Vintage 1970s Sewing Basket Makeover
Over the summer, we went to a yard sale at the Tuck Farm in Bedford County and I found a vintage 1970s Max Klein sewing basket along with lots of yarn and needlework patterns.
Isn’t this a gorgeous spot? This picture is from a fall yard sale a few years ago. Sunrise service is held here on Easter.
I passed the yarn and patterns on to my aunt and crafty cousins and kept the sewing box to makeover.
Vintage 1970s Sewing Basket Makeover
I discovered that the sewing basket is a Max Klein product. Max Klein plastics were sold at KMart. See more of his designs here.
The inside includes a tray for storing thread, bobbins, pins, and more.
Under the tray is more storage for sewing supplies.
Max Klein Sewing Baskets for Sale
Click on the arrows to see Max Klein sewing baskets available to purchase.
The End Result
To makeover the sewing basket, I painted it and then stenciled gold paint onto the details. The final step was to protect the finish with wax.
I love the end result!
The gold really brings out the sewing box detail.
I also painted the inside of the sewing basket.
What a difference a little TLC makes!
This sewing basket will be passed along to one of my former students, Kallena, daughter of a very dear friend.
When Kallena was born, her grandmother said, “Kallena. Rhymes with Skulina.” We got a good laugh out of that.
Vintage 1970s Sewing Basket Makeover
A vintage 1970s Max Klein sewing basket gets a makeover.
Materials
- Paint - I used chalk paint.
- Paint Brush
- Gold Craft Paint
- Stencil Brush
- Paper Towels
- Paper Plate
Instructions
- Clean the sewing basket.
- Paint with desired paint color. I did three coats of paint.
- To bring out the details, use craft paint and a stencil brush.
- Dip bristles of the stencil brush into craft paint poured onto a paper plate. Tap the stencil brush on a paper towel to remove most of the paint.
- Using an up and down motion, add gold paint to the details.
- Protect the finish using either wax or polyurethane.
- Enjoy!
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Rust-Oleum 285140 Ultra Matte Interior Chalked Paint 30 oz, Linen White, 30 Fl Oz -
Chalk Paint Wax Brush by Fineably – with 100% Natural Bristles and Ergonomic Wood Handle for Intricate Textures, Brush Strokes and Finishes on Refurbished Furniture – Cleans Easily with Soap and Water
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DecoArt DM-DA071 Dazzling Metallics 2-Ounce Glorious Gold Acrylic Paint
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Wooden Stencil Brushes Natural Stencil Bristle Brushes Art Painting Brushes Wood Paint Template Brush for DIY Crafts Card Making Acrylic Oil Watercolor Art Painting Supplies, 3 Sizes (6)
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Chalk-Tique Light Paste Wax – Soft Chalk Paint Wax – Perfect Furniture Wax For Your Chalk Paint Home Décor Project – 6 oz
I so much enjoyed updating this sewing box and I hope that Kallena will enjoy using it for years to come.
More Yard Sale and Thrift Store Makeovers to Enjoy
- Milk Glass Lamp Makeover
- A Lamp Found in a Dumpster Gets a Makeover
- How to Make a Lamp Using a Vintage Thermos
- Farmhouse Style Vintage Ladel Upcycle
- Antique Mirror Makeover
- Vintage Wood Stirrup Makeover
- 1980s Wood Sled Makeover
- Pedestal Bowl Makeover
- Three Amazing Thrift Store Makeovers
- Thrift Shop Shelf Makeover
- Three Tiered Shelf Makeover
- Knitting Basket Makeover
Love your vision for this. What a perfect rescue for this. What a great gift it will make.
Thank you so much, Leslie!
Paula, I have a sewing box just like this that belonged to my mother-in-law! I didn’t realize it was designed by Max Klein or sold at K-Mart. Thanks for the history lesson! I love how you updated yours with chalk paint. I’m going to do the same thing. Instead of dated it will now look chic in my sewing and craft room! Thanks for sharing. Pinned!
It is so neat that you have the same sewing box!!
I remember these, Paula! My mother had one that was similar. Being that I love to sew, you know I think this project is a total win! You did such a nice makeover!
Thank you so much, Kim! It’s neat that your mom had a similar sewing basket. My 1970s sewing basket was green and my cousin had the same sewing box but hers were blue.
Fantastic find and you did a great job! Love the gold accent.
Thank you so much, Cindy!
Paula, I love this!! What a great transformation and a very thoughtful gift!
Thank you so much, Kim!
I love your makeover. Great job!
Thank you so much, Rebecca!
Paula! The transformation is incredible!! It’s gorgeous!! And send so simple!! Love it!
Thank you so much, Aliya!
Beautiful! Your friends daughter is very lucky! Hope you and your mom are doing well this gorgeous week! Big TX hugs!
Thank you so much, Stephanie! This is a good week for Mama. Two more treatments and then surgery and she’s done.
Yay!!!
Thank you so much, Stephanie!
Oh my gosh, Paula … my mom had a sewing box just like this, but green. It brings back so many happy memories. I love how you transformed it. Love to Sherman. xo
I am so glad that my post brought back a memory for you. I can’t wait to pass this along to my friend’s daughter.
What a special gift! I’m sure it will be treasured! Beautiful makeover!
Thank you so much, Amy!
Love how you transformed it. So pretty!
Thank you so much, Corine!
That is definitely a great update to your vintage find! I think I remember seeing those at K-Mart as a child. 😉
I am positive that my sewing basket came from Kmart. Mine was kelly green and my cousin’s was blue.
Came out great love the gold .
Thank you so much, Laura!
Wowza! The transformation looks amazing! I love how you love old things. I would probably have passed it up. I need to channel some of your creativity. ❤️ Pinned
Thank you so much, Cindy!
Talk about a drab to fab upcycle! You took the 70s right out of that box and made it so fresh and pretty. I love the gold highlights with the white. Pinned 🙂
My first time seeing a wood sewing box! That is so beautiful, great transformation!
OMG, I love it!
Thank you!
What a lovely makeover and such a practical find!
Thank you so much, Donna!
It looks so fresh and bright. Lovely! I think I would have just given it a wash and left it at that. This is much better 🙂
Thank you so much, Julie!
What a great “save”! You totally transformed that blah piece. I remember these from the 70’s and many of us had some version of these boxes. It’s gorgeous. I’m sharing your post at All About Home Monday evening. Thanks so much for coming by and sharing your great idea.
Thank you so much, Debra!