Omar Khalid
Plastic crates are handy for storage, but they may not always match your aesthetic. Covering them with fabric is a simple solution to make them blend in with your decor. You can use any type of fabric, from lightweight cotton to a drop cloth. You'll need basic sewing skills and some measurements to create a simple fabric cover. Alternatively, you can turn your plastic crate into furniture, such as a stool, ottoman, or even a bench, by adding some extra materials like wood, foam, and fabric.
Characteristics and Values Table for Covering Plastic Crates with Fabric:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fabric Type | Lightweight cotton, drop cloth, duvet cover, or any fabric of choice |
| Fabric Measurement | 8 inches longer than the height and perimeter of the bin/crate |
| Sewing Technique | Straight stitches with a 1/2-inch seam allowance, folding and pinning edges, creating a casing for elastic |
| Elastic Measurement | 4 to 6 inches shorter than the bin's perimeter |
| Fabric Embellishments | Contrasting fabric band, bows, stencilled vintage logo, ribbons, or cords |
| Crate Functionality | Storage, furniture (ottoman, stool, bench, side table, nightstand), mobile with caster wheels |
| Additional Materials | Sisal rope, foam cushion, plywood, spray paint, zip ties, elastic, ribbon |
Explore related products
Measure the crate
To cover a plastic crate with fabric, you will first need to measure the crate to ensure a snug fit. Measure the bottom of the crate, adding a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Then, measure the height of the crate, from the inside, over the rim, and down the other side, adding a 3/4-inch allowance. Next, measure the perimeter of the crate, adding an extra 3/4 to 1 inch to allow for folding the fabric over the crate.
For a simple cover, cut your fabric of choice to size, allowing for an extra 8 inches in both height and perimeter to ensure a good fit. You can then sew a seam with straight stitches along the edge, creating a "loop" of fabric. Fold under the long edges of the loop, pin them, and stitch along the folded edge to create a casing for the elastic. Stitch around the edge, leaving a 1-inch opening for inserting elastic.
If you are creating a more complex structure, such as an ottoman or bench, you may need to cut and layer multiple materials, such as fabric, batting, foam, and plywood, to achieve the desired shape and comfort.
Zac Efron's Transformation: Natural or Enhanced?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cut the fabric
To cover a plastic crate with fabric, you will first need to measure the crate and cut the fabric accordingly.
First, measure the bottom of the crate. For example, if the bottom of your crate is 11.5 inches square, you should add 0.5 inches for seam allowance, making the final square 12" x 12". Next, measure the side from the inside of the crate, over the rim, and down the other side. If this measurement is 21 inches, add 0.75 inches, with 0.25 for one seam and 0.5 inches for hemming the bottom edge. The total for this measurement is 21.75 inches. Now, measure all the way around the crate. If this is 51.5 inches, add 0.75-1 inch so you can fold the fabric over the crate.
Cut your chosen fabric to these measurements. Any fabric works, but you could use a drop cloth, or lightweight cotton fabric, for example. Cut the fabric 8 inches longer than the height of the bin, and 8 inches longer than the perimeter measurement.
If you are creating a lid for the crate, cut a piece of wood to fit inside the lip of the crate. Trace its shape onto a foam cushion and cut it out. Cut the fabric for the lid and make it bigger than the cushion so that you can staple it to the back of the wood.
If you are creating a fabric cover for the whole crate, you will need to sew a seam with straight stitches along the pinned edge using a 0.5-inch seam allowance. The fabric strip will now be a "loop" of fabric. Fold under 0.25 inches on both long edges of the fabric loop, then fold under each edge 1 inch and pin. Straight-stitch along the 0.25-inch folded edge to enclose the raw edge and create a casing for the elastic. Stitch all the way around the edge, leaving a 1-inch opening to insert elastic between the start and end points.
How Safe Are Plastic Jugs Used For Distilled Water?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Sew the fabric
To cover a plastic crate with fabric, you will need to measure the crate and cut the fabric to size. You will also need to decide whether you want to sew a simple cover or something more complex, such as an ottoman or bench.
For a simple cover, measure the height of the crate and the distance around the top edge. Cut the fabric 8 inches longer than the height and perimeter of the crate. Sew a seam with straight stitches along the edge, using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Fold under the long edges of the fabric loop and pin them. Stitch along the folded edge to create a casing for elastic, leaving a 1-inch opening. Cut elastic to size and thread it through the casing, gathering the fabric slightly. Sew the elastic ends together and adjust the fabric cover over the crate.
For a more complex project, such as an ottoman or bench, you will need additional materials like plywood, foam, and fabric. Measure the crate and cut the fabric to size, allowing for seam allowances. Sew the fabric pieces together, leaving an opening to insert the foam or cushion. Place the foam inside and staple or glue the fabric to the crate or plywood base. You can also add a handle or lid for easy access to the storage inside.
It is important to note that the process may vary slightly depending on the size and shape of your crate, as well as the type of fabric you choose. Always measure your crate before cutting the fabric to ensure a proper fit. You can also get creative and add embellishments, such as bows or contrasting fabric bands, to match your decor.
The Plastic Crisis: Our Oceans Are Drowning
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Add elastic
To add elastic to your fabric crate cover, start by sewing a seam with straight stitches along the pinned edge, using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. This will create a ""loop" of fabric. Next, fold under 1/4 inch on both long edges of the fabric loop, and then fold under each edge by 1 inch and pin it in place. Sew a straight stitch along the folded edge, creating a casing for the elastic.
Stitch all the way around the edge, leaving a 1-inch opening to insert the elastic. Cut two pieces of elastic that are about 4 to 6 inches shorter than the actual perimeter measurement of your bin. You can use a bodkin to pull the elastic through the casing, or fasten a safety pin to one end of the elastic and work it through.
Overlap the ends of the elastic by about 1 inch and sew them together. Adjust the fabric so that the stitched elastic ends are inside the casing. Finally, slide the fabric cover over your plastic bin, positioning the elasticized edges as needed.
Selena Quintanilla's Plastic Surgery: What Procedures Did She Get?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Staple the fabric
To cover a plastic crate with fabric, you will need to measure the crate and cut the fabric to size. Once you have your fabric cut out, you can begin the process of stapling it to the crate. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Place the fabric over the crate: Lay the fabric over the crate, ensuring it is centred and aligned with the edges.
- Pull the fabric taut: Starting from the centre, pull the fabric tight towards one of the corners of the crate.
- Staple the fabric in place: Working with one side at a time, staple the fabric to the crate, starting from the centre and working outwards. Ensure the fabric remains taut to create a smooth and wrinkle-free finish.
- Fold the corners: At the corners, neatly fold the fabric before stapling. You can create a simple fold or a mitered corner for a more polished look.
- Secure all sides: Repeat this process for all sides of the crate, ensuring the fabric is tight and smooth before stapling.
- Trim excess fabric: Once the fabric is securely stapled, carefully trim away any excess fabric close to the staples.
It is important to note that stapling fabric to a plastic crate requires some caution. Ensure you are using the appropriate type and size of staples for the material of your crate. You may also want to consider covering the raw edges of the fabric to prevent fraying. This can be done by folding and stapling the edges or by sewing a hem. Additionally, if you wish to avoid stapling the fabric directly to the crate, you can create a fabric sleeve or cover that fits over the crate. This method allows for easy removal and replacement of the fabric cover.
Plastic's Conductive or Insulating Nature: What's the Verdict?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Measure the bottom of the crate and add 1/2 inch for seam allowance. Then, measure the side from the inside of the crate, over the rim, and down the other side. Add 3/4 inch for the seam and hem. Finally, measure all the way around and add 3/4-1 inch for folding the fabric over the crate.
Any fabric works. However, lightweight cotton fabric is recommended if you want to keep the original plastic lid.
Sew a seam with straight stitches using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Fold under 1/4 inch on both long edges of the fabric loop, then fold under each edge by 1 inch and pin. Straight-stitch along the folded edge, leaving a 1-inch opening.
Measure and cut two pieces of elastic, 4 to 6 inches shorter than the perimeter of the bin. Thread the elastic through the casings, then gather the fabric to expose the elastic ends. Overlap the ends and sew them together before sliding the fabric cover over the crate.
