A detergent box covered with stylish fabric can be used as an all-purpose tote for toys, letters, sewing, crafts--anything!
Make a decorative and functional box handle with a black braid and a button sewn onto the sides.
Pockets can be added to the sides of the box to hold things like patterns, pencils or scissors.
Organizational expert Amy Ellison demonstrates how to recycle laundry detergent boxes into functional and fashionable totes.
Materials:
large box of laundry detergent paint primer fabric of choice scissors spray adhesive quilting needle embroidery floss braiding two buttons hand drill with small bit
Steps:
Remove the handle from a large box of laundry detergent.
Prime the box to prevent the colors from bleeding through the fabric. Let dry.
Figure A
Figure B
Cut fabric to fit the box the way you would a gift box. Spray the surface with adhesive and wrap the box in fabric (figure A).
To cover the seams on the side of the box, cut a piece of fabric about an inch larger than the box’s side dimension and fold under the edges on the wrong side (figure B).
Spray the wrong side of the cut fabric with adhesive and apply it to the side of the box.
Make a hole for the handle in the side of the box with a hand drill and small bit. If you don't have a hand drill, you can use a knife or whatever other utensil you prefer.
Place the braid next to the box and cover the end with the button. Place another button on the inside of the box so it lines up with the button on the outside. Sew the button onto the box with the floss, going through the holes of the button on the inside as well, the way you would sew a button on a coat.
You may want to coordinate the lining of the box with the button color for a custom look.
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