DIY Fabric Basket: Easy Sewing Project for Leftover Fabric Scraps
FREE PATTERN INCLUDED!
Whilst my mission here at Digital Pattern Library is to help you build your dream wardrobe, designed, made, and worn by you. Today, we're doing something a little different. See, an unfortunate side effect of making your own clothes is the inevitable textile waste that comes with it.
If you’ve been around the DPL universe for a while, you’ll know I have made a sustainable pledge to always offer practical and fun scrap buster patterns for free in a bid to combat the 15% of fabric waste that otherwise ends up on the cutting room floor. This means we have a range of scraps in various sizes from small bits of fabric that are great for stuffing, making ‘scrap confetti’, or even sewing accessories to the larger pieces that can be applied to small makes such as coin purses, a pair of knickers or today’s project: a fabric basket.
I’m going to show you how to create this versatile project for a practical, fun and beginner-friendly way to use up (and even store) your fabric scraps. Feel free to use this fabric planter or basket to organise your sewing supplies, makeup, dog’s toys, or anything else you can think of! Not forgetting it comes in five sizes to suit any space or leftovers!
⏬ Scroll Down for a Video Tutorial! ⏬
Instructions:
Step One:
Cut Out Your Pattern Pieces
Download the free pattern by clicking here.
Cut out six pieces: two from your exterior fabric, two from your contrast lining fabric, and optionally, two from interfacing for extra structure depending on the weight of your textile scraps.
In this example I have used some leftover animal print linen from a skirt framework inside The DPL Atelier and scrap calico I use to toile my projects. I quite like the combination of a plain fabric paired with a colourful print as the contrast is high enough to create a design detail, yet still complimentary to each other. They also totally match my home décor!
Step Two:
Prepare Your Fabrics
If using interfacing, fuse it to your fabric using a dry hot iron, covering it with a pressing cloth to avoid damaging the interfacing.
Step Three:
Sew the Fabric Pieces
Pin the right sides of the exterior fabric pieces together followed by the right side of the lining pieces together.
Sew along the two medium-length edges and the short length at the top with a 1 cm seam allowance.
Press the seam allowances open using an iron and a sleeve press.
Construct the Basket:
Match and pin the corners, then sew with a 1 cm seam allowance.
Snip and press the seams open for a neat finish.
Step Four:
Join Exterior and Lining
Turn the exterior fabric right side out and place it inside the lining fabric, aligning the seams.
Pin around the top edge, leaving a 2.5 cm gap for turning.
Sew around the top edge with a 1 cm seam allowance.
Step Five:
Finish the Basket:
Turn the basket right side out through the gap.
Press the top edge, ensuring the lining and exterior fabrics are aligned.
Edge stitch around the top to close the gap and secure the fabric.
And that's it! With just 12 lines of stitching, you've created a cute, versatile fabric basket. It's quick, uses up scraps, and is both practical and beginner-friendly.
Additional Tips:
Use a craft scalpel or scissors to cut out each template size, preserving the full range of sizes without reprinting.
If you’re struggling with sewing a straight line of stitches, shift your line of vision from the needle and thread of your machine to the edge of the fabric, it’s a game changer!
Check out the variety of other free patterns available, such as yoga mat bags, scrunchies, and mannequin arms for draping designs.
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. Don’t forget to download the free pattern below and tag me on social media if you make this or any of my other free scrap-buster patterns. Stay safe, keep creative, and happy sewing!