make: an embroidered box cover

The other day I was saying that I have a LOT of things that I need to get embroidered, and this is how my sister replied: "Yeah, but it's kind of your job." I think she meant, "Quit your whining...we've all got work problems!", but I saw her response as a positive. This is kind of my job! I get to embroider and make things for my work! I'm not trying to make any of you feel jealous, but it is nice to recognize a blessing now and again, right?

Anyway, one of the results of all of this embroidery for "work" is that I end up with a lot of stitched samples that are just here. That feels ridiculous, so I try and find fun uses for them, and one of the ideas that I had for this bug box is to make a bug box with it! Okay, technically, you wouldn't want to put real insects in it, but how about some plastic bugs?

I've never made a padded cover before, so this may not be the best of tutorials, but you'll get the idea! (or learn from my mistakes?)

You'll need a wooden box with a separate (no hinge!) lid. I really wanted a different size/shape, but this is what I could find easily.

You'll also need some thin batting, and of course your embroidered piece. Wrap the fabric over the edges to measure before cutting. Trim the fabric so that it can go all the way around the lip of the lid. The batting should be a little smaller.

Run a line of hot glue along the inside of the lid. Work on one side at a time, as the glue dries quickly.

Wrap the fabric around, and stick it down in the glue. Do this for all four sides, pulling the fabric tight as you wrap.

The corners are the tricky part, as they get bulky...especially with the hot glue. Fold back the fabric and trim away all of the excess batting.

Trim the fabric corners down, and then secure them with a little glue.


Pop the lid on, and you've got a little box for keeping keepsakes...or bugs.

PS: The embroidery is from the Teeny Tiny Creepy Crawlies pattern in my shop!