apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Tools:
*Fabric – 3.5 yards total of a brown cotton twill for the main body of the cover plus small amounts from my fabric stash for appliques
*Scissors, thread, pins, yardstick, or other measuring device
*Sewing machine
*Iron-on adhesive for appliques (I used Heat 'n Bond)
*Coordinating ribbon

Steps:
Our 2 daughters, ages 8 and 4, have always preferred to do their crafts and art in the dining area so their supplies have threatened to take over the room. It was getting to be a big pile of cluttered mess and storage (work in progress) and I've been desperate for accessible craft storage for our girls, but we’re about to buy a house and have no spare $$ to buy any new furniture. This project was about trying to make something old and not very well-made to start with (particle board/laminate TV cabinet scored off of Freecycle), into something that would make the craft supplies presentable yet easy for the girls to get to.

1. Measure the cabinet to be used – width x depth x height

2. Cut fabric to those measurements + 1” extra for each dimension. This gives a ½” seam allowance on all sides when sewing – you’ll need 2 front/back panels, 2 side panels and 1 top. My cabinet measured 20 ¼” x 17” x 44” so I cut as follows: (2) front/back panels: 21 ¼” x 45” (2) side panels: 18” x 45” (1) top panel: 18” x 21 ¼”

3. Measure and clearly mark dots 1/2" in from each corner on the top panel and at the upper corners of all the other panels with chalk or a marking pencil. This will help you sew the side and front/back panels to the top panel much more easily.

4. Pin the edge of one side panel to an edge of the back panel, right sides facing. Do the same with the other side panel. My cabinet was wider than it was deep so I had to make sure I had the appropriate width panel in place.

5. Align marked dots (1/2" in from each corner) and sew side seams starting at the dots. You will be starting your sewing 1/2" from the top edge with 1/2" seam allowances.

6. Pin top panel to middle panel and sew with 1/2" seam allowance, starting at marked dots at the top

7. Sew upper edge of each side panel to top panel, starting and ending at the marked dots. You’ll have to scrunch the fabric a bit as you sew towards the dots, but it'll work out.

8. Fold in exposed side edges of front panel ¼” and then again. Pin in place and sew. Do the same to the front edges of the side panels.

9. Hem the side and back panels to appropriate length.

10. Pin front panel to front of top panel, right sides together, with edges of hemmed sides matching up with the dots. Sew from dot to dot.

11. Hem the front panel to same length as the other panels.

12. Sew ribbons in place where you want them. I pinned the ribbons on while checking the fit of the cover on the cabinet so that everything lined up properly.

13. Fill with craft supplies and enjoy your hard work. :D

Sources:

Freecycle for the cabinet

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