F is for Fabric
Topic: A to Z round 6
I have made octogon boxes for several years. I decided to make one for the 'Fabric' theme and show the process as well.
I began by creating a pattern on the computer. The key to this is that the side pieces must all be the same height and the width must match the corresponding side. Then you note on each block how many must be cut. You will cut twice as many as shown on your layout PLUS another double set of the center piece for your lid.
Other needs are thread, needle (curved would be great), and masking tape.
Choose your fabric (mine is a mock leather), very thin batting, and chipboard. The chipboard must be stiff enough to not bend easily but not too thick as it will make final construction difficult.
After cutting out all the pattern pieces of chipboard and batting you cut them of the fabric leaving a half inch of margin all around. You make a stack of 1) fabric face down 2) batting centered on fabric 3) chipboard on batting. Then you turn in first the corners then each side while holding down each turn with masking tape as you go. Do not pull fabric very tight as you will need it to have a bit of give for the stitching.
Lay a set of matching pieces with wrong sides together and blind-stitch all edges together.
The side pieces are stitched one by one around the perimeter using the blind stitch. Then they are folded up and the side seams are also stitched with blind-stitch.
Finally, blind-stitch one long side of the lid onto the box. Attach a bead, button or other desired fob on the front edge of the lid to allow you to open the box but not allow the lid to drop down into the box.
I have sometimes added buttons as feet on these boxes, but with the distressed leather look of this one decided to skip them this time.
Ddd studio3d@ccwebster.net
Posted by studio3d@ccgmail.net
at 6:00 AM PDT
