Cloth covered cooler

[Malek]

I thought this would be the best place to put this. If it fits better elsewhere, mods - feel free to move it.

Here is my first attempt at doing a cloth cooler cover. I did it this way for a few reasons.
* I have a lot of scrap brocade from assorted projects
* There are many examples of stuffed ottomans (foot rests / stools) that use strips of fabric to cover them. (often mis-matched)
* The way I set it up it allows for easy opening/closing the cooler without having to either remove the blanket/sarong, get what you want then replace it. The other option is opening the box, then the cooler, get what you want and put it back together.
* It's attached directly to the cooler and does not cause it to take up any additional room due to the cover.

I started with a cheap coleman cooler that we often put snacks and drinks into for the day. I also frequently use it as a place to sit between tournament bouts or breaks in wars.



So I cut strips of scrap brocade (segments that were still if useable size, but too small to make a garment from - generally 1/2 yard or less)

I cut them to 12" long by about 3" wide. I used my serger to connect everything and finish the edges.




I rolled a hem on all edges and then used a staple gun to connect the fabric to the cooler. I originally thought about sticky-backed velcro for ease of removal for washing - and realized I would spend more time maintaining the sticky on the velcro and staples are easy to replace.

Because it's also intended for sitting - I spray-glued a 2" open cell foam cushion to the top of the lid before applying the fabric.




I separated the top and bottom covers so it would be easier to access the contents.

The side that has the roller-handle has a separate flap from the rest of the cover so it's easier to use.




Improvements for next go-round:
Flare out the top cover more so it drapes better over the cooler top.

Try better to coordinate the fabric colors. (you get what you get when working with scraps)

[Thomas Powers]

How about making pockets to hold slabs of Styrofoam to give it a more boxlike appearance and provide extra insulation?

[Malek]

How about making pockets to hold slabs of Styrofoam to give it a more boxlike appearance and provide extra insulation?

Interesting idea - I don't know how much extra insulation the Styrofoam would provide.
Besides, here in An-Tir it's usually cold enough that ice in the cooler is more a formality than necessity.

Truly, I think some better tailoring on the top part of the cover will improve its look a lot.

[Smashedfrog]

Perhaps try to make a plywood half-box that just sits on the lid of the cooler. It will give you a smooth surface that is more like a try box than a rounded cooler. It will also slightly increase the area of the lid which will allow the fabric to drape better over the sides. I might also attach a thin wooden frame around the outside of the cooler body that could meet up with the wood from the lid to further enhance the shape. The fabric would be easier to secure to the wood anyway. And if you really aren't too worried about the cooler a few bolts through the wood to firmly attach it to the cooler would make this thing indestructible. If this makes no sense, I'll sketch a pic and post it.

[FrauHirsch1]

If you want an "apholstered" look, you might want to investigate apholstery techniques. Cover the sides of the bottom with a thin foam and then a light batting. I like the box suggestion for the top, because it would also provide something to attach the fabric to. I would still use the thicker foam on top, but add batting over that. You might need a light wooden frame on the bottom to tack the fabric to, as well.

I would recommend looking at period pictures for fabric type and color selections.

If you have a sofa or chair cushion that allows you to unzip the cushion you will be able to see the foam with batting covers. It gives a more rounded look to the foam. I also sometimes take the sharp edges off the foam with an electric knife if I want a cushion look.