July 23, 2009

Storage Cubes

I got this idea and the instructions from Crazy Mom Quilts. She has lots of amazing things on her blog!

1. Using 2 different fabrics, cut out 5 6-inch squares from each fabric for a total of 10 6-inch squares. If the fabric is thin/lightweight, use interfacing for best results. (interfacing is the stuff that you iron or sew to fabric to make it more stiff).

2. Outer shell: Sew 4 of your 6-inch squares together using a 1/4 inch seam allowance as pictured below.
3. Sew the 2 ends of your row together to make an unfinished cube.
4. Pin the 5th square to the bottom of your cube and sew with a 1/4 inch seam. Reapeat the process for the inner shell, except when sewing the bottom square, only sew 3 of the 4 seams. You will use this gap for turning and placing your cardboard inserts. You should now have 2 topless boxes.
5. Once your inner shell is complete place it inside your outer shell with the "right" sides together. Pin and sew around the entire perimiter of the cube using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.
6. Through your gap, turn the cube right side out and sew around the perimiter once again using a very small seam allowance. Pictured below.
7. Using any type of cardboard box (I used cereal boxes), cut 5 sqaures each measuring about 5 1/8 inches. Don't use any cardboard that has a fold in it. It won't stand straight once your finished.8. Through the gap wrestle the cardboard into each side and the bottom of your cube.
9. Carefully sew your gap (I have no suggestions on the easiest way of doing this), making sure the cardboard doesn't slip out of place and you're finished.

Things I would have done differently: Used stiffer interfacing or stiffer cardboard, ironed the fabric before sewing it together, and I wish I had known a good way to sew up that final gap. It was awkward and difficult and doesn't look very good. But it worked I guess. Also, I accidently trimmed my cardboard pieces a little too small, so the fabric isn't as tight as it should be.

9 comments:

MissManda-Mae said...

that is a GREAT idea!! very clever!!

Anonymous said...

Oh thanks so much! I was needing some storage containers and waiting to save up for some and now I can just make some and they will be much cuter than the plastic ones. I can't wait to make some. simplesupermom.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

I have decided to award you the "Lovely Blog Award" because I really love and agree with the theme of your blog and felt encouraged by your inspirational quotes in your sidebar. As Women we can help and strengthen each other and one of the best ways to do that is by creating beautiful homes filled with a spirit of love and then by sharing it:) If you would like to accept this award visit
http://simplesupermom.blogspot.com/2009/07/blog-award.html
(PS Sorry for the deleted post above, I accidently clicked twice)

Clan Andreasen said...

I think it turned out great! Kudos to you for trying!

amanda said...

They are great! Thanks for the idea!

Generational stitcher said...

Ok, this I can help with :) You want to use a super heavy interfacing. Literally you will have sore hands when you are turning it, but it is SO worth it. Use one layer on the inside and one on the outside. I used to make bags like this and they are SO STURDY! Also, you'll need to cut down the interfacing before you try and put the top stitching in, or else you will for sure, break your needle. Also, ironing your top seam after you flip it is the only thing that really makes that easy...but if you have a hard time with keeping it straight, then just measure from your needle and put a piece of tape down. Easy peasy... It turned out really cute for sure...I just have baby brain and wanted to help before I forgot... Hope it helps!

Anonymous said...

oh thanks a lot!!!
thats great idea....


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