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Fabric Scrap Basket Tutorial

April 21, 2009

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I thought I’d share with you how to make my fabric scrap “basket”. It’s VERY simple. I whipped out another two baskets in no time at all. Now I have all of my smaller scraps organized into small, medium and large groupings. Did I even mention I’m a Capricorn and like to be organized to a fault? No? Well if this doesn’t prove it, I don’t know what will. Go ahead, make yourself a few of these today. You’ll love it so much better than your Ziploc bags. I know I do!
Fabric-Basket-Steps-1thru4

Directions

1. You will need to gather your supplies. I grabbed two fat quarters (one for the interior and one for the exterior) and my sew-in interfacing. I bought this a few years ago and have no idea of it’s name. It’s like a thick paper, not as thick as card stock, but thicker than printer paper. I think it’s something like this. You could also use a fusible interfacing, Timtex or batting. I found that I really like this interfacing for the boxes. It gives it a nice shape, but is easy to work with.

2. Cut out your pieces as follows:
Exterior: 1 – 15 x 15”
Interior: 1 – 14-7/8” x 14-7/8” **
Interfacing/batting: 1 – 15 x 15”

**I like my interior to fit and not be so rumpled from too much fabric, so this is why I cut my interior slightly smaller. You could of course cut it the same size as your other two pieces.

3. Cut 4-1/2” squares from each corner of your exterior and interfacing. I stack these two together and cut each corner. It should look like a giant plus-sign when you’re finished.

If you are using fusible interfacing I suggest fusing that to your fabric before cutting.  If you are using a sew-in interfacing (as I did with my baskets) then you will want to baste the interfacing to the exterior fabric after both pieces are cut out.  Baste the interfacing to the exterior fabric around all the sides of the plus-sign.

4. Take your interior piece and fold it in half one direction and then in half the other direction, resulting in a 7-1/2” square. Lining up on the corner with no folds, cut a 4-1/2” square. Again, you should have a giant plus-sign once opened out.

Note: You could also just cut a 4-1/2” squares individually out of each corner, it just goes a bit faster folding and cutting all at once. The reason I didn’t do this with the exterior + interfacing is because of the rigidity of the interfacing I used. If your working with a softer material, or fusible interfacing, you could do this for your exterior + interfacing (or batting) pieces. This is your call.

Fabric-Basket-Step-5

5. Fold opposite corners of the plus-sign to each other (as pictured) and pin along outer edges. Right sides of fabric together. Stitch with a 1/4” seam allowance. Open out and repeat for the opposite direction. (See photos below for more photo explanation.)

Fabric-Basket-Step-6

6. You will now sew your lining in the same manner. Essentially what you’re doing is sewing your sides together by sewing the sides that were created when you cut out that 4-1/2” square from Step 3.

Fabric-Basket-Steps-7thru8

7. With right sides together, nestle your exterior box inside of your interior.

Note: By “right sides together” I mean to have the fabric facing out on your exterior piece, and the fabric facing in on your interior piece.

8. Pin these two pieces together at the corner seams, making sure the seam allowances are facing opposite directions. This allows you to butt the seams together for a continuous seam from inside out. (See photo)

Fabric-Basket-Step-9

9. You’ll notice that there is a little gaping between your exterior and interior, this is because your two fabrics are slightly different in size. You will need to ease your fabrics together, but pulling slightly as you pin.

I suggest you start with a pin in the center, and then half way between that and your edge seam, as shown in the second picture above. Continue around the top until it’s all pinned. You can see I have LOTS of pins in that last picture.

Fabric-Basket-Steps-10thru13

10. Sew around your piece with a 1/4” seam allowance, leaving an opening on one side in the center to turn.

11. Pull your piece right side out.

12. Press along the top edge.

13. Edge stitch along top edge, approximately 1/8”.

And you’re done! So after writing all of that out, it seems like a lot of directions for something really easy…but sometimes explaining takes a bit of time. I hope you’ll give it a try and share your creations in my Flickr group.

**EDITED** See this post for info on pressing it to get a nice, crisp, boxy shape.   Approximate box size is: 5.5″ x 5.5″ x 4.5″ deep.

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Comments

  3. Ok, I need to have a go at this one, though things like this usually have me totally stumped! It looks really easy though so I’ll have to show you how it all goes! :)

    Reply

  9. I think I’m going to give this a whirl. Maybe some larger sizes/different shapes to replace those “magazine” baskets I didn’t bring when we moved? Very interesting. (btw, I found you thru @SisterDiane on Twitter)

    Reply

  12. oooh! I need to make some of these. Right now my fabric is piled on my desk (and I am working on my bed) and is in serious need of some organization/storage help. I think I’ll try bigger ones too… way more stylish then plastic boxes or bags! (i.e. I can leave them out to inspire me!)

    Reply

  13. You have a lovely blog here

    I found you through How about orange and i love this tutorial, thank you so much for sharing this.

    I will defintely have to make this its going to my to do list.

    Reply

  16. Just came from How About Orange…Great tute! What an ingenious way of sewing a box together, the folding in half diagonally part. I will have to try this out…soon. Today, doing a big art festival though. hmm…Would this work for rectangles I wonder?

    Reply

  21. Just like all the posters above, I am LOVING this. I have so many planned out in my head now…including one or two for gift giving. Better than wrapping paper!

    Reply

    • That is so what I was thinking, i am going to try and make the boxes for most of my christmas gifts instead of wrappimg them i will put the gifts in boxes that will be made with each recipient in mind such as for my grandsons i purchased teenage ninja turtles and the avengers material

      Reply

  23. I love these – I’m going to try them soon, I hope. I’m a bit concerned that the interfacting stuff I have is not stuff enough – it was the stiffest sew in stuff they had at the fabric store, so here’s hoping.

    – Donna

    Reply

  24. Hi, what a great blog, i have added to my fav blog list, im sure some of my readers will love these too, they are great, better than the plastic boxes im using now. A great idea.

    Reply

  25. How easy, and stylish too. I cannot guarantee I will forgo my love of Ziplock bags to keep my scraps since I forsee I will probably make some boxes and then store the Ziplock bags in them…

    I am looking forward to checking out the rest of your blog, you have some neat ideas. Thanks!

    Reply

  29. I just made one! It came out a little bit wonky because I had to keep analyzing the directions between each step and I didn’t cut the squares perfectly. I got a little confused with what to do with the interfacing but I had some iron on stabilizer here and i just ironed that to the back of my outside fabric. Worked out great! I love my little box!!!!

    I can’t wait to make more. Thanks so much for posting this tutorial. Now that I’ve actually made one it makes absolutely perfect sense!

    Reply

  30. I made one today and it turned out great! Your instructions were very easy to understand. Here is the link to my blog post about it:

    http://www.fromscratchbaby.blogspot.com/

    I also mentioned the pattern for more sizes, which I am going to buy to make more! All of the ideas for things that need organizing in these lovely boxes is swirling in my head.

    What a GREAT project you have come up with and even greater idea to sell a downloadable pattern, too.

    Reply

  46. I’m a very novice seamstress, but these I can make! In fact, I just did and it was so much fun! Can’t wait to try different sizes and colors, and maybe even get wild and crazy by adding a little handle?? Thanks for the tutorial

    Reply

  59. This is JUST what I was looking for for some washable bathroom storage baskets for my man’s shaving stuff (which somehow is currently evenly distributed all over our shared vanity). Very helpful!

    Reply

  62. Thanks so much. I’ve been looking for a pattern for these! I’m going to make an easket basket for my daughter for next year and some for her bedroom!

    Reply

  65. Great tutorial! I’ve tried making one of these as well as one from Amy Butler’s ‘Institches’ and I much prefer yours! Much easier.

    Allie @ ducklyandjuicy.blogspot.com

    Reply

  69. Sew I’m guessing by the last comment, that this is not for beginners? I was just going to ask that ? when I saw the last comment. What size does the box actually turn out to be? Do you think it’s sturdy enough to hold things other than fabric?
    Would you be able to e-mail me?
    Thanks so much!
    wendydot roos2boys @gmail dotcom

    Reply

  72. I just found this via pinterest. I made 6 of the little buggers today. I am not a scrap collector so now need uses for them. Thinking….square box of kleenex. Maybe as a baby gift filled with diapers. Any more ideas out there?

    Reply

  74. I found this tutorial a few weeks ago and just made my first one. thank you! I topstitched to avoid hand-sewing and it looks great. I also pressed the side seams to help it keep its shape since I didn’t have any heavy-weight interfacing to use. love, love this. big thanks!

    Reply

  76. I’m excited to dig in and try this. I do some reorganize things on my blog, and I would love to use some of these and link the directions back to here. I am a seasoned sew-er, but some things intimidate me still…like square things! This seems simple and super easy…I’m off to hunt through my stash!

    Thanks for sharing this!
    Chandra
    http://www.judyjane.com

    Reply

  77. on step 5 it would have helped to see contrasting thread…it’s hard to see where to sew….I can do this wrong….that’s why we have seam rippers… but that’s is not fun

    Reply

  79. Someone mentioned this being better than gift wrapping. I think these would make excellent replacements for gift boxes. I’ve not made one yet, but maybe another box could be made just by adding 1/8-1/4 inch so that it would be just slightly larger than the other so you would end up with a lid. Slide the slightly larger box over the top of the other one and use ribbon to tie shut and decorate. Not only will the recipient get whatever gift is IN the box, they can use both the bottom and lid as storage. :)

    Reply

  80. Great tutorial, I’m building shelves in my craft area just for things like this, and I’ll definitely be making a bunch of these! BTW, the interfacing used is +Lutradur®, a mix between fabric and paper, is a spun bonded polyester sew-in for crafting, sewing, quilting and fiber art. It can be manipulated in any way paper can but has the strength and permanence of a textile. Lutradur® can be printed, painted, dyed, stamped, foiled, burned and sewn.”. You can google the term to find where to buy it.

    Reply

  82. PJKnitter – I did not have an email address to reply to your comment, so i’m putting my answer here in the comments: If you’re using fusible interfacing I would fuse it on to your exterior fabric before cutting the corners away. If you’re using sew-in interfacing or batting, I would sew it to the exterior piece after you’ve cut away the corners.

    Reply

  84. This looks great, and just what I need in order to organize my new sewing room! Thank you for the really great instructions and photos to help me along!

    Reply

  85. Thank you for posting and maintaining this tutorial. I have wanted to make some fabric boxes for some time, to keep scraps handy for test runs for tension, or how does a decorative stitch look? And a second box for small quilt sandwiches to warm up for fmq. I am hoping to figure out how to make your tuttorial a bit larger, approximately 6.5″ wide, 9″long and 4.5″ tall. I realize I need longer. I am guessing if I have fabric 18 x 16, that would be enough to get my desired dimensions. Can you confirm that I would still cut the 4.5 square out of each, outside corner? I’m excited to make some this weekend so I can return the plastic basket I just bought that don’t really fit my storage spot anyway ;-)

    thank you for any help and again, for sharing your tutorial.
    Michelle

    Reply

  86. I’ve been having great fun making these! Your directions were easy to follow….okay, I confess to sewing the wrong seams, but still turned out awesome!

    Reply

  90. I love these! So easy to make! Your instructions are so easy to follow for a novice like me! If I wanted to make a larger one, how could I do that using the same method?

    Reply

  97. I’m a beginner sewer and things that look easy are not easy for me! I’m still learning how to use my machine. It works fine for a while then it stats bunching up thread on the back side! UUUUGGGG this looks like something I’d like to try, but I’m not sure my machine will cooperate

    I may just learn what’s wrong and be able to make this!

    Thanks for sharing

    Reply

  99. I taught my 9 year old daughter how to sew using this tutorial. It is easy, straightforward and versatile. I’ve made quite a few of various sizes and some with handles and will be making these for Christmas presents this year for sure. Thanks for your expertise.

    Reply

  100. Hi, Wonderful tutorial, you are so neat and everything looks perfect!
    Thank you for sharing, Can you please say what brand interfacing you used as I have not been able to find anything stiff enough.

    Reply

    • It is by Pellon, and is a sew-in interfacing. I think it’s their mid-weight, but I don’t have the paper from it anymore. It’s not quite as stiff as a piece of cardstock, but stiffer than a piece of printer paper. It’s pretty rigid. If you’re able to go to a store like Joann’s or Handcock, they always seem to have it and you’ll know when you see it that it will hold up nicely in these. I’m thinking it’s their 40-weight, but it could be their 50-weight.

      Reply

  104. These would be great to make them a little larger and use to organize your undies, bras and such. Spray a little of your favorite perfume on the bottom.

    Reply

  106. Oh these are fabulous. I am going to bookmark and sew a dozen, much nicer to organise with these than with the cardboard boxes i’m using right now. Also will make a few for baby’s socks and singlets. Brilliant instructions, thank you.

    Reply

  107. I love this basket. I have made several as gifts, always well received. They are quick to make. Instructions easy to follow.

    Do you have a pattern for a bigger basket?

    Reply

  108. Thank you! I had made a mistake with some pinwheels (8.5″x8.5″ squares) and made a nice short sided ‘basket’ so no WASTE!!!

    Reply

  110. Looks so easy. I need to make one in each color for my applique scraps. Great way to organize my new sewing area. Thanks for the easy directions.

    Reply

  113. Hello!!

    I absolutely love this basket and have been attempting it. I;m stumped even before I start sewing. (I’m a super beginner) I have everything cut up, and the interfacing fused to my exterior fabric on the wrong side. and I folder the big ‘plus sign’ in half like in the picture… now which sides am I supposed to sew together? The long seam? and then unfold, refold it the opposite direction and sew the other long fold? sorry if I’m confusing with the question. I just really want to make this basket!!!!!

    thank you in advance!
    -R

    Reply

    • If i’m understanding you correctly, you do NOT want to sew on the fold. You will be sewing the raw edges of the fabric. Looking at the second photo, above step 5, you will want to sew along the far right side and the side that’s facing the bottom of the photo. If you look closely (I know it’s hard to see) there are pins on those sides holding the fabric together, so you will want to sew there. Then you will open it out and pin those opposite sides the same way. I hope this helps, let me know if you still need more guidance.

      Reply

  114. Thank you so much for replying so quickly!!

    So you mean to sew the 2 shorter sides that you get after folding the fabric in half?, and NOT the 1 long seam?

    Going to attempt this tomorrow after some much needed sleep!

    Thanks again for helping!!
    -R

    Reply

  115. OOOOH wait a minute! I get it now, I guess my brain just started working! The picture makes sense now. I tried just holding my fabric and “making” the basket without actually sewing. I’m a very visual/hands on learner. Thank you again for your help and awesome basket tutorial!!

    -R

    Reply

  117. Thank you – I love storage ideas – I love being organised too – and I’m a capricorn too – so thank you very much.

    Reply

  118. I know this is being picky, but for the novice it might be important. I don’t see where you address adding the interfacing. I put it onto my exterior fabric prior to cutting out the corners. I suppose you could also put it onto the interior fabric if you wanted the exterior to be softer. I just though it might be something you would want to add to the tutorial. Otherwise, it’s great!

    Reply

  119. Hi I love these fabric Scrap Baskets I Plan to make a few of these once I get the hang of making them. I like this Idea because I tend to keep my fabric scraps in plastic shopping bags & have a alot I used to keep other Craft Supplies or Projects In.My Few Queries Are; 1. Hi just wanted to know if yoû have to fold the big plus sign in the direction of the arrows in above photo, 2. After you make the big plus sign Sample I did a tester using paper & number each big square e.g:( 1,2,3,4); So would I Sew number 3 to no. 2, no. 2 to no. 1 & so on; let me know if I’m on the right track or not; I Appreciate appreciate very much thanks. Look Forward to your Response A.S.A.P & TAFS This Fantastic Tutorial With Online Viewers or Readers. I also apologize for the long comment post.

    Reply

    • 1. Yes, you fold in the direction of the arrows, matching the corners where the arrows begin to the corners where the arrows end. 2. Not knowing which squares are labeled 1, 2, 3, and 4, i’m not sure if your thinking is correct for this question. In the tutorial, I have the photo with the arrows showing how you will fold it and the photo next to that shows it folded, ready to sew. Below that, the photos also show again, in different view, how to fold these in half and sew. Basically, you are folding this + in half on its diagonal. I hope this clarifies it for you.

      Reply

  120. Hi thanks for your response; I apprrciate it alot & I’ll try it using your advice given; One More Thing; how comes when you fold your + diagonally following the arrows from top to bottom when I look at your images for folding it’s forming what looks like a perfect square & with no cut out square when you fold it diagonally; did you flip yours upside down; just asking & mine’s forming a Rectang doinsomethinrong; just Asking; that’s it & i look foryo look forward to your response A.S.A.P. TAFS & The Advice Given & I Apologies for the lot of questions I’m Asking If you find them Annoying; just saying.

    Reply

    • I’m not really sure what you’re asking here, but I think the confusion is in sewing the box into a box shape…? After you fold to the arrows and sew on the sides (in the second photo is the straight part, with pins towards the bottom, and the side towards the right of the photo with pins) then you open it up and match the other opposite corners to sew the other two straight sides, at that point you will have a box. It’s on my to do list to redo this tutorial, so perhaps in the next post of this everything will be a little clearer. I’ll try to get that done in the next week or so. But no promises. :)

      Reply

  121. Hi Christina Thanks For the information given in the last Response post above; I’ll give it a shot at it again,following the last post info’ above & see if it works this time around; if not I’ll be looking out for the Redo tutorial hopefully soon from now & thanks for giving me a head’s up on that; I Appreciate It; thanks & look forward to your response A.S.A.P!

    Reply

  122. Im just learning to sew in all honesty it took me 30 minutes to figure out how to turn on the quilting/sewing machine I purchased. I can finally sew straight lines! (Well almost straight) I have not completed a project yet but this will be my first project! I have everything I need I’m hoping to try it today. Oh by the way I LOVE your little sheep ♡♡♡
    Daniell

    Reply

  123. Great directions. I am a visual learners and your written directions and pictures were very helpful. Thank you so much.

    Reply

  124. Just found this posting. Love them! Haven’t tried these yet, but I will. Larger sizes might be good too & how about adding handles at the sides for carrying?

    Reply

  125. great! Thanks!. I have taught many classes……..this is the most simple. I know my I I year old daughter will love them…..to sew for her and her friends. And of course for her brother or maybe he will sew them.( camoflouge) of course.

    Reply

  126. I made one this evening & it was real simple! So cute & I was surprised at how much it holds considering the size. I will b making many more of these as I have a hall pantry in desperate need of organising. Thank you so much for the easy instructions. You did a wonderful job!

    Reply

  127. In your directions you told us how to cut the interfacing, but not when to either iron it on or sew in or and where to do that.

    Reply

    • How funny that after 7 years no one has mentioned that. I will make not in the directions. If you are using a fusible interfacing I would iron that on before cutting the exterior piece so that you only have to cut that piece once (instead of exterior and then interfacing). If you are using a stiff sew-in interfacing (as I did) cut out your pieces and then baste it to the backside of the exterior fabric around all the edges (so all around the + sign). I hope that clears it up!

      Reply

  128. This is the best fabric box tutorial I’ve tried. I added a handle for my Midwife’s birth pool pump but other than that followed this to a “t”. I’ve done several other boxes but your instructions were very clear and the results are so nice and clean looking!! Thanks so much for sharing!!!

    Reply

  130. Thanks for this! I had great success with the first one I made and now I will make an even better one next time. :)

    Reply

    • The interfacing I used is slightly stiff. I wouldn’t recommend cardboard for this, as the assembly would make it difficult, but i’m sure you could figure a way around that, like stitching the lining and exterior together at the top after you’ve put the cardboard in. But really you just need a sturdy interfacing. The one I used here was about the thickness of a sheet of printer paper and they hold up beautifully for me.

      Reply

  134. I loved the way mine turned out! And I decided to use those 4.5 inch cut outs and make them into matching coasters! Thank you so much!

    Reply

  135. I’d take it a step further and determine what size scraps I wanted in each basket. Then I’d cut a contrasting (plain or figured) piece of fabric a little larger than what I wanted it to be in the end. Turn in 1/2 inch or so hems & iron. Then attach it to the side of the box which will face out on your shelf and sew it down. Now you have an easy way to “see” which box your scrap should go into if it is close to the size in 2 of the boxes.

    Reply

  136. Thank you so much for a great tutorial. Made two boxes today and was so pleased with how well they turned out. Great fun and useful too. ?

    Reply

  138. I know this is an old post,but it’s new to some of us who are just seeing it.Perfect timing too,as i was thinking today i need to make my own baskets like this.You see i keep a basket on top of the fridge to hide those bags of chips/pretzels etc that i have no room in the cabinet for.Well today i went to take one down to add stuff to it and my finger went rigt thru ith,so i decided then and there that i would make my own.The one i had up there was a cheapie from the dollar store,but i have a ton of fabric here,so i’ll make my own.

    Reply

  141. These are on my to do list for my new sewing room. I will have open shelves at one end of the room, and I wanted to make storage bins to fit each shelf, that can hold fabric and patterns and keep them dust free. I already painted the shelves and am installing them. Have already chosen the fabric to use. BUT — I had not the slightest idea how to construct the boxes! Thank you so much. They say timing is everything.

    Reply

  143. Super cute and my fat quarters fit in it perfectly! I need a liner that’s more firm, but I happy with it. Super easy and cute. Thank you!

    Reply

  144. Many years later…
    I found your basket and made one of my own by following your method. I needed to use different measurements, as I was using it for a hanging wooden box liner, but I like your method of using a “plus sign” and sewing the edges of the box.
    Thank-you for this tutorial.

    Reply

    • I haven’t personally worked with that, but i’m going to say for this specific pattern that might not be the best option. The interfacing I use is sewn in, so i’m going to assume you wouldn’t be able to sew the plastic.

      Reply

Trackbacks

  8. […] paired it with pink polka dot quilting cotton I’m using in another project and pulled out the basket tutorial from Thing 1. This time I used heavy interfacing instead of quilt batting to give it a crisp […]

    Reply

  11. […] I will admit it – I collect stuff, lots of it. I have plastic bins, zip lock bags, and piles stashed everywhere. These fabric baskets would look so much nicer. I have lots of remnants that I knew I would need some day  and they’d be perfect for this project. These would be great bins for all sorts of uses – hair brushes and products, socks, belts, electronic cords, in the car for all those things I toss in the back seat. The possibilities are endless!  Instructions are easy to follow and take you through each step with simple descriptions and pictures.  You can find this free pattern here […]

    Reply
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