How to make a storage basket

It's so 'sew' simple! Organise your home using this trio of simple-to-make storage baskets

Published: February 22, 2021 at 6:00 am

Short on space or in need of a declutter? Keep your space spick and span with this trio of storage baskets. With a mix of sizes, pompom and tassel trims, and a block-colour design, they’re not only a practical storage solution, but they also have a fun and stylish look. Here, you can read our easy to follow guide to making your own storage baskets.

You will need

  • Heavyweight craft interfacing
  • 2m calico fabric
  • 1m contrast cotton fabric
  • Sewing thread
  • Yarn or wool
  • Fabric scissors
  • Erasable fabric marker
  • Pinking shears (optional)
  • Fabric or paper clips
  • Sewing machine

Top tip You can decorate your storage baskets however you like. Why not try other trims like ribbon and ric-rac, too?

Step 1

Cut three strips of the craft interfacing: 30 x 95cm, 40 x 125cm and 50 x 158cm. Cut two calico circles of each size across the diameter: 33cm, 43cm and 53cm. Cut three strips of calico fabric: 63 x 97cm, 83 x 129cm and 77 x 161cm. Cut a strip of the contrast cotton fabric to measure 27 x 161cm.

Step 2

Mark a circle piece 1.5cm from the edge all the way around. Take the other circle piece of the same size and sew them wrong sides (WS) together, using the marking as a guide. Repeat with the other circle pieces. To create the colour-block strip, sew the contrast fabric strip to the 161cm calico strip along one long edge, right sides (RS) together. Open out and press.

Step 3

Fold the fabric strips in half RS together so the short edges align. Pin and sew the short edges together with a 1.5cm seam allowance to create tubes. Fold the fabric tubes in half WS together, aligning the long raw edges, and press. Use fabric scissors to make small snips along the raw edges within the seam allowance; this will help when sewing the bases.

Step 4

Insert the interfacing in between the two layers of the folded tubes, making sure it is pushed up to the fold. Using fabric clips, secure each tube to its corresponding base, ensuring you flap out the cut tabs so they sit neatly.

Step 5

Sew around each base to join the tubes and the bases together, following the line of stitching on the bottom to guide you. Trim away the excess with pinking shears or finish the edges with a zigzag stitch on your machine.

Step 6

Turn the baskets RS out and fold the top edges over to create the cuffs, then smooth the bases out to create a flat surface.

Step 7

To make the tassels, wrap the yarn around your open fingers, about 24-28 times. Thread a length of yarn through the top loops of the wound yarn and pull them tightly with a double knot. Smooth the strands down and wind a second length of yarn around the strands. Knot to create the ball of the tassel.

Step 8

Snip the looped ends on the tassel and trim them to the same length. Once you have made enough to space evenly around the basket edge, trim them all to the same length.

Step 9

Using a darning needle, stitch the hanging yarn through the edge of the cuff. Tie a double knot to secure. Attach the pompoms in the same way, securing the thread on the inside.

Tutorial by Samantha Claridge

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