Baskets are so useful for both organizing household items and hauling laundry, but they can be a little plain looking. With the right touches of fabric (and even spray paint), you can turn ordinary into extra-ordinary!
It’s easy to make them beautiful without taking away their functionality. Simply line with fabric for hassle-free cleaning and to dress up the bins a bit for display, Easter egg collecting or even gift-giving.
Liners are simple enough to sew using bright and cheery prints or make something a little more decorative with elegant pleats and ribbons.
If using a simple design from one of the tutorials below, consider adorning with pretty lace trim or ribbons and a few buttons. The effect can be amazing!
A suggestion for decorating baskets without bringing out the sewing machine:
- Weave a strip of lace, material or ribbon through the body (if working with wicker or wire) and tie off edges into a pretty bow.
For no-sew liner ideas (a couple projects included in the collection below as well):
- Large doilies or lace by the yard
- Large linen napkins or a piece of cotton print with pulled threads for a fringe (cutting up old tablecloths works great for this)
- Burlap or coffee sack or a heavier upholstery textile: Fold over a crate or bin, tuck in corners then tie a band around the outside of the body to hold material in place. You can use twine, yarn or heavy string to do the job.
For something more tailored and custom fit, here’s a collection of tutorials for that will fit all shapes and sizes (round, oval, rectangular and square shaped). Baskets can be made from wicker, wire, plastic, whatever…something here will surely work for what you’re looking for.
Projects
Bandana: 5-Minute project that will cost you $1, a little more if you don’t already have a stash of ribbon around the house. But either way, it’s not a budget-buster.
Round: Would work great for an Easter handbasket…Fits a design with a single carrying handle and is tied in place on both sides.
15-Minute Project: This one’s nice & easy, features a foldover top and a contrasting fabric piece for the bottom (if you wish).
Drop Cloth: No pattern? No problem! Shows you step-by-step how to measure for a perfect fit.
For The Laundry: Uses an old liner for the pattern pieces, has openings for handles and tied in place with ribbons.
Optional Base: Super easy way to give an old container a new lease on life, base piece is optional.
w/ Handles: Things can get a little complicated when you’re working with a handled piece, here’s to finish them nicely.
No-Sew: A great, finished look can be achieved with some pretty fabric, Iron On Hem Tape and Heat-n-Bond tape. Spray the bin in a clean white color or a shade of choice. Voila! Transformed.
New-Sew: Open corners are tied with twine or string, seams are finished with Hem Tape.
Repurposed Quilt: A roll of bakery twine, pinking shears, and hot glue are all that’s needed, along with a well-worn & cherished quilt.
Also see this tutorial that shows you how to add an extra nice touch to a liner using a piece of carbon paper and a paint pen: aimee-weaver.blogspot.com.
