I promised someone I would start a thread on how to cover a box in fabric, so here it is.

No pics yet, tomorrow I promise.

First Off, I start by making the box, I have done so many of these it takes me about 45 minutes with an airnailer and a table saw.

I made this box out of Maple Vennered Fiber Core Plywood.  Densest scrape I had around(well, in quantities to build a box.)

After making the box I went out and purchased 1.33 yards of fabric.  This gives plenty left over and is about the least I can purchase and not have to squeeze my brain to fit the pieces.  

I purchased leather this time around.

I wanted to do designs on the side of this box so, Next I bought some 1/8 inch foam and cut designs out of making sure I held the blade at 45 degrees to the surface.  

I then glued these designs to the box using spray adhesive.
3M 77, or similar strong fabric/multiuse adhesives work.  (I would use real upholstery contact cement but I have no access to it.)

With my designs carefully mounted in the areas of the box I wanted them, I than cut out my fabric.  I like to start big and trim the fabric down, so I cut pieces roughly 2-3 inches larger in each dimension.

Next I spray the fabric and the box with adhesive.  A good coating is needed, but 3M 77 works best with a light to medium coat, not too heavy or stuff doesn't dry.

With designs on the side of the box, things become a little difficult.  I lay the fabric onto the desing first and work my way to the edges of the box smoothing everything out.  Its best to have something smooth and small to roll creases and wrinkles out(I use a sharpy marker, no idea why).

After the glue drys for 15-20 minutes a side, I cut the excess fabric off.  On this box, I trimmed to 1/4 inch of the edges because I planed on trim.  

If you wish, you can learn to sew and sew all 4 sides of the box together slightly smaller than the actuall box.  This is then pulled down the sides and smoothed out.  It ill allow only 4 nice seams (or one depending on how you lay out) at the corners.  The slightly smaller requirement is for a tight fit with no wrinkles.

thanks a lot J-Rock
i have a friend who made a leather backpack for me. he knows a thing or two about working with leather.
it just didn't cross my mind that it would be nice to build a leather 'sock' for the box.
i have some cow leather, with fur on it, somewhere in the garage... although it's old, the fur is still firmly attached. i plan on building another db-10 and covering the box in that material. i hope it'll look good.
thanks again for the thread. just don't forget the pics.

it looks great. now i see that each panel was separetly covered. that was the only thing that i was uncertain of.
good idea about those small pieces of mdf on the bottom lid, to ensure the seal. that's something i'll use in my next db-10 build.
thanks for the pics. and for the tutorial