Tidying up made easy with a creative kids’ shelf

You need: Digital Laser Measure Zamo (Set), fabric shears, tailor’s chalk, fabric

Have you got everything you need? Then let’s get started. First, attach the Zamo to the end of the cut of the fabric and measure out the length and width you want using the tape measure adapter. Use the length of your curtain rods as a guide for the width of the shelf. We opted for a length of 54 cm on the short side and 90 cm on the long side. It’s important that you include an overhang for each edge in your measurements. This extra material will be folded and sewn later on. This is to prevent the fabric from fraying on the short edge, and to create the loop to hang the shelf up on the long edge. Mark out the intervals you’ve measured with tailor’s chalk.

You can now cut the fabric out using the markings to guide you. Tip: Make sure you keep an eye on the run of the thread and the pattern.

You need: sewing machine, sewing gauge ruler, pins, iron, cuts of fabric

We will fold and iron the edges of the fabric in this step. Start by placing the cut of fabric on an ironing board with the inside facing upwards. Now, fold the fabric in at the short side by 1 cm and iron over the folded edge (image 1). It’s best to use a sewing gauge ruler here to make sure your fold is straight along the entire length of the edge. Repeat this step and then use pins to hold the hem in place (image 2).

Next, sew the hem down using a sewing machine (image 3). The seam should be about 0.8 cm away from the edge.

You need: iron, sewing machine, sewing gauge ruler, pins, cuts of fabric

It’s now time to fold and iron the long edges of the fabric. Use a sewing gauge ruler again to make sure your fold is straight along the entire length of the edge. Fold the fabric over by 1 cm on the long side and iron it (image 1). Then, fold over the long edge again by 4 cm (image 2) and iron it again (image 3). Use pins along the entire length of the fabric to hold the loop in place (image 4). This will create the loop you’re going to use to hang the shelf up. Now, sew the loop in place with a sewing machine. The seam should be about 3.8 cm away from the edge (image 5).

You need: Bosch Atino, pencil

You can now start positioning the first of the curtain holders. Attach an Atino line level to your wall, align it until the LED lights up green and mark the first drill hole in the centre of the Atino (image 1). Pull out the tape measure horizontally and use a pencil to mark the drill hole for the second curtain holder (image 2). The distance between them will depend on how long your curtain rod is. Then, rotate the Atino 90 degrees clockwise until the LED lights up green again. Now, mark two more Xs on the wall at the distance of your choice (image 3). This is the height at which the two other curtain rods will be attached to the wall. Next, remove the Atino line level from the wall and attach it again on the first drill hole in the second row. Then, simply rotate it until the LED lights up green, pull out the measuring tape and mark the right point to drill in. Repeat this process again for the third holder.

You need: Bosch Uneo Maxx cordless rotary hammer, safety glasses, wall plugs, curtain holders

Now, drill holes in the wall at the marked spots using the cordless rotary hammer. Then, sink a wall plug into each hole. You can now screw the curtain holders to the wall.

You need: curtain rods, cuts of fabric

You can now thread the cut of fabric on to the curtain rod (image 1). Then, position the rod in the holders and put the end caps on to the ends of the rod. Your DIY fabric shelf is finally ready! You can now deal with whatever chaos unfolds in your child’s bedroom.