The Mini Sewing Crate Tutorial

You knew it was going to happen.  Bending over, knee deep in numerous fold of fabric and you run out of pins.   Unfortunately, the nearest pin cushion is conveniently out of reach, as you lay sprawled on the floor trying not to loose a carefully folded pleat.  I have been in this position too many times to count and not just with pins.  Tape measures, needles, thread, the overly-used seam riper are always somehow not near me when I need them.

Introduce my traveling, mini, sewing crate.

I wanted to create something that would neatly hold all of my needed supplies and yet stay safe and sturdy on the floor within reach.  So on one of my numerous trips to the craft store, I came across this little $6 wonder.  I quickly snatched it up for exactly this purpose.  A couple of hours  and some well used remnants later, left me with this new addition to my craft room.

Here is how I did it:

Supplies and Tools

DSC_0007

DSC_0008

***I painted my crate white…this, of course, is optional.

The Steps 

Make a template of the sides and bottom of your crate.

DSC_0011

 

Cut out and place over the fabric you wish to be on the outside.  You will need to cut out two of the outside pieces.

Stitch these, right sides together, leaving a small space.  Turn right side out, press, and whip stitch the opening closed.

*Note – because my crate had rather wide panels, I did not need to add in a seam allowance…depending on your crate, you may need to add them.

Now, lay the “outside” piece over the “inside” fabric.  Cut out a half inch bigger on all sides.

DSC_0053

 

DSC_0054

Fold the extra fabric under.  Pin and stitch on all sides.

DSC_0055

 

Pin to the “outside” fabric and stitch around on all sides.  Make sure to leave the top open for the pockets!!

DSC_0057

 

DSC_0059

Now comes the fun part.  Figure out what you would like to store in your crate, and create custom made pockets by pinning around each desired item.

DSC_0060

Stitch each pocket line and stitch the bottom of each pocket.

DSC_0063

Optional: I wanted a removal pin cushion, so I made a small little pillow and attached snaps to the back of the pillow and to the crate liner.

DSC_0066

 

Figure out how you want to attach your liner to your crate.  Mine has openings on the side and the bottom, so I used ribbon and pulled it through these openings.

DSC_0067

Pin your liner together (with ribbon folded in half, if applicable.)  You should have a little basket.

DSC_0068

Stitch each side.

DSC_0070

And that’s it!  Insert into your crate, secure, and fill with all your supplies.

DSC_0073

DSC_0076

 

Never be with out your supplies again!!

Good luck and Happy Crafting!

~ Aimee

Leave a Reply