See how to sew a fabric basket with a fold-over top you can use for just everything. This free fabric basket pattern comes in three adorable sizes, and it’s as cute as it is practical!
I included both a printable PDF pattern as well as cutting instructions if you don’t want to print a thing. Win for all!
You can use these handy handmade storage baskets in any room of the house. They help keep items together and neatly organized. Perfect storage for baby items, children’s toys, make-up, bathroom supplies, bobbin thread, and much more.
Table Of Contents
Use this tutorial to sew a basket to turn an easy project into a super-duper-completely-easy one. Want to try it out? Let me show you how to make fabric baskets so quick and easy you’ll never want to do it any other way!
Why You’ll Love These Baskets
A few of my favorite features of these baskets:
- they are firm,
- their measurements can be easily adjusted to the size you need.
- And – nesting! Make all sizes, they can be nested! You’ll love to see the smaller or larger baskets nest together!
Simple, easy, and quick – they make a perfect beginner project. Promise.
The smaller size can store your reusable face wash pads if you like. (See how to make fabric makeup remover pads here) Or, you can use matching fabric to sew a bunch of other pretty things for your home. Feel free to join my popular SewPretty HOME series – it’s free:
Join the FREE 7-part email course and make 6 beautiful items for your home! You’ll love it!
Video
Let’s get sewing. And I’ve even got a video for you. Just sit back and relax. Then scroll down for measurements – or see step by step photo tutorial too.
3 Finished Sizes
- Small basket: 5″ wide by 5 ½” tall
- Medium basket: 7″ wide by 7 ½” tall
- Large basket: 10 ½” wide by 12″ tall
To make the smallest version, you’ll need 2 fat quarters of fabric (half yard). To make the largest one, you’ll need 4 fat quarters or 1 yard. Now, let’s sew!
Step-By-Step Instructions – TUTORIAL
The seam allowance for this project is ½” inch (1.3cm).
Step 1 – Cut the Fabric and Interfacing
You have 2 options: either grab the printable fabric basket sewing pattern PDF (Option A) or use the cutting instructions without printing anything (Option B).
Free Pattern and Cutting Instructions
Option A – Use the Free PDF pattern
Join our mailing list and get the free nesting baskets pattern emailed to you:
Once you have your PDF pattern printed, select your desired basket size and cut:
- 2 pieces from Exterior fabric in the desired size
- 2 pieces from Lining fabric in the desired size
- 2 pieces from Fusible fleece (cut on the seam allowance – the piece will be smaller by an inch in length and width)
- 2 pieces from stiff FUSIBLE interfacing (cut on the seam allowance – the piece will be smaller by an inch in length and width)
OPTION B – Cut Fabric Without a PDF Pattern
If you don’t like printing or don’t have access to a printer, here’s an alternative.
| For | CUTTING DIMENSIONS for fabric | CUTTING DIMENSIONS for interfacing |
|---|---|---|
| Small Size | 11″ by 9″ | 10″ by 8″ |
| Medium Size | 15″ by 12″ | 14″ by 11″ |
| Large Size | 22″ by 18″ | 21″ by 17″ |
- cut 2 rectangles from Exterior fabric in the desired size
- cut 2 rectangles from Lining fabric in the desired size (here pink solid)
- cut 2 rectangles from Fusible fleece (these are smaller by an inch in length AND width)
- cut 2 rectangles from stiff FUSIBLE interfacing (these are smaller by an inch in length AND width)
Cut Corners for Basket bottom
You’ll need to cut the bottom corners now. (The pattern pieces already have this done for you, so skip to the next step if you’re using the printable basket sewing pattern.)
Cut 2 corners from the bottom of each of the 4 fabric pieces: place them horizontally and cut a square from each lower corner. See the chart below to find your dimensions.
Corner Cutting Chart:
| For Size: | Cut Square From Bottom Corners: |
| Small | 2 ½” by 2 ½” |
| Medium | 3 ½” by 3 ½” |
| Large | 5 ¼” by 5 ¼” |
Do the same with your fusible interfacing and fusible fleece pieces – cut the corners to the same dimensions, even though these (interfacing) pieces are each one inch smaller.
To SUM UP: By now, you’ve cut fabric, fusible fleece, and stiff fusible interfacing, using the chart or the free pattern. Interfacing and fleece pieces are smaller by one inch to keep the seams clean. Done that? Great!
Step 3 – Apply Fusible Fleece and Stiff Interfacing
Press fusible fleece to the back of Lining pieces and fuse stiff interfacing to Exterior pieces. In this tutorial, the prints here are my Exterior and the solids are my Lining.
TOP TIP: I keep my diy ironing board close by, to make pressing my small projects a breeze. I don’t even need to get up to press, as it’s a handy tabletop version.
Step 4 – Sew the Basket Top Edge
Using a ½” seam allowance, sew the top of Lining and Exterior. You’ll make two sets. Press the seam open (do not press directly over fusible fleece, it doesn’t take direct heat well):
Step 5 – Assemble The Basket
Place the pieces together with the right sides of the Lining facing each other, and the right sides of the Exterior pieces facing each other.
Again using a ½” seam allowance, stitch the sides, the top, and the bottom, leaving out the corner areas. Also, leave a few inches unsewn in the bottom of the Lining (notice the two green arrows)
Step 6 – Box the Corners
Now you’ll need to box all four corners that are still open. Fold the corner flat matching up the two side seams. The side seams should lie directly one over the other (notice the two arrows).
Then stitch over the (blue) line using the same ½” seam allowance. Backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam to reinforce it.
Step 7 – Turn Right Side Out
Once you’ve got all 4 corners boxed, turn the whole thing right side out through the opening you left in the lining bottom. You just need to stitch the opening closed and…
Step 8 – Press
Press well to achieve that neat look. I love to use my DIY sleeve roll – it makes pressing bags and pouches a piece of cake, every single time! You can use my FREE TEMPLATE to make one for yourself.
Bonus Tips for sewing baskets
If you don’t have fusible fleece, you can use batting. Inexpensive craft felt is another option, but only if you don’t plan to wash the basket. Craft felt doesn’t hold up well in the wash.
When using non-fusible interfacing, cut the interfacing to the same size as the fabric. Do not cut it smaller, as the instructions above suggest.
I usually use a zigzag stitch to baste it to the fabric. Later, after sewing the item together, I trim some from the seam allowance to reduce bulk. I used batting to make the large basket:
Remember: the stiffer the interfacing, the stronger the basket. You (almost) never want a slouchy basket!
Also, this interfacing guide for beginners will make your (interfacing-related) sewing life so much easier! And your baskets prettier:
Using washable interfacing or interlining, like cotton batting, can help improve items that you wash frequently. For example, this is beneficial for a bread basket. The mid-sized basket would truly make a stunning breadbasket for the holiday table, what do you think?
Or, you can sew several beautiful fabric pumpkins and put them in a basket. This creates perfect fall decor!
To make a fabric basket stiff and sturdy when sewing, it’s essential to use the right type of interfacing or stabilizer. Some examples include fusible foam stabilizers, like Pellon Flex-Foam, which add structure and cushioning to your fabric, helping the basket stand upright. Another option is to use multiple layers of interfacing for extra stiffness. I’ve found that combining midweight interfacing with fusible fleece works well for larger baskets. You can also add quilt batting for softness or combine it with stiff interfacing to create a quilted, cushioned effect that still holds its shape.
Remember: the stiffer the interfacing, the stronger the basket. You (almost) never want a slouchy basket! Here are a few examples of
high-loft fusible fleece: Vilene® H640, Pellon® 973F, Pellon® Thermolam, Legacy 971; low-loft fusible fleece (for smaller sizes): Vilene® H630, Pellon® 987F, or Legacy® 987F; stiff interfacing: Vilene® S 320, H250, or Pellon Craft Fuse, Pellon Décor Bond. Need more info on interfacing? Visit my easy Interfacing Guide For Beginners
Cut the interfacing to the same size as the fabric when using non-fusible interfacing. Do not cut it smaller, it needs to be the same size as the fabric pieces (see instructions above).
I usually use a zigzag stitch to baste it to the fabric. Later, after sewing the item together, I trim some from the seam allowance to reduce bulk. I used batting to make the large basket:
When sewing with quilting cotton, you might experience creases on the exterior after applying stiff interfacing. This is what I do: I fuse a layer of lightweight interfacing (like Pellon® SF101 Shape Flex, Vilene® G700) to the fabric before applying the heavy-weight, to prevent creases.
If you like baskets and home storage, you might love the ALLina pattern from my pattern shop too:
How did you like this fabric basket tutorial?
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WANT A PRINTABLE COPY OF THE WHOLE TUTORIAL?
Do you want an ad-free, printable copy of this online tutorial? Find it here for just $3. You won’t need to access the internet every time you want to make it. —— Or get the BUNDLE with ALL the Printable Tutorials – current and future ones!
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Or …check out this popular PDF pattern – the Kalina Mini Wallet in our shop. So practical!
