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Easy DIY Cloth Storage Boxes From Old Cardboard Boxes

Have you been looking for a simple way to add extra storage and organization without breaking the bank? I am all for organization, but I also hate spending hundreds of dollars on bins and baskets. DIY cloth storage boxes are the perfect (and cheap) solution.

blue fabric DIY storage boxes in pantry.

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This DIY no-sew storage box project was perfect for this month’s installment of a DIY project challenge that I am part of with other AWESOME DIY bloggers! I had two empty box lids lying around, fabric and rope. I was trying to do this as cheaply as possible.

Each month a few of my DIY friends work to create a fun project around a theme. This month’s theme was to create a DIY project using cloth.

Our projects always have to come in under $50! It is always so cool to see what other creative people do with the same challenge. However, you could really create these storage boxes for a few dollars, depending on the fabric you want to use.

Recommended Supplies

  • old cardboard box or lid
  • fabric
  • Rope of twine if you want to try to recreate a basket look
  • Glue Gun (I wish I had this cordless glue gun)
  • Scissors (these scissors are a MUST-HAVE for any “DIY-er”)
glue gun on plastic lid with cardboard box and fabric in background.

The “Before” Box

Make sure that you are using a structurally sound box. The last thing you want to do is spend time covering a bad box.

cardboard box sitting on coutertop.

How To Make DIY Cloth Storage Box

Step 1: Open The Box Up To Be Flat

I was lucky enough to have two box lids that I could open completely to “wrap” with fabric and then put back together. I simply laid the opened cardboard box down and began cutting the fabric around it.

When cutting your fabric make sure to leave 1/2″ so that you can wrap it around the edges.

hand cutting blue fabric around open cardboard box.

Step 2: Start To Glue Edges

Use a hot glue gun to add a line of glue on the edge.

hot glue gun adding line of glue on part of cardboard box.

Step 3: Fold Over Edge

Then use hot glue and fold the fabric like you would a birthday present! Continue working on all the edges.

fabric being wrapped around edges of open cardboard box.

Step 4: Fold Corners and Glue Down

After you have wrapped the whole box and glued all the edges, you may have to snip the corners a little to make them fit nicely together.

If you notice in the picture below, I wrapped my cloth to the edge of the inside of the bottom of the box. I knew I was putting smaller boxes on top and did not need to cover the inside of the box completely.

blue cloth glued to the inside fo a cardboard box.

Optional: Add Accents Like Twine

If you noticed in the first picture on this post, I also attempted to make a DIY basket storage box with the DIY no-sew storage box I showed here. I added rope to the outside as an extra accent. I would recommend finding less sturdy twine to work with instead of this stronger rope.

rope being wrapped around cardboard box lid.

Step 5: Put The Box Back Together

Put the box back together and enjoy having a DIY storage box that is a lot more than just an old cardboard box!

storage boxes and blue baskets with food in them on wire shelves.

I hope one day I can get rid of those UGLY wire shelves and I think I know exactly what blog about shelving I may look at! I think just redoing the shelves may be just enough as my friend did in her linen closet.

Where else do we use these?

In addition to using my no-sew storage boxes to organize my kitchen pantry, I have also used them in our DIY baby nursery (and child’s closet), daughter’s room and in our DIY basement built-ins.

These DIY cardboard storage boxes are a lifesaver for me.

Related Organization and Cleaning Posts

I hope you can save money and help keep organized with these DIY cloth storage boxes and tips!

Follow us on Pinterest, Youtube or Facebook for more DIY inspiration!

Now let’s check out what some of my DIY friends did for our DIY project challenge using fabric and $50 or less!

How To Make DIY Cloth Storage Boxes

Learn how to remake cardboard boxes into cloth storage bins for your home.
Print Tutorial
blue fabric DIY storage boxes in pantry.
Prep:5 minutes
Active Time:25 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes

Equipment

  • Pair of scissors
  • Glue gun
  • Hot glue sticks

Supplies

  • Cloth
  • Cardboard Box
  • Twine

Instructions

  • Open box to lay flat.
    box open on top of fabric.
  • Cut about 1/2's around the box. Leaving more fabric on the edges that you will see.
    hand cutting blue fabric around open cardboard box.
  • Use a glue gun to add line of glue to one area.
    hot glue gun adding line of glue on part of cardboard box.
  • Fold over fabric edge.
    fabric being wrapped around edges of open cardboard box.
  • Fold the side part last. This will be a bigger piece of fabrci if you want the blue in the insde edge.
    blue cloth glued to the inside fo a cardboard box.
  • Snip diagonal cuts or fold the corner to get the fabric to lay nicely before putting the box back together.
    blue fabric DIY storage boxes in pantry.

Notes

You can add twine or other decorations to your cloth storage boxes.
 
Author: Erin Nutter
Cost: under $5

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7 Comments

  1. Fantastic easy and so budget friendly to make a pretty fabric box with an up-cycled box!
    Pinned!!!
    Have a great week,
    Kippi

    #diyprojectchallange

    1. Thanks Kippi! I am all for trying to make things look better for almost FREE!

  2. Upcycled boxes are some of my favourite DIYs. Well done.

  3. This is genius! What a clever way to save money and create something useful out of everyday items. The box turned out fantastic!

  4. So easy, and yet so cute and functional! Love this idea!! 🙂

  5. Eileen Curinga says:

    I love me some free organization! Especially when it’s easy too! Love the fabric and rope together!

  6. Emoryfarm says:

    Love this! We use diaper boxes a lot!