DIY Softbox: How to Make a Large Softbox

Make your own large softbox using lumber for the frame and fabric you can purchase from Sailrite. Our step-by-step video tutorial shows you how. We used Cordura® HP Black fabric and Nylon 200D Optic White fabric for the diffuser. This DIY softbox project requires you to make your own wooden frame and also requires some simple sewing. A hook-and-loop system is stapled to the frame and sewn onto the diffuser fabric, which makes for easy access to the light panels or softbox bulbs. If you need a large softbox and don’t want to spend thousands of dollars, consider making your own with help from Sailrite.

Intro - 0:00
Discussion of Wooden Frame - 0:22
Measuring for Black HP Cordura® Fabric - 1:27
Sewing Panels Together - 3:06
Creating Pleat at Corners - 6:41
Stapling Black HP Cordura® to Frame - 12:22
Stapling Black Hook Fastener to Edge - 15:26
Measuring & Sewing Nylon 200D Optic White Fabric - 16:22
Creating Single Hem - 19:25
Sewing White Loop Fastener to Edge - 22:11
Installing Softbox - 24:05
Materials & Tools List - 25:22

MATERIALS LIST:
Cordura® HP Black 60" Fabric - SKU: 122055 https://www.sailrite.com/Cordura-HP-B...
Seamstick 3/8" Basting Tape for Canvas (36 yds.) - SKU: 122064 https://www.sailrite.com/Seamstick-3-...
Thread from Sailrite – We used V-69 Polyester on Cordura & V-46 on 200D Nylon
21 Gauge 3/8" (10mm) Staples 10,000/Box (Galvanized) - SKU: 8010GZ https://www.sailrite.com/Sailrite-21-...
Nylon Black Hook 1" - SKU: 469100 https://www.sailrite.com/Velcro-Nylon...
Nylon 200D Optic White 60" Fabric - SKU: 100134 https://www.sailrite.com/Nylon-Flag-C...
Nylon White Loop 1" - SKU: 471100 https://www.sailrite.com/Velcro-Nylon...
Wire Rope Clamp 1/8" (3mm)(Stainless Steel) - SKU: 120770 https://www.sailrite.com/Wire-Rope-Cl...
7x7 Wire Rope 1/8" x 50' (Stainless Steel) - SKU: 122698 https://www.sailrite.com/7x7-Wire-Rop...

TOOLS LIST:
Scribe-All® Water Soluble White Marking Pencil - SKU: 120681 https://www.sailrite.com/Scribe-All-W...
Professional Stainless Steel 10" Scissors - SKU: 123615 https://www.sailrite.com/Professional...
Sailrite® Deluxe Fabricator® Sewing Machine Package (110V) - SKU: 400600 https://www.sailrite.com/Sailrite-Del...
Deluxe 5-1/2" Magnetic Sewing Guide - SKU: 103597 https://www.sailrite.com/Deluxe-5-1-2...
Sailrite® Long Nose Upholstery Staple Gun - SKU: 121411 https://www.sailrite.com/Sailrite-Lon...
Staple Lifter - SKU: 120037 https://www.sailrite.com/Staple-Lifter
Clear Acrylic Ruler 6" x 24" - SKU: 102400 https://www.sailrite.com/Clear-Acryli...
Grease Marking Pencil Yellow - SKU: 111002 https://www.sailrite.com/Marking-Penc...
Tape Measure, Drill & Bits, Chop Saw, Marker, Electrical Wire & Plugs, Lag Eye Screws, Lights


WOODEN FRAME MATERIALS LIST (One - 8’ x 8‘ Soft Box Frame):
5 each 2” x 4” x 8’ Lumber
4 each 2” x 2” x 8’ Furring Strip Board Lumber
4 each 1” x 3” x 8’ Furring Strip Board
1 ½” & 3” Wood Screws