– box (card board box or plastic) The size of my box was 12 1/4 width ” by 16.5 length ” (inches) and 13 1/4 inches in height.
– yard stick
– box cutter or knife
– pen and chalk
– scissors
– felt fabric. ( I originally purchased a total of 3 yards but only used about 1.5 yards for this box at the most) I got my felt at Joanns Fabric.
– paint stirrers
– paper ( for the template)
Start off by taping the bottom of your box. Next cut off all 4 flaps at the top of your box. Cut the flaps off as straight as possible because these will be the edges of your DIY storage box. Then find the center of your box and mark it at the top.
Next use a piece of paper to create a template for your handles. Fold your paper in half and sketch out your handle shape. Then cut the shape out of your paper and trace it onto your box. To make sure it’s centered line up the fold on the paper with where you marked the center on your box.
To create an even weave pattern you will need to draw out a rectangular area for the weave. If you’re making handles you’ll need to mark those felt panels first. Keeping in mind your weave pattern doesn’t come to close to the edges as well as your handle.
To mark your handles lay your felt on top of your box as if you were to glue it and lightly trace with your chalk around the cut of the handles. It should reveal the shape of your handles and where they’re located. Than mark your rectangular shape making sure both the length and height of your rectangle measure at an even number.
So my marked rectangle measured at 14″ by 8″ inches. The reason you’ll need even numbers is so you can create even squares with your weave. I made my weave pattern with 2″ squares. If you choose to go with an odd number on one side and an even number on the other side of your rectangle note that your weave pattern might not have even looking squares.
Okay now that you have your panels marked with where you’d like your weave pattern start by dividing your rectangle by 2″ inches and marking it to create vertical lines across your rectangle (photos below).
Also make sure your side panels (which might be smaller ) have a marked rectangle that also measures at an even number both height and width. My smaller panels had a rectangle marked 8 inches by 10 inches.
Use a ruler to mark vertical lines on your rectangle and use scissors to cut each vertical strip. Do not cut the horizontal line on your rectangle or cut past it when cutting your vertical lines.
Next cut strips measuring 2″ inches in height and long enough to go across each panel. Than start weaving them through the vertical cuts you’ve created in your panels.
When attaching your second row skip the opposite of what you’ve skip in the row above. ( photo below) For example if you see your loose strip above your vertical cut this time feed your loose strip under your vertical cut. Keep repeating this pattern until you’ve completed weaving the whole panel.
To make your handles you’ll need to first cut out your felt. Lay your panel onto your box once again and this time mark where the edges of your box. Than fold your fabric down at the lines you’ve marked and cut out the shape of your handle. Leave about 1/2 inch room for gluing later on.
I used hot glue to attach my felt. It’s super easy to work with. I applied some glue at the top of the box by the edges working my way to the bottom of the box. Following that I secured the felt that went inside the box. I also glued the felt together that’s around the handles. Keep attaching your panels until you’ve come to the first panel you attached.
To help me get a cleaner finish on the edges I applied a strip of glue across the edge on the box and used a paint stirrer to help push down the felt. This applied even pressure and helped avoid finger burns 😀 !
Here’s some ideas for what you can store in your DIY box. Slippers, books, throw blankets and maybe even firewood. I wouldn’t line the inside of the box for firewood though. Felt tents to catch things quick.