Boxes Decorated with Embroidery

Simple store-bought boxes, decorated with embroidery, can be used to pack a gift, or you can indulge yourself by embellishing some to keep different odds and ends.

For the first project, a small box for a small gift, you will need a round plastic box, Organza (or cut-away stabilizer) and water-soluble stabilizer. We have chosen the Bullfinches design.

Step One: Hoop Organza (or cut-away stabilizer) with 2 layers of water-soluble stabilizer and stitch out the design.

Cut away the excess stabilizer. Put your embroidery into a bowl of cold water and leave for a couple of hours to remove the stabilizer. Air dry the embroidery on a towel and then iron it. Now cut away the excess fabric.

Step Two: Place a thin layer of all purpose adhesive on the box lid...

...and place a cotton cosmetic pad over it.

Step Three: Spray a permanent liquid adhesive (we used 404 Spray and Fix) on the reverse side of the embroidery and place it over the box lid. Press. Leave to dry.

The box is ready!

Box II

For a bigger cardboard box with a hexagonal shape we have chosen the hexagonal design Girl with Christmas Tree.

The rest of the steps are almost the same.

Step One: Hoop Organza (or cut-away stabilizer) with 2 layers of water-soluble stabilizer and stitch out the design.

Step Two: Cut away the excess stabilizer. Put your embroidery into a bowl of cold water and leave for a couple of hours to remove the stabilizer. Air dry the embroidery on a towel and then iron it.

Step Three: Now with very sharp scissors cut away the excess fabric.

Step Four: Spray a permanent liquid adhesive on the reverse side of the embroidery....

...and place it over the box's lid. Press. Leave to dry.

Step Five: To finish the edges prepare about 15" of ribbon (we have chosen golden metallic) and all-purpose adhesive.

Step Five: Spread a liquid permanent adhesive along the first edge of the embroidery.

...and stick your ribbon over the glue. Press with your fingers and hold for about 1 minute. Proceed to the second edge: spread adhesive, fold the ribbon and press it into the glue. Repeat the procedure until you finish all 6 edges. Then place a piece cellophane over the box and something heavy over it. Leave for an hour to dry. (The drying time depends on the adhesive you use.)

Step Six: Trim the ends of the ribbon. Your box is ready!