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10/1/12

Tutorial: Fabric Covered Tin Can

Fabric Covered Can


I have been obsessed about covering tin cans lately. It all started about a month ago when I was looking for affordable yet beautiful containers to organize my sewing room. When I blogged about my fabric covered tin cans I got such very lovely comments that I decided to write a tutorial on how to make them.

This is what you need:


  • 1 tin can rinsed and all labels removed. Make sure it has no sharp edges on the rim
  • A piece of linen fabric at least 10X6 inches
  • Fabric scraps
  • Batting
  • Embroidery floss

Measure the circumference and height of you can. The can I used is a 16 oz can and it measures 9 1/4 inches around and 3 5/8 inches high so all the measurements will be based on that.

Cutting fabric:
Background: Cut 1 piece 10X3.5 inches of the linen.
Closing End: Cut 1 piece 4.5X2 inches of the linen
Binding: Cut 2 pieces 10X1.5 inches of a contrasting fabric
Hexies; Fussy cut 4 pieces from your fabric scraps and make 4 2 inches hexies
Batting: Cut 1 piece 10X3 inches 
Trace the bottom of your can on the felt to cut a circle



Assembling the pieces together:






  • Lay your batting on our table, then place the background fabric on top, then place a piece of of your binding fabric right side facing down and align  to the edge. Sew all pieces together using a 1/2 inch seam. Repeat on the other side. Fold the binding fabric outwards and iron the seams. You are going to have bout 1/2 inch of fabric overhang: fold over the back of the panel and iron. Now your binding is complete.




    • Now we are going to attach the closing end. Fold your fabric that you cut for the closing end in half and iron. Attach to one end of the panel using a 1/4 inch seam, fold over the seam and iron. Then fold the overhangs from each side underneath the panel, iron and hand stitch to the back to secure.




      • Arrange your hexies the way you would like them on your panel. Hand-applique them to the background fabric. Optional; using embroidery floss quilt around the hexies using a running stitch.


        • Almost done... Warp your finished panel around the tin can making sure the the side where you sewed the closing end sits on top of the unfinished side. Using a blind stitch, sew the edge of the closing end to the panel. Then place the felt circle that you cut earlier in the bottom of the can.

          Fabric Covered  Can


          And there you have it a beautiful container to keep things organized.

          Martha

          14 comments:

          1. That is so cute! I love the fabric you used - I haven't seen it before - do you know the name? And the hand stitching is such a perfect finishing touch.

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          2. This is so pretty. Nice tutorial

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          3. I love Hexies! This is lovely. Handstitching is a nice touch. I will give your tutorial a try. I have a can that has been sitting in my office and this gives me a nudge. Thank you for sharing...Judith, Texas

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          4. Thanks for the tutorial, just a great little project to start sewing with. It has been 5 weeks since my shoulder replacement surgery and yesterday was my 1st day back in my sewing room. (boy did that feel good). I have a container I want to cover - and you have inspired me to do so. ;) I will post my progress on my blog www.quiltingandsewingarts.com. (I would love to link back to your tutorial)

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            Replies
            1. You are welcome. I would love to see your version. I'll make sure to check it out. Thank you for linking back I trully appreciate it.

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          5. Excellent tutorial, Martha! Love the step by step guide, never thought of lining the can with felt. Thanks so much for sharing - love the upcycling idea!

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          6. Such a great idea, why didn't I think of this?? :) I am in a process of organizing my sewing room and was just thinking what to use for better organizing my desk stuff. You gave me the answer and inspiration, thank you so much! I signed up to follow your blog, your stuff is awesome!

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          7. This is such a great tutorial, Martha!

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          8. Love this tutorial - I have used tin cans for storage for years and year, just as they are, never thought of covering them - but guess what ... now I will. Just great and so good to get to know you better on the Blog Hop :)

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          9. What a creative tutorial! Too cool. Thanks for sharing :)

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          10. Why didn't I think of that?! I do have pencils and my point turner and other such things in two cans in my sewing space, but they are just cans. OF COURSE I should pretty them up!

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            Replies
            1. Of course! We all like pretty things:) and they look so much personal.

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          11. Nice tutorial. Thanks for sharing on the blog hop. ;)

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          Thank you for your comments I really appreciate them. I love hearing from you!