Want to make a fabric box that is sturdy enough to actually hold things? These easy fabric boxes are made with fabric and heavy double-sided fusible interfacing, so they hold their shape without complicated construction.
You can make fabric boxes in almost any size. Use your favorite quilting cottons, coordinate the outside and lining, and add a contrasting thread or trim around the edges. Make a small box for sewing supplies, a larger one for organizing your studio, or a pretty fabric box to use as reusable gift wrap.
This tutorial walks you through how to make both the box and its fitted lid, with step-by-step photos to show you exactly how the pieces go together.
Can I make a fabric box in any size?
Yes! One of the best things about this fabric box tutorial is that you can customize the dimensions. Start with the length, width, and height you want for the finished box, then cut your interfacing pieces to those dimensions.
What fabric is best for fabric boxes?
Quilting cotton works especially well because it is easy to cut, fuse and sew. Choose coordinating fabrics for the outside and lining, or use the same fabric for both.
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What gives a fabric box its shape?
The structure comes from heavy double-sided fusible interfacing such as Peltex or Timtex. The interfacing is sandwiched between the outside and lining fabrics, creating a sturdy box that can stand on its own.
Do fabric boxes need a separate pattern?
No. You can make your own pattern from the finished dimensions you want. The construction is based on squares or rectangles, so you can easily make a box that fits a particular shelf, drawer or collection of supplies.
Quick Start
If you want to get started right away:
- Decide the finished length, width and height of your box.
- Cut the box bottom and four sides from heavy double-sided fusible interfacing.
- Assemble the box-shaped interfacing with a zigzag stitch.
- Cut the larger interfacing piece for the lid and its four corner pieces.
- Cover the interfacing with your outside and lining fabrics.
- Fuse the fabric to the interfacing.
- Fold and stitch the box corners.
- Finish the raw edges.
- Construct the lid and add your finishing stitches.
- Fill your new fabric box!
What You’ll Learn
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to:
- Design a fabric box in the size you need
- Cut heavy interfacing for the box and lid
- Assemble the interfacing with a zigzag stitch
- Fuse fabric to double-sided interfacing
- Shape the corners of a fabric box
- Finish the raw edges neatly
- Make a fitted lid
- Customize your box with different fabrics, trims and thread
- Adapt the basic construction to make boxes for storage, gifts and sewing supplies
How to Make Fabric Boxes
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
- Two (2) 11-1/2" squares of fabric for the box base
- Two (2) 8" squares of fabric for the box lid
- Thread
- Optional: Trim or contrasting thread to finish box edges
Tools
- Sewing machine
- Cutting mat
- Rotary cutter
- Quilter's ruler
- Iron
- Ironing board or pressing station
- Fabric scissors or thread snips
- Wonderclips
Instructions
For the sample box, I'm making a small square box. The same basic method works for larger boxes and rectangular boxes.
Before cutting, decide the finished dimensions you want. It can help to make a quick paper mock-up first. A paper version lets you experiment with the proportions before cutting your interfacing.
Step 1: Determine the finished size of your fabric box
Choose the finished length, width, and height of your box.
For a square box, the bottom and four sides will all be the same width.
Tip: If you're making your first box, make a small one. It's a great way to learn how the construction works before moving on to a larger size.
Step 2: Cut the interfacing for the box
For this tutorial, I'm making a 3-1/2" square box with a triangle-sided lid. Here are my interfacing pieces, all cut out.
- Five pieces of interfacing 3-1/2" squares
- One piece of interfacing 4" square for the top of the box
- One piece of interfacing 6" square that will be cut into four pieces for the sides of the box
Step 3: Zigzag the box sides together
Using a zigzag stitch, sew the four side pieces to the bottom piece.
Sewing the interfacing pieces together creates sharp, sturdy folds that will become the corners of the box.
Tip: If your heavy interfacing has a cellophane covering, remove it before sewing. You'll thank yourself later!
Step 4: Prepare the interfacing for the lid
Take the larger 6" square of interfacing and cut it diagonally. 
Then, cut each of those triangles again diagonally, forming the four sides. 
Trim the corners for the sides of the box lid. Since the lid is 4" square, center the 2" mark on your ruler with the tip of the triangle. Trim off the edge. Do this for both sides of all of the triangles. 
Step 5: Attach the lid sides
Zigzag the long edges of the four triangles to the lid center.
When you're finished, you should have two flat interfacing assemblies:
- One for the box bottom and sides
- One for the lid
This is a good place to stop and check your work before adding fabric.
Step 6: Fuse the fabric and interfacing
Place each interfacing assembly on the wrong side of the appropriate fabric. Lid:
Box 
The fabric should be at least 1/2" larger than the outside edge of the interfacing.
For the box bottom, cut the fabric as a complete square or rectangle. Do not cut away the fabric from the corners. Those extra fabric pieces will be folded to create a neat finish.
Layer the pieces like this:
Outside fabric + interfacing + lining fabric
The right sides of both fabrics should face outward.
Fuse the layers together according to the manufacturer's directions for your interfacing.
Step 7: Trim excess fabric
Using your quilter's ruler, carefully trim away the excess fabric from the edges. Line the ruler up at the edge of the interfacing. Use your fingers to feel where the edge is and trim. Box: 
Lid: 
Step 8: Fold the box into shape
Now the flat piece starts to look like a box.
Fold each side upward along the interfacing lines. Bring the corners together and fold the excess fabric neatly.
You can fold the corner fabric toward opposite sides, similar to a take-out box, or fold each corner around itself.
Take your time here. Getting the corners neat before stitching will make a big difference in the finished box.
Sew the sides close to the interfacing. TIP: Use a zipper foot to get nice and close. 
Here is the box sewn together.
Step 9: Finish the top edge of the box
You can fold the corner fabric toward opposite sides, similar to a take-out box, or fold each corner around itself.
Take your time here. Getting the corners neat before stitching will make a big difference in the finished box. I like to secure them with Wonderclips. Stitch all around the top edge to secure the flaps.
You have several options:
- Zigzag stitch
- Satin stitch
- Overlock or serger stitch
- Decorative trim
- Contrasting thread
This is a fun place to add personality to your fabric box.
You now have a finished box bottom!
Making the fabric box lid
The lid is constructed separately and starts flat, which makes the edge finishing especially easy.
Step 10: Finish the lid edge
Finish the outer edge while the lid is still flat. This is much easier than trying to stitch around the edge after the lid has been shaped.
Use a narrow zigzag, satin stitch, overlock stitch or decorative trim.
Here I'm adding a lovely silk ribbon to the edge of the lid. 
Step 11: Fold the lid corners
Feel through the fabric for the interfacing seam lines.
On the INSIDE of the lid, use those lines as your folding guides and fold the corners to create the sides of the lid.
Sew along the interfacing with your zipper foot.
Turn right side out.
Step 12: Place the lid on the bottom
The lid should fit over the box without being difficult to remove. If your lid is too snug, check the finished edges and folds before making additional adjustments.
And that's it!
You now have a sturdy fabric box with a fitted lid that you can make in almost any size.
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Make a rectangular box with a straight lid
For a rectangular box, you’ll have two shorter sides and two longer sides.
For example, if your finished box bottom is 6″ x 8″ and you want the sides to be 4″ high, cut:
- Two pieces of interfacing: 6″ x 4″
- Two pieces of interfacing: 8″ x 4″
- One piece of interfacing: 6″ x 8″ for the bottom
For the box lid, cut the top of the lid 1/2″ larger than the box bottom.
- Cut one piece of interfacing 6-1/2″ x 8-1/2 for the top
- Two pieces of interfacing 6-1/2″ x 1-1/2″
- Two pieces of interfacing 6-1/2″ x 1-1/2″
NOTE: Rectangle box lids are straight-sided.
Formula for making boxes your own size
- Decide on the finished size of the box.
- Start by determining the bottom box dimensions. Length x Height x Width
- Base of the box = length
- Sides of the box = width
- Height of the box determines the size of the side panels
- Determine the size of the lid.
- The lid top is the base of the box PLUS 1/2 inch in both directions.
- The height of the lid will determine the cut size for the side panels.
Common mistakes when making fabric boxes with lids
Cutting the fabric too small
The fabric needs to extend beyond the interfacing so you have enough fabric to wrap around the edges and finish the corners.
Fix: Cut the fabric at least 1/2″ larger than the interfacing.
Cutting away the bottom corners
It can be tempting to trim the fabric close to the interfacing. Don’t do this on the box bottom.
Those fabric corners are used to create the finished folds.
Skipping the paper mock-up
Because you can make these boxes in almost any size, it is easy to design a box that is technically correct but not quite the proportions you want.
Fix: Fold a quick paper mock-up before cutting your interfacing.
Finishing the lid edge after shaping it
The lid edge is much easier to finish while the piece is still flat.
Fix: Finish the outer edge before folding the lid into its final shape.
Making the lid too tight
Remember that the lid needs to slide over the finished box. That’s why it is cut 1/2″ larger than the box.
Fix: Keep your construction and edge finishing consistent and test the fit before adding heavy decorative stitching.
Ways to Customize Your Fabric Boxes
The basic box is just the beginning.
Try making:
- Small boxes for buttons, clips and sewing notions
- Medium boxes for scraps or works in progress
- Larger boxes for craft supplies
- Matching boxes for a sewing room or studio
- Seasonal boxes for holiday decorations
- Personalized gift boxes that become part of the gift
- Boxes using favorite novelty fabrics
- Coordinating boxes in several sizes
You can also make the stitching part of the design. Use a contrasting thread around the top edge for a crisp graphic look, or choose a decorative stitch for something more playful.
What Can You Put in a Fabric Box?
Pretty much anything that deserves a little containment.
Use fabric boxes to organize:
- Sewing notions
- Embroidery supplies
- Fabric scraps
- Thread
- Buttons
- Jewelry
- Small toys
- Office supplies
- Craft supplies
- Hair accessories
- Gift items
- Seasonal decorations
They’re especially useful when you want storage that doesn’t look like storage.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. This project does not require a commercial pattern. You determine the finished dimensions and cut the interfacing to fit.
Use a heavy, firm double-sided fusible interfacing that provides enough structure to hold the box shape. Peltex and Timtex are options. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for fusing and pressing.
Quilting cotton is an excellent choice. It is easy to cut, sew and fuse, and there are thousands of colors and prints to choose from.
Absolutely. The construction works for both square and rectangular boxes. Just remember that the two pairs of side pieces will have different widths when your bottom is rectangular.
Yes. Simply make the box bottom and finish the top edge. The lid is a separate part of the tutorial, so you can make an open fabric container if that works better for your storage needs.
You can scale the design up, but remember that larger boxes need more structural support. For a very large box, test your materials first to make sure the interfacing provides enough stability for the size and intended use.
Yes! A handmade fabric box can be part of the gift rather than disposable packaging. Fill it with sewing supplies, stationery, candy, a handmade item or another small gift.
More Sewing Projects to Try
If you enjoyed making this fabric box, keep the sewing going with another useful container or organization project. Create Whimsy has plenty of ways to turn fabric scraps and everyday sewing supplies into something useful.
For more ways to organize your creative space, explore our best fabric storage ideas. And if you’re looking for other handmade containers, try a fabric rope bowl, or a jelly roll fabric bowl.
Make a fabric box your way
Once you understand the basic construction, fabric boxes become one of those projects you can keep coming back to. Change the size, switch the fabrics, add contrasting stitching or make a whole collection for your sewing room.
Start with one small box, then make another for the next thing that needs a home. Before long, you’ll have useful storage that looks like it belongs there.
Browse through all of the sewing projects and inspiration on Create Whimsy.