How to Make a Fabric Basket

Organize all the things with this super easy fabric basket pattern. All levels love sewing them because they come together quickly and are truly useful all around the house.

You can easily adjust the pattern to make baskets in any size. The small bins are perfect for making surfaces look less cluttered. Larger baskets are great for organizing closets.

My favorite use is keeping one next to the couch to hold things I’m constantly reaching for but can’t seem to find – lip balm, lotion, a pen, the remote control, etc.

They are also wonderful for holding reusable makeup remover pads. That is another beginner-friendly sewing project you might want to try.

Are you wondering if you need fabric baskets for yourself and what you will put in them? Here are some ideas to get you thinking.

What to Put in a Fabric Basket

• Cotton balls
• Cotton Swabs
• Pens
• Pencils
• Markers
• Nail polish
• Tea bags
• Sugar packets
• Sewing tools
• Wash cloths
• Remote controls
• Small toys
• First aid supplies
• Plants

How many do you need now? Good thing they are quick to make!

Don’t forget to make extras to include in care packages for loved ones.

Supplies Needed

• 1/4 yard Heavy Fabric
• Coordinating Thread
• Fabric Shears
• Straight Pins
• Sewing Clips
• Iron
• Ironing Board
• Sewing Machine

A heavy, durable fabric is best for your basket. This example uses vintage broadcloth. Canvas, denim and even felt will work.

If you need help choosing fabric for any project, this Beginner Guide to Buying Fabric is a fantastic resource.

How to Make a Fabric Basket

Beginning by determining the size of your basket. They can be made in any size divisible by three. This tutorial makes the basket shown holding toilet paper and began with two 15″ x 15″ squares of fabric.

Dividing by three gives you the amount to cut from each corner, forming a plus shape. In this case, 15 divided by 3 equals 5. Therefore, 5″ squares were cut from each corner of the 15″ squares of fabric.

One of these will form the lining, and the other will form the exterior of the basket. They do not have to be cut from the same fabric. It’s fun to mix and match!

Next, fold each piece of fabric with right sides together and pin.

Sew along each side with a 1/4″ seam allowance. Do not sew across the top or into the center ‘V’.

Then fold the fabric to the opposite corners, still with right sides together and pin. You should begin to see a box shape forming.

Sew along the remaining sides with a 1/4″ seam allowance.

You should have two inside out boxes. Turn the one that will be the lining right side out.

Insert the lining into the exterior with right sides together. Line up the seams at each corner and clip to hold.

Now sew around the perimeter of the top, leaving a 2″ gap. Be careful not to catch the opposite side of the basket underneath while stitching.

Carefully pull the lining through the gap. At this point, your creation probably doesn’t look anything like a basket. (See photo below.)

Push the lining into the exterior to form the basket shape again.

Turn the un-sewn gap under and press the entire basket.

The final step is to top stitch around the top of the basket.

Your basket is ready to fill! You may choose to fold down the top 1″ to reveal the lining fabric, or leave it as is.

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