How can I make my own letter box catcher?

Hi Suzie, sorry your dog eats the mail. Here is something I hope will help you. Good luck Sign InJoin ARTSAUTOSBOOKSBUSINESSEDUCATIONENTERTAINMENTFAMILYFASHIONFOODGAMESGENDERHEALTHHOLIDAYSHOMEHUBPAGESPERSONAL FINANCEPETSPOLITICSRELIGIONSPORTSTECHNOLOGYTRAVEL

HubPages» Homemaking a mail catcher

Updated on June 4, 2014

Kathie Miller more

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How to make a mail catcher

OK, so here's my problem. My mail is delivered right through my front door. That's fine, but it ends up all over the floor in a mess. On top of that I have a dog that likes to chew on it. Not good if I got bills or a check. So I decided to get a basket to catch the mail. It worked most of the time, but occasionally it would miss the basket and end up on the floor again. I didn't like the looks of the wire cages so started looking around for a better solution. While searching on the web for ideas, I saw a company that makes just what I was looking for. They were selling it for $27.96. Not a bad price until you add shipping. So I decided to make one myself.

All photos by author

Here is what were making. It's a very simple and easy to make design. It doesn't stick out and take up space. It lays flat against the door, yet the mail can be slipped in easily.

What you will need

1. Fabric of your choice. What type of fabric? Just about any fabric will do. You can even use the faux leathers out there. For that matter you could use real leather if your sewing machine can handle it. There are so many wonderful cotton fabrics out there for quilts. You will need to by two lengths, one for your outside fabric and one for your lining. You also need to stiffen the fabric a bit. Buy one length of stiff interfacing.

For my mail catcher, I chose a quilted fabric in a cream color . It already has the two layers and a bit of batting between. It's a nice weight and all the work is done for you.

2. Binding - I used blanket binding. It's nice and wide and is already double folded for you. One package will be just enough.

3. Velcro - They have a product called Décor. It's sticky on the hook side to stick to the door and a loop side that you sew on.

4. Thread of course

5. And the usual tools - scissors, pins and a sewing machine.

Velcro Brand Home Decor Tape 1"X6'-White

This product has the hook side that sticks to the surface and a loop side that is sewn on. Perfect for this project.

Buy Now

Measure the width of your mail slot and add 3" to each side - this will be the width of the mail catcher. Mine comes out to 16"

Measure the depth of your mail slot and add 28" (14" X 2) - This will be the length of your mail catcher before it's folded. Mine came to 32".

First cut your fabric to the required size. Again mine was 16" x 32". Bind all the edges.

Fold up one edge 14", match the edges but pin only 7" up. Pin on the loop half of the velcro close to the edge. Be careful to pin the velcro on the correct side of each edge. When you fold up the bottom edge, you will be applying the velcro to both sides facing you. Now sew on the velcro going all the way around. Sew up the sides just to your 7" pin.

Cut the hook half of the velcro to match the loop half and press together. Remove the clear tape on the hook half and carefully apply it to the door. Do this while it's still attached to the mail catcher. That way you are sure they match up. Repeat with the lower velcro.

That's it! Your' done.

We nailed a basket up just under the opening.

The one at my moms house has a door. Think that would work?

Thanku u all that took the time to ans my problem love suzie