Make a Cardboard Fabric Swatch Drawer

WHAT TO GATHER

Your starting kit.

Clean, dry cardboard with uncrushed edges
A ruler, pencil, and scissors suitable for the board
Paper glue or paper tape as required by the joins
Scrap cardboard and a protective work mat

STEP 01

Measure and prepare

Make an open shallow tray from a scored cardboard net with glued corner tabs.

STEP 02

Lay out the construction

Wrap a second piece around the dry tray with a scrap-paper spacer and glue only the outer sleeve seam.

STEP 03

Join and shape

Remove the spacer after drying and fit a small folded paper pull to the drawer front.

STEP 04

Check the result

Check the slide before filling; humidity and rough edges can make a tight cardboard sleeve stick. Let all adhesive dry before fitting the intended lightweight contents. Place the project on a flat surface and check that its joints sit square. If a slot tears or a wall leans, remake that piece from sound cardboard rather than hiding the weak join with decoration.

STEP 05

Finish and keep

Smooth exposed rough edges with a thin paper covering where needed, without blocking working slots. Keep the project away from water and heat. Recheck the joints after a few uses and replace a worn piece if it bends or loses its shape.

Before you begin.

How wide should I cut the slots?

Measure the cardboard thickness and test a slot on an offcut. The pieces should slide together with light pressure; forcing them can crush the corrugation and weaken the join.

What should I check before beginning?

Check the slide before filling; humidity and rough edges can make a tight cardboard sleeve stick.

Original editorial project guidance. Images are AI-generated concepts, not photographs of tested finished projects. Practice on inexpensive materials and follow tool and material instructions. Sources & approach.

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