Wrapping and Finishing a Box Exterior

Before applying glue, wrap the fabric loosely around the outside of the structure.

Check the fabric direction, the starting point, and the location of the final overlap. Make sure there is enough fabric above and below the walls to finish the top and bottom edges later.

Fabric grain follows the woven threads. The lengthwise grain runs parallel to the selvage, the finished edge along the sides of the fabric. It usually has the least amount of stretch. The crosswise grain runs from selvage to selvage and may have slightly more give. Fabric stretches most along the diagonal, which is called the bias.

If the selvage has been removed, gently pull the fabric in two directions at right angles to each other. The direction with less stretch is usually the lengthwise grain. Pull diagonally as well; the noticeably stretchier direction is the bias and should not be mistaken for a straight grain line.

Before cutting or gluing, keep the lengthwise and crosswise threads square with the container edges. Do not rely only on the printed design, because a print can sit slightly off-grain.

Use the project recipe to determine where the wrap should begin and end.

Apply a thin, even coat of glue to the first outside wall.

Position the fabric at the marked starting point, keeping the top and bottom allowances even. Smooth the fabric across the wall from the center toward the edges.

Check that the fabric is straight before continuing to the next side.

Apply glue to the next wall.

Press the fabric firmly into the corner before smoothing it across the wall. The fabric should follow the shape of the structure without bridging across the corner or leaving a loose pocket.

Continue gluing and smoothing one wall at a time until the fabric has wrapped around the entire structure.

When you reach the starting point, check the amount of fabric remaining.

Trim or fold the final edge as directed by the project recipe, then glue it over the beginning of the wrap. Keep the overlap straight, narrow, and flat.

Place the seam in the least visible location whenever the project allows.

Turn the structure upside down so the bottom allowances are easy to reach.

Clip the fabric at each corner so the allowances can fold flat against the underside of the base. Apply glue, then fold the fabric onto the bottom in the order shown in the project recipe.

Smooth the fabric and flatten any bulky overlaps so the exterior bottom panel can sit evenly later.

Return the structure upright.

Clip the fabric above each corner so the top allowances can fold over the walls and into the interior. Leave enough fabric to keep the chipboard completely covered.

Check the corner before applying glue and adjust the cut if the fabric bunches or cannot lie flat.

Apply glue to the top fabric allowances and the inside area they will cover.

Fold the fabric over the top edge of each wall and smooth it firmly into the interior. Press along the top edge to create a clean, defined fold.

Work around the structure in the order shown in the project recipe.

Check every inside and outside corner before the glue dries.

Make sure no chipboard is visible and that the fabric lies flat without loose pockets, large folds, or unnecessary bulk.

Press down any lifted edges and clean away excess glue before allowing the wrapped structure to dry.

Photo comparing a clean finished corner with one that has exposed chipboard or bulky fabric coming soon.