Cartonnage is the craft of covering cardboard with fabric or decorative paper to create boxes, organizers, needle books and other useful pieces. It is surprisingly simple to learn, requires only a few basic tools and is a wonderful way to turn favourite fabrics into something beautiful for your sewing room or home.
We have recently welcomed a lovely selection of cartonnage projects to Willow Cottage, and I know that the name may be unfamiliar to some of you.
Cartonnage sounds rather elaborate, but the basic idea is actually very simple. You cut sturdy cardboard into the shapes you need, cover each piece with fabric and assemble them into a box, tray, notebook, needle book or organizer.
There is no sewing machine required, and you do not need an entire collection of specialized tools. Once you understand how the fabric is wrapped around the cardboard, it opens up so many possibilities.
What is cartonnage?
Cartonnage is the art of creating decorative and useful objects from cardboard, bookboard or chipboard, then covering them with fabric or paper.
The word cartonnage comes from the French word carton, meaning cardboard. You may also see it described as fabric-covered box making, decorative box making or French box making.
Cartonnage is often used to make:
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Fabric-covered boxes
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Sewing and embroidery organizers
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Needle books
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Jewellery boxes
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Trays
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Clipboards
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Notebooks and portfolios
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Keepsake boxes
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Desk accessories
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Compartment boxes
The cardboard gives the project its shape and structure, while the fabric makes it completely personal.
Is cartonnage difficult?
Cartonnage is much easier than it may first appear.
At its simplest, you are measuring and cutting rectangles of cardboard, covering them with fabric and gluing the pieces together. The projects can become more detailed as you gain confidence, but the basic technique is very approachable.
You do not need to be an experienced sewist, and many cartonnage projects require no sewing at all. If you are comfortable using a ruler, craft knife, fabric and glue, you can make a cartonnage project.
As with quilting, careful measuring helps everything fit together nicely, but this is not a craft that needs to feel intimidating or overly precise. It is very forgiving, especially when you begin with a small project.
Can you cut your own cardboard for cartonnage?
Yes, absolutely.
Pre-cut cartonnage kits are convenient, particularly when you want to begin making a project right away, but it is also very easy to cut your own cardboard pieces.
You generally need only a cutting mat, a sturdy ruler and a sharp craft knife. Most projects are made from simple rectangles or squares, so once you have the measurements, you can prepare the pieces yourself.
Cutting your own cardboard also allows you to create projects in almost any size. You can adapt a box to fit a particular shelf, make a needle book for your favourite tools or design an organizer around the supplies you already own.
In our August Acufactum Fabric Collector’s Club tutorial, we will be making a fabric-covered needle book using cartonnage techniques. We will not be using a pre-cut kit. Instead, we will show members how to measure and cut their own cardboard pieces before covering and assembling them.
It is a lovely little project and a wonderful introduction to how simple cartonnage can be.
How are cartonnage boxes made?
A cartonnage box begins with pieces of sturdy cardboard cut to the required measurements.
The pieces are covered with fabric, either before or during assembly, depending on the project. The fabric is glued smoothly to the cardboard and wrapped neatly around the edges.
The covered pieces are then joined to form the base, sides, lid and any interior compartments. The inside is usually lined with coordinating fabric or paper so that the cardboard is completely covered.
It is a little like upholstering a very small piece of furniture. The structure itself is simple, but the fabric choices can make the finished project feel traditional, romantic, whimsical or modern.
What is the history of cartonnage?
Cartonnage has long been connected with traditional bookbinding and decorative box making.
Bookbinders and craftspeople used cardboard, paper and fabric to create storage boxes, document cases, portfolios and other practical objects. These pieces were made to protect books, papers, jewellery, sewing supplies and treasured possessions.
Over time, the techniques developed into a decorative craft of their own. Cartonnage became especially associated with French and European handcraft traditions, although it is now enjoyed by makers around the world.
The materials may have changed over the years, but the basic idea remains the same: simple cardboard can be transformed into something useful and beautiful with fabric, paper and careful finishing.
What supplies do you need for cartonnage?
You can begin cartonnage with supplies you may already have in your sewing or craft room.
What fabric is best for cartonnage?
Quilting cotton is one of the easiest fabrics to use for cartonnage.
It is smooth, lightweight and easy to wrap around cardboard without creating too much bulk. It also allows corners and folded edges to sit neatly.
Small florals, stripes, blenders and illustrated prints all work beautifully. Larger feature prints can be especially lovely on the lid or outside of a cartonnage box because more of the artwork remains visible.
You can also combine several coordinating fabrics within one project. A feature fabric might be used on the outside, with a small floral or blender inside.
This is one of the things I enjoy most about cartonnage. It gives us another way to use and display favourite fabrics.
Do you need a cartonnage kit?
No, you do not need a kit to make cartonnage projects.
Many cartonnage books, patterns and tutorials provide measurements so that you can cut your own cardboard and create the project from scratch.
A cartonnage kit simply makes the process convenient. The cardboard pieces have already been measured and cut, so you can move directly to choosing your fabric and assembling the project.
Our new cartonnage items from Die Schachtelidee in Germany include high-quality cardboard cutouts and instructions for each design. The basic instructions and the instructions for the individual project are provided in English.
You supply the fabric, glue and basic tools, allowing you to make the finished piece entirely your own.
What can you make with a cartonnage kit?
Our new cartonnage collection includes practical projects that can be covered in any fabric you choose.
The Lena box contains interior compartments that are perfect for jewellery, beads, hair accessories, embroidery threads, ribbons, buttons or small sewing tools.
We also have a clipboard project, which can be covered with a favourite fabric and used for patterns, notes, project planning or writing.
Cartonnage can also be used to make sewing boxes, needle books, trays, notebooks, project organizers and keepsake boxes.
Once you understand the basic technique, you can begin adapting measurements and creating projects for the exact spaces and supplies you have.
Why do quilters and stitchers enjoy cartonnage?
Cartonnage feels like a natural companion to quilting, sewing and stitching.
We already understand the joy of choosing fabrics, combining prints and making useful things by hand. Cartonnage simply gives us another way to work with those same materials.
It is especially well suited to sewing-room storage. Threads, scissors, needles, ribbons, buttons and small works in progress can all be kept in boxes and organizers covered with fabrics we love.
It is also a wonderful way to use a special fat quarter or a piece of fabric that has been waiting for just the right project.
Is cartonnage a good craft for beginners?
Yes. Cartonnage is an excellent beginner-friendly craft.
A needle book, clipboard, small tray or simple box is a lovely place to begin. These projects teach you how to cut cardboard, apply glue, wrap fabric and finish corners without requiring complicated tools or techniques.
A pre-cut kit can make your first project especially quick and convenient, but cutting your own pieces is also very manageable.
Begin with something small, take your time and enjoy the process. You may be surprised by how quickly a few simple pieces of cardboard begin to look like a beautifully finished object.
We also have free cartonnage videos and online classes available if you would like to watch the techniques before beginning your first project.
Discover our new cartonnage projects
We are so pleased to now offer cartonnage projects from Die Schachtelidee at Willow Cottage.
The pre-cut cardboard makes these projects wonderfully convenient, while your choice of fabric allows each piece to feel completely personal.
You can also use the same basic cartonnage techniques to cut and create projects of your own. Our August Acufactum Club needle book tutorial will be a lovely example of how easily you can begin with ordinary cardboard, fabric and a few tools from your craft room.
Whether you begin with a cartonnage kit, follow a tutorial or create something from your own measurements, it is a simple and satisfying way to turn favourite fabrics into something useful for your home.
| Shop our cartonnage collection |
Learn Cartonnage with Us
Cartonnage is one of those crafts that feels even easier once you see the steps demonstrated. We have several free resources available to help you get started, whether you would simply like to watch the process or follow along with a complete project.
You can also find a video embedded at the bottom of our Cartonnage Collection page, where you can browse our current cartonnage kits and projects.
Take one of our free online classes
Online Class: Cartonnage Basics
A beginner-friendly introduction to the materials and basic techniques used in cartonnage.
My Dear Jane | Fabric-Covered Box
A free class that guides you through making the My Dear Jane fabric-covered box from beginning to end.
Watch our cartonnage videos on YouTube
How to Glue a Box for Sewing Accessories
This video demonstrates how to assemble and glue a practical fabric-covered box for organizing sewing supplies.
Acufactum Presents: “My Dear Jane” – Fabric-Covered Box Tutorial
Follow along with Acufactum as they create the beautiful My Dear Jane fabric-covered box.
These resources are a lovely place to begin before choosing your first project, and they will help you see just how approachable cartonnage can be.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cartonnage
What is the definition of cartonnage?
Cartonnage is the craft of making boxes, organizers and other structured objects from cardboard or bookboard, then covering them with fabric or decorative paper.
What does cartonnage mean?
The word comes from the French word carton, meaning cardboard. In crafting, it refers to objects constructed from cardboard and finished with fabric or paper.
Is cartonnage easy?
Yes. Basic cartonnage projects are quite simple and use straightforward measuring, cutting, gluing and fabric-wrapping techniques. Small projects such as needle books, trays and clipboards are especially suitable for beginners.
Can I cut my own cardboard for cartonnage?
Yes. Most cardboard pieces can be cut using a cutting mat, metal ruler and sharp craft knife. Many cartonnage projects are made from simple rectangles and squares, making it easy to prepare your own pieces.
What cardboard is used for cartonnage?
Cartonnage projects are usually made with sturdy cardboard, chipboard or bookboard. The board should be dense enough to hold its shape without bending easily.
What fabric is best for cartonnage?
Quilting cotton is an excellent choice because it is lightweight, smooth and easy to fold around corners. Florals, stripes, blenders and illustrated prints can all work beautifully.
What tools do I need for cartonnage?
The basic cartonnage tools include a cutting mat, sturdy ruler, craft knife, glue brush and smoothing tool or bone folder. You will also need cardboard, fabric and suitable glue.
Do I need a cartonnage kit?
No. You can cut your own cardboard using measurements from a pattern, book or tutorial. A pre-cut cartonnage kit is simply a convenient option that allows you to begin assembling the project immediately.
What can cartonnage boxes be used for?
Cartonnage boxes can hold sewing notions, embroidery supplies, jewellery, stationery, photographs, letters, ribbons, beads, buttons and other small treasures.
Is sewing required for cartonnage?
Usually not. Most cartonnage projects are assembled using cardboard, fabric and glue. Some designs may include optional stitched details, but a sewing machine is generally not required.
