The Sewing Place

Covering boxes with fabric (so it looks nice)

SewRuthieSews

Covering boxes with fabric (so it looks nice)
« on: July 06, 2020, 15:20:41 PM »
I have some storage boxes which fit on my shelves perfectly but are not in harmony with my colour scheme.
I have thought about covering them in fabric or plain paper and wondered if anyone has tried this sort of thing, and if so what approach worked best?

Thanks Ruth

Greybird

Re: Covering boxes with fabric (so it looks nice)
« Reply #1 on: July 06, 2020, 15:31:44 PM »
Yes, I've done it. Both with fabric and with paper. Fabric wears better if they are to be pulled in and out regularly. Wall paper is OK if not. With both I used Unibond to stick it, applied with a paintbrush, but if the fabric is thin you need to take care not to make it too "wet" with the glue. I have also painted them. Emulsion is OK again if not in regular use but egg-shell paint if they are.

Lowena

Re: Covering boxes with fabric (so it looks nice)
« Reply #2 on: July 06, 2020, 15:36:49 PM »
I've used paper and paint..I prefer paint.
Triumph of hope over experience :D

snoozi soozi

Re: Covering boxes with fabric (so it looks nice)
« Reply #3 on: July 06, 2020, 17:18:32 PM »
Hey @SewRuthieSews have you seen what August's competition is?  :thumbsup:
Let it sew, let it sew, let it sew

BrendaP

Re: Covering boxes with fabric (so it looks nice)
« Reply #4 on: July 06, 2020, 17:57:00 PM »
What are the storage boxes made of?  That will have a bearing on the best way of covering them.
Brenda.  My machines are: Corona, a 1953 Singer 201K-3, Caroline, a 1940 Singer 201K-3, Thirza, 1949 Singer 221K, Azilia, 1957 Singer 201K-MK2 and Vera, a Husqvarna 350 SewEasy about 20 years old. Also Bernina 1150 overlocker and Elna 444 Coverstitcher.
http://paternoster.orpheusweb.co.

SewRuthieSews

Re: Covering boxes with fabric (so it looks nice)
« Reply #5 on: July 06, 2020, 19:18:43 PM »
They are corrugated cardboard with a printed external finish

BrendaP

Re: Covering boxes with fabric (so it looks nice)
« Reply #6 on: July 06, 2020, 21:17:25 PM »
I haven't tried fabric for that sort of thing but I have used Fablon or similar (Blue Peter stick-back plastic) some of which looks like faux felt.  Done carefully it looked OK but wasn't that robust.
Brenda.  My machines are: Corona, a 1953 Singer 201K-3, Caroline, a 1940 Singer 201K-3, Thirza, 1949 Singer 221K, Azilia, 1957 Singer 201K-MK2 and Vera, a Husqvarna 350 SewEasy about 20 years old. Also Bernina 1150 overlocker and Elna 444 Coverstitcher.
http://paternoster.orpheusweb.co.

Vezelay

Re: Covering boxes with fabric (so it looks nice)
« Reply #7 on: July 06, 2020, 22:56:12 PM »
You want to decoupage :) Great fun.

wrenkins

Re: Covering boxes with fabric (so it looks nice)
« Reply #8 on: July 06, 2020, 23:04:07 PM »
I've done decoupage on various things including furniture. It is great fun and very effective.  0_0 I also tried out some paint effects before hand like crackle glaze. I used one layer of napkin or peeled and peeled and peeled vinyl wallpaper. I peeled so much that the only thing left was it's grin! :faints:
Harbouring resentment is like swallowing poison and waiting for the other person to die!

Greybird

Re: Covering boxes with fabric (so it looks nice)
« Reply #9 on: July 07, 2020, 09:12:03 AM »
It rather depends on how closely your boxes are crammed in on the shelf and how often they are pulled in and out. Mine are quite tightly crammed(!) and I have found that fabric stands up to use for much longer.

Renegade Sewist

Re: Covering boxes with fabric (so it looks nice)
« Reply #10 on: July 07, 2020, 09:22:27 AM »
I have a painted corrugated box that still looks decent 45 years later.
Hey Bill! Read the manual!  Hehehe.

Hummingbird

Re: Covering boxes with fabric (so it looks nice)
« Reply #11 on: July 07, 2020, 09:49:57 AM »
You could always apply a matt finish varnish/sealer or similar over your choice of decorative coating to make it more durable

Esme866

Re: Covering boxes with fabric (so it looks nice)
« Reply #12 on: July 16, 2020, 17:53:36 PM »
Something tells me 45 year old cardboard is more substantial than the office file boxes I have. Mine flex way too much for paint.

The decoupage idea sounds interesting though. Would be a great way to utilize all those patterns collected inside of them!

wrenkins

Re: Covering boxes with fabric (so it looks nice)
« Reply #13 on: July 22, 2020, 08:40:53 AM »
@SewRuthieSews I came upon this yesterday and thought it might be of interest. Removable and washable.  :) Nothing happens till the 5 minute mark so you can skip the waffle.
Harbouring resentment is like swallowing poison and waiting for the other person to die!

SewRuthieSews

Re: Covering boxes with fabric (so it looks nice)
« Reply #14 on: July 22, 2020, 09:51:14 AM »
@wrenkins I can't see any link?