Creative articles about sewing

Easy instructions for making folded gift boxes (with free templates)

Dear community,
in this blog post you can find detailed instructions for making folded gift boxes (with free templates).

Snap Pap- Faltboxen

SnapPap folded boxes

SnapPap folded boxes…

… you can give anything, but make sure you wrap it up beatifully!

 

The perfect Christmas present is home-made… or is something the person really wants. Adults who earn and spend their own money rarely want particular presents. Small home-made items that fit into everyday life and can be used or consumed are ideal. Every year, in my kitchen, I produce biscuits, chocolates, jams, herb-flavoured salt, steeped fruit, chutneys, liqueurs… and you can no doubt add other items to the list, such as bath products, towels, socks, gloves and jewellery.

These little boxes will turn opening a simple pair of knitted socks into an amazing experience under our tree this year. They are inspired by Chinese noodle cups.

 

 

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First, print out the paper pattern, cut it out carefully along the separating lines, and stick it together according to the numbers (starting at the top left and working clockwise). The pattern can then be cut out fully.

SnapPap folded box 90 … the print template in PDF format for a box with base dimensions of 9 cm x 9 cm

SnapPap folded box 75 … the print template in PDF format for a box with base dimensions of 7.5 cm x 7.5 cm

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The wide pink shaded lines are cut and the corners are folded in twice, as shown in the picture. This allows you to transfer all the lines precisely onto the material.

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The pattern is held in place on the SnapPap using a piece of masking tape. This will later become the outside of the box!  The pattern thus cannot slip when it is being transferred. Transfer the fold lines with a thin chalk marker or other pen that can be removed again later with water. By folding back the paper pattern, you can accurately transfer the diagonal fold lines and the outer edges of the box.

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After carefully removing the paper pattern, draw in the interior lines of the box.

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Make sure that there is a square in the middle. Make the lines parallel using a set square or other similar device. The distances to the top edge (yellow arrow) should be the same on all four sides. When assembling or transferring the pattern, small inaccuracies may occur that could cause the end result to be skewed.

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Along the length where the long flaps are located on the box (see L & K on the pattern), the closure is applied in the form of a ribbon about 3 cm in length, and is secured with tape. This step does not apply if you are making the box out of paper or if you want to change the ribbon easily.

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Now sew along the marked edges. This allows the material to be ironed into shape very accurately at the edges. I have used jeans thread (No. 30) and a leather needle with a thickness of 100. Stitch length 4.5 / centre needle position / upper thread tension 10! The yellow lines show the order in which I sewed along the lines. In this way, a common start and end point is created where the two loose upper threads (leave long enough) can be pulled inwards using the lower threads and knotted. It is not possible to secure the end of the seam by stitching with the thick yarn on the SnapPap. The ribbon is attached with just two seams (arrows 13 and 15).

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The remaining lines are again sewn in a single seam, resulting in only one knot inside. This time, however, the needle position is moved four places to the right. The middle of the foot always remains exactly on the respective lines. The seams are always the same distance apart. In the picture, the arrows showing the seams are not complete… but you will manage it :o)

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Once all the sewing is complete, clean off the chalk marks using a soft brush and some water (leave out this step and the ironing if you are working with paper or cardboard). It is now easy to iron the box into shape while the material is still moist. Start first with the diagonal folds and the bottom. (Pink lines) Iron these eight edges so that they point outwards.
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Now fold in the large corners in turn and iron them as shown in the pictures.

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Then turn the box so the outside is facing down and iron the round closure flaps inwards.

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If you wish, you can attach closures or simply tie a beautiful bow. I have attached a leather strap to this box, which I can close with a sliding buckle. You can use beautiful buttons, buckles, hooks etc or whatever you think looks nice. Now you can draw, write or stick decorations onto your box….inside and/or outside. There is plenty of room for creative freedom. You can really go wild!

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…. and when it is opened, something beautiful drops out ;o) Putting in a little LED light and a few extra treats along with the actual present just before giving it will put a huge smile on anyone’s face.

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A simple towel…. decorated with greenery, some baubles and a pretty light. My mother-in-law would definitely love it.

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These boxes can be used to present jams… of course with a bit of glitz and glamour.

 

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If you want to tie beautiful bows, leave the ribbons long and seal the ends of satin ribbons in a flame.
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This simple little box made of tracing paper lights up before being opened. For this, just set your printer to “Two pages per sheet”. This halves the base dimensions. Draw the lines using a very fine pencil and erase thoroughly. On the inside of the folded box, draw a couple of Christmas designs, write a Christmas wish or the name of the recipient in white marker pen so that it shows up when the light is on. It is really quick and easy to fold… even at the last minute. This box is perfect for a teenage girl who is saving up for a new computer and will find some money under the LED light.
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I wish all my dear readers and the wonderful Bernina staff a peaceful and merry Christmas surrounded by your loved ones.

Best wishes, Sandra

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  • Jan Allston EditEditing comments on the BERNINA blog is only possible after logging in with a blog user account. Sign up now or create a user account if you do not have one yet.

    Oh Sandra – what have you started? I can see a certain group of grandchildren wanting to make lots of these – thank you so much for the pattern, the idea and the inspiration.

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