How to Make Your Own Hampers

Traditional laundry hampers can be unsightly. Why not make your own to suit your taste?

Traditional laundry hampers are an unsightly but necessary tool around the house. Making your own hanging hamper that you can store out of sight will free up extra floor space in small apartments. They are also easy to carry to the laundromat and around the house. Making your own hamper gives you the opportunity to get just the right size and fabric design that suits your taste.

Things You'll Need

• One linen or cotton sheet -- an old bed sheet will also work
• Needle
• Thread
• Round plastic hoop handles

Instructions

1. Fold the fabric in half and cut out a large oval shape. This will ensure that both cut-outs are the same shape and size. The size of the ovals should correspond to the size you want your laundry bag to be.

2. Sew the bottom two thirds of the two ovals together. Double stitch to give extra support.

3. Place a plastic handle over the top half of the first oval.

4. Fold the flap of fabric through the handle towards you and sew closed. Repeat on the other side. Remember to double stitch.

5. Turn the laundry hamper inside out to hide the stitching. Your hamper is complete.

6. Hang your hamper in the closet out of sight or on the back of your bedroom door.

Tips & Warnings

• You can choose to use either an old bed sheet or pick up a patterned sheet of fabric from your local fabric store.

• Use a colored thread to match the material of your hamper.

• Plastic hoop handles should be available from your local sewing or craft store.

References

• Laundry hamper