Small Fabric Basket Tutorial

Here, I’ll show you—in very simple steps—how even those with little sewing machine experience can
create a handy fabric basket, also known as an "organizer."

 

Step 1: Cut two pieces of sturdy fabric—for example, corduroy or a heavy-duty upholstery fabric—measuring approximately 45 x 20 cm (if you have a bit more experience, you can certainly vary these dimensions). 

You can also use a lighter-weight cotton fabric provided you reinforce it by ironing on fusible interfacing (interlining).

Step 2: Place the fabric with the right sides together and sew along the short sides.

Step 3: Pull the fabric apart and iron the edges flat at the seam.

Step 4: Now, sew the long sides. Important! Leave an opening of about 5 cm on one side. This opening will be used later to turn the little basket right side out.

Step 5: Measure 5 cm from each end along the short sides and make a mark at that point…

Step 6: …at this mark, the corners are pulled apart and topstitched.

Step 7: Repeat at all corners, then trim off the corners. It should look something like this:

Step 8: You’re almost there: Now turn everything right side out through the opening, and close the opening using a few hand stitches or by machine.

Step 9: The home stretch! Finally, fold over the top edge slightly and secure it with an attractive decorative stitch or a simple straight stitch. Decorate the little basket as you please with delicate ribbons, buttons, or appliqués. 

And… you’re done!

Tip! If you place an old pickle or jam jar inside, you can also use it perfectly as a pretty flower vase!