DIY Fabric Boxes - A Sweet Pea Machine Embroidery Project

Today, I have a machine embroidery project idea: Fabric Boxes with Pockets. These DIY fabric box panels were made with an embroidery machine and then assembled with a standard sewing machine.

These fabric boxes are perfect for holding almost anything!  The small ones can be a catch-all for small items or help keep your sewing supplies organized.  The larger ones are perfect for storing fabrics.  Or, keep your projects organized in different fabric baskets.  

The design I used is from Sweet Pea Machine Embroidery designs and comes with files to create eleven different-sized fabric storage boxes, ranging from 4" x 4" to 9" x 14".  I made the 9x14 size.  It is also a mix-and-match pattern!  Pick from ten different panel designs including label, striped, patchwork, quilted and pocket.

Keep reading to learn more about this fabric box design, or watch the video through the link below.

WHAT YOU NEED for DIY Fabric Boxes:

• Cotton fabric and fabric scraps for the sides and lining
• Batting
• Bag Stiffener - Optional (Purchase from Amazon or DIME)
• Embroidery Machine
• Standard Sewing Machine
• Sewing supplies and Thread

About the Fabric Boxes Design and Pattern

The Fabric Boxes with Pockets design is available for purchase from Sweet Pea Machine Embroidery Designs.

Needlepointers.com is a Sweet Pea affiliate, so we will earn a commission if you purchase through our links.  This will also let Sweet Pea know that our readers enjoy their patterns!

The design purchase includes a PDF with step-by-step instructions and design files compatible with various embroidery machines. It includes files for boxes sized 4x4, 5x5, 5x7, 6x10, 6x6, 7x12, 7x7, 8x12, 8x8.

Ten different types of mix-and-match panels are included: two label panels, a striped panel, two quilted panels, a patchwork panel, and 1, 2, 3, or 4 pocket panels.  Embroidery files are included for every size and type of panel.

The PDF includes detailed photo instructions for stitching out all 10 types of panels and how to assemble the boxes. It also includes cutting instructions for all box sizes and panel types.

How to Make the Fabric Boxes

To make each fabric box, use an embroidery machine to sew the four sides and a bottom in five separate hoopings. After they are machine embroidered, use a traditional sewing machine to sew the sides and bottom together, add the optional handles, and a lining to the inside.

For my fabric boxes, I used Sew Any Shape Foam stiffener available from Designs by Machine Embroidery.  It is a 1/8" thick polyester foam core with fabric covering on both sides.  This stiffener will keep the sides of the fabric boxes from collapsing.  This is optional, but I recommend using some sort of stiffener to help them to hold their shape.

For each of the boxes I made, I used a one-pocket, two-pocket, and three-pocket panel, a quilted side panel, and a quilted bottom panel.

Assembling the Fabric Boxes

I will give you a quick overview of how the boxes are assembled.  This is just to give you an idea of how these are sewn together.  The PDF tutorial included with the purchase has detailed instructions with photos.

After using my embroidery machine to sew each of the panels, I laid them on the table.

Since the panels are thick, use quilting clips to hold them together for sewing. I recommend sewing along the inner stitching line around each piece. This will ensure that the outer tacking line is not showing on the final box.

Sew all four sides to the bottom.

Next, lay your assembled basket pieces on top of the lining fabric. Trace around the outside edge and cut out the lining along the traced line.

If you want handles on the basket, they are cut from fabric.  Fold the edges into the center.

Finally, fold them into fourths.

Stitch across the handles to hold them together.

Next, sew the sides of the lining together.

Sew the sides of the fabric box together.

The photo below shows one side.

Place the lining inside the box and clip around the top edge.

Sew just inside the outer stitching line on the fabric panels, leaving an opening for turning.

Turn the fabric box right side out through the opening, press, and topstitch around the edge.

The fabric boxes are complete!

They have nice handles and lining.

And mine had lots of pockets to store supplies.

After I finished the basket and it was sitting on the table, my cat, Newt, decided it was a nice place to sit!

Some other machine embroidery projects with Sweet Pea Designs are:

• Sewing Kit
• Spring Flowers Table Runner
• Star Table Topper
• Sunflower Table Runner
• Snowflakes & Animals Table Runner