Looking for a practical, stylish sewing project that doubles as home organization? This DIY Fabric Basket Tutorial by Cat from Mary Martha Mama is the perfect afternoon craft!
Whether you need extra storage for your fabric stash, craft supplies, nursery items, or living room clutter, this sturdy fabric bin is both functional and beautiful. Measuring approximately 11 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 9 inches tall when finished, it is robust enough to hold its shape while remaining soft and foldable.
Project Overview at a Glance
| Finished Size | Approx. 11" L × 11" W × 9" H |
| Designer / Author | Cat (Mary Martha Mama) |
| Project Type | Home Organization / Storage Sewing |
| Estimated Time | About 2 hours |
| Difficulty Level | Easy / Beginner-Friendly |
Materials & Tools Required
To sew your own fabric basket, gather the following supplies:
- Outer Fabric: ½ yard of heavy fabric like duck canvas, heavy cotton, or decor weight fabric
- Lining Fabric: ½ yard of cotton fabric for the inner lining
- Interfacing: ¾ yard of firm fusible interfacing (crucial for structure!)
- Handles: ½ yard of cotton webbing
- General Sewing Supplies: Sewing machine, heavy-duty needles, coordinating thread, pins, ruler, and fabric marker
Step 1: Fabric Cutting Guide
Wash, dry, and press your fabric before making the following cuts:
- Outer Fabric: Cut 2 rectangles (20″ × 13.5″)
- Lining Fabric: Cut 2 rectangles (20″ × 13.5″)
- Fusible Interfacing: Cut 2 rectangles (20″ × 13.5″)
- Cotton Webbing: Cut 2 pieces (9″ long each) for handles
Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions
Step 2: Fuse the Interfacing
Iron the firm fusible interfacing to the wrong side of your two exterior fabric rectangles. Use a pressing cloth to prevent any adhesive residue from transferring onto your iron.
Step 3: Sew the Outer Shell
Place the two exterior fabric pieces right sides together. Pin and sew along the two sides and the bottom using a ½-inch seam allowance. Press the seams open.
Step 4: Box the Corners
With the outer bag inside out, pinch the bottom seam and side seam together at one corner to form a flat triangle point. Measure across the corner with a ruler until the line width measures 7 inches. Mark the line with a fabric pencil and sew directly along it. Repeat for the opposite corner, then trim off the excess triangle corners.
Step 5: Attach the Cotton Webbing Handles
Turn the main outer shell right side out. Pin one handle piece to the top edge of the basket, placing each end 2 inches away from the center side seam. Baste the handles into place ¼ inch from the top edge. Repeat on the opposite side.
Step 6: Construct the Lining
Place your two lining pieces right sides together. Sew along the side and bottom edges with a ½-inch seam allowance, leaving a 4–5 inch opening unsewn at the bottom for turning later. Repeat the corner-boxing step (drawing a 7-inch line and trimming corners) on the lining.
Step 7: Join Outer Basket and Lining
Keep the lining inside out. Insert the exterior basket (which is right side out) inside the lining so right sides are facing together. Align the top edges and side seams, pin in place, and sew all the way around the top rim with a ½-inch seam allowance.
Step 8: Turn and Finish
Pull the exterior basket through the opening left in the lining. Stitch the lining opening closed near the edge. Push the lining down into the basket, press the top edge neatly with an iron, and topstitch around the top rim for a clean finish.
🧵 Visit the Original Tutorial
To view full process photos and learn more about Cat's creative projects, check out the original post on Mary Martha Mama's DIY Fabric Basket Tutorial .
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash this fabric basket?
Because firm fusible interfacing and cotton duck canvas are used, spot cleaning is recommended to maintain the crisp shape of the basket.
Can I change the handle position?
Yes! You can easily modify the placement or length of the cotton webbing handles to suit a tote bag style or side handle configuration.
Happy sewing!
