Fabric Cube

I came across this idea while cleaning up my studio. I had an empty tissue box (the cube kind) thought - this would be a great idea. 

So my cleaning task forgotten, I decided to make this. 

Not perfect, but for a quick 20 minute project, not bad either! 

I did use interfacing to give it a bit more structure and stability. 

Materials

fabric - two panels - actual size will depend on the size cube you are making

interfacing - size of one of the fabric panels. If you do not have interfacing, you could use some stiffer scrap material such as denim instead. 

Sizing 

The actual size of the required fabric will depend on the finished size cube you are making. Don't forget to add in the seam allowances too. 

The width you will need is the total of all 4 sides + 1" seam allowance.

The height you will need is the double the height of the finished cube + 1" seam allowance. 

Don't panic...this isn't algebra class!  I'll get you there.  

Example:

I am making a cube that will be 4 inches high with each side being 4 inches wide. 

I will need a piece of material that is 17" long and 9" tall. 

In the pattern above, the purple areas are the seam allowance, the dash lines are the sewing lines. 

The sides are numbered and of course, the bottom is labeled "bottom". 

Cut out pattern as shown with outside of fabric facing in. 

If you are using interfacing of some sort, place that on top of the 2 fabric pieces. 

Sew the outer the seams as shown as dotted lines on the pattern - do not sew the seams that divide the panels yet. Leave the short end open - that is the right side of 4 in the pattern above. 

Clip all seams to about 1/4" - basically half of the seam allowance. 

Clip all outer an inner corners. 

Turn project inside out - which will be the correct outside out once turned. 

Smooth the corners as best as possible. The smoother the better. 

Now, sew the lines that divide the strip into squares - between 1 & 2, 2 & 3, 3 & 4 and at the "top" of the bottom panel on the pattern. 

Tuck in the open end seam allowance and stitch to the other end - this might be easier to do by hand than on a machine. 

After all the seams are sewn, you could also add stitching on the outside of each connection. I like this look and think it may add a bit more stability to the box. 

Now you will have a square - 4 sides all connected - with a flappy bottom. 

Sew the bottom in place - again, this might be easier by hand for you. 

Best stitch for this is the blind or ladder stitch. 

Alternative Designs

You could easily make a rectangle box by enlarging blocks 1, 3 and bottom.