Recently I’ve been inspired to create some fabric covered storage. It’s a fun and easy way to decorate your space and customize ordinary plastic storage solutions. My two favorite tutorials on the topic are the “Storage Bin To Toy Box Makeover” by Rebeca of “Creative Dominican” and the “DIY Fabric Covered Bin” by Lindsay of “Tales From A Cottage”. I’m combining their tutorials to cover a 6 liter, lidded plastic box with fabric. No sewing is involved to create this fabric covered storage project.

Note this project is for personal use only.

Here are my thoughts on this project.

Both tutorials beings with some amazing photographs and a few paragraphs describing the author’s motivation for creating the tutorial. Recommended materials are covered next. Rebeca used Mod Podge to glue wrapping paper and fabric to the exterior of her solid-walled, lidded storage bin. Lindsay used spray adhesive to glue fabric to the exterior and interior of her mesh-sided, open-top storage bin. My lidded, plastic box has solid sides, so I mixed up some white glue and water to substitute for Mod Podge.

If you’re making your own Mod Podge, I recommend you follow these instructions (Homemade Mod Podge) for using a ratio of 1 part water to 3 parts white glue. I used too much water in my first batch and when the glue dried the fabric started to peel off the plastic.

Step 1 Measure your fabric

As per Lindsay’s tutorial, I measured my fabric as if I were gift wrapping my box. I used two pieces of fabric: one for the body of the box and one for the lid. Clothes clips helped me gauge the amount of fabric I would need to cover the sides of my box.

Step 2 Glue material to bottom of bin

I followed Rebeca’s tutorial to glue my fabric to the bottom of my container. She used a sponge brush and worked in small sections. I worked in small sections and used a synthetic bristle brush. Unfortunately, it did leave some synthetic bristles behind and I had to pick them off before my glue dried.

My DIY Mod Podge soaked into my fabric unevenly, so I applied a second layer to the right side of the fabric immediately after pressing the fabric onto my box. *This is likely a factor of having too much water in my first batch of DIY Mod Podge.

Step 3 Prepare corners

Rebeca was able to wrap her wrapping paper around the corners of her bin smoothly. Lindsay suggests clipping the corners of your fabric to reduce bulk. I clipped and folded the short-sides of my fabric as per her instructions.

The short ends of my bin were wider at the top than they were at the bottom. Next time I’ll cut the short ends of my fabric to match the shape of the bin.

Step 4 Glue material to sides of bin

I started at the bottom and glued the long sides of my material to the long sides of the bin. The lip of my bin folds outward and there are some pegs to support this rim and hold the lid on.

I trimmed my fabric so that it would fit inside the rim and snipped it where the pegs were located to avoid problems closing the box.

I let the first long side dry before gluing the second one. I used the same technique to trim the excess fabric and notch the fabric around the pegs when gluing the short sides.

Step 5 Repeat steps 1-4 with lid

Once again, clothes clips helped me gauge the amount of fabric I would need. I glued my fabric to the recessed center of the lid and then to the outer border.

Initially, I folded my fabric right over the edge of the lid so that raw fabric edges would be inside the lid.

Later it occurred to me that this might interfere with the way the lid fit. I trimmed the fabric right to the edge of the lid and glued it in place.

That’s it! There are only five steps. Here are some photos of my hanging my finished Fabric Covered Plastic Box.

Both of the tutorials were easy to follow and adapting them to one’s specific needs/materials makes customizing the project a breeze. I really enjoyed making this project and am looking forward to decorating more of my plastic storage containers.

Have you made paper or fabric covered storage? Comment below and/or Pin me for later!

Tanya

 

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