Fabric Storage Basket Sewing Pattern: Boxed, Lined and Easy

My sewing room used to look like a fabric explosion: spools, pins, patterns and half-finished projects on every surface. A few baskets changed everything. These are the ones I make in an afternoon, with a fold-over cuff that shows off the lining and holds its shape on a shelf.

What you will make

A rectangular basket that is 12 inches wide, 6 inches deep and 7 inches tall with the cuff folded, or 10 inches tall unfolded. It is lined, boxed at the bottom and stiffened with interfacing so it stands on its own, and you can adjust the size with the formula in the pattern.

Skill level: beginner. Time: 1.5 to 2 hours. Seam allowance: 1/2 inch.

Materials

• 1/2 yard of quilting cotton or light home decor cotton for the outside
• 1/2 yard of coordinating fabric for the lining and cuff
• 1/2 yard of heavyweight fusible interfacing or fusible foam stabilizer
• Optional stiff base insert, about 11 x 5 inches
• Thread, rotary cutter, clips and an iron

What is in the PDF

Seven letter pages. The cutting chart lists every piece, the layout diagram is drawn to scale on 44 inch fabric, and the resize formula tells you how to change the width, depth and height. Nine numbered steps, each with a diagram, follow: cutting, fusing, sewing the outer, boxing the corners, sewing the lining with a gap, joining the two at the top, turning and closing, folding the cuff and adding the base insert.

Why it works

Boxed corners are the secret to a basket that stands. You cut a square from each bottom corner, pull the corner open so the seams meet and sew across. The cut size controls the depth, which is why the formula is so easy to change. The interfacing does the rest: heavyweight fusible gives enough body that the basket does not slump.

Ideas for using it

Use a small one for hair accessories, a medium one for yarn or fat quarters, and a large one for toys or towels. Make three in graduated sizes for a nesting set, or sew one in holiday fabric for gift wrap storage. Add a pair of fabric handles if you want to carry it.

Troubleshooting

If your basket slumps, add a second layer of interfacing or a base insert. If the corners pucker, press the seam open before you box. If the cuff will not stay folded, topstitch it to the outer at the side seams.

Get the pattern

The Fabric Storage Basket pattern is an instant PDF download for personal use, and it is one of the three patterns in my Beginner Bundle. Your purchase includes the free Sewing Project Planner.