box top.
And, here are several finished fabric boxes ready to fill or give as gifts!