DIY Canvas Bins

Make your own custom canvas bin to organize or collect your things.

Whether you are sick of toys scattered on the floor or need extra space to keep your clothes, make a canvas bin to store your extra items. Canvas is an organic material that is breathable yet strong. Using canvas bins helps the environment because they are durable and biodegradable. Replace your plastic bins with canvas bins. Canvas can hold similar weight to most plastic bins and it does not contain harmful chemicals.

Things You'll Need

• 1/4-inch plywood sheet
• Table saw
• 12 wood nails, 2 inches
• Hammer
• Fabric shears
• Adhesive spray glue
• Craft glue
• Stapler
• Ribbons
• Hot glue gun
• Paint stencils
• Spray paint

Instructions

1. Cut a 1/4-inch plywood sheet into a 12-inch-by-12-inch piece using a table saw to make a base for the bin. Cut two 12-inch-by-12-inch pieces for the front and back walls of the bin. Cut two 12-inch-by-11 3/4-inch pieces for the bin's sides.

2. Position the front and back pieces vertically on a level surface parallel to each other. Position the side pieces vertically between the front and back pieces. The structure should make a square. Place the base piece on the top edges of the front, back and side pieces. Connect the edges by hammering 2-inch wood nails through the base, using a hammer. Use three wood nails per side.

3. Cut a canvas piece into a cross pattern using fabric shears. Add 2 inches per side to attach extra canvas on the inside of the bin. Make the horizontal part of the cross 12 inches by 38 inches and the vertical part of the cross 12 inches by 38 inches.

4. Spray adhesive glue to the exterior base of the wooden bin. Position the wooden bin in the center of the cross. Spray adhesive glue around the exterior walls. Fold the ends of the cross over the front, back and sides of the bin. There should be 1 inch of excess canvas per side.

5. Glue the 1-inch excess canvas on the inside of the bin, using craft glue. Let the glue dry for one hour. Staple the excess canvas to the inside of the bin for extra support, using a stapler.

Tips & Warnings

• Decorate the exterior of the canvas bin. Glue ribbons onto the canvas, using a hot glue gun. Paint numbers or words on the exterior, using paint stencils and spray paint.

• Warm the hot glue gun for three minutes.

• Wear a protective mask and goggles when handling spray paint. Work in a well-ventilated area.

• The nozzle of the hot glue gun is extremely hot and burns skin on contact.