These handy fabric boxes will be one of the quick projects offered at the Dundee TOGA in September. Traditionally they are made to fold flat and secured as boxes with a loop and Chinese knot. Missionaries to China have blessed me a few that are handy for small clutter in my office and sewing area. Click here for a PDF version.
Chinese Pagoda Boxes
(so
named for the appearance they have when evenly filled with clutter and stacked
on my desk)
Photo enhanced instructions or variations for
securing the corners (the first is was the inspiration for the TOGA class):
or
directly to the pdf:
More:
"
http://perpetualplum.wordpress.com/2008/02/16/building-a-basket-using-vintage-fabrics-and-grommets/
Snaps or
the traditional Chinese loop and knot are also ways to secure the corner,
allowing for flat storage and transport.
Fusible vinyl can be used to make the inside water resistant. These
boxes can be made square or rectangular.
The key to the corner and depth is the square corner that
determines the stitching line and fold line.
Coordinating fat quarters and layer cake squares are ideal for the
project but the box measurements may vary from those suggested below.
"
For
square nesting boxes, cut 2 squares of fabric and one stiff fusible interfacing
(Pellon
Décor Bond):
o
Fabric:
2 @ 7.5“ (4 inch box, 1.5 inches deep)
Interfacing: 1 @ 7”
o
Fabric:
2 @ 10 “ (6 inch box, 1.75 inches deep)
Interfacing: 1 @ 9.5”
o
Fabric:
2 @ 12.5” (8 inch box, 2 inches deep)
Interfacing: 1 @ 12”
"
Center
and fuse interfacing to the fabric that will be the inside of the box. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for method
and recommendations. Pre-washed fabric
pressed with no starch fuses best.
"
Right
sides together sew squares together with a ¼ inch seam allowance (follow edge
of interfacing). Leave an opening on one
side to turn.
"
Trim
corners, turn and press.
"
Topstitch
1/8 inch around all edges of square.
"
Mark
the same size square in all corners as suggested in cutting instructions for
depth).
"
Fold
on the diagonal of the square to match edges of box at each corner and sew to
secure the corner on the marked line(s).
"
Congratulations! You are done!
