How to Make a Basket Liner for a Bike

Select at least three coordinating fabrics to make a double-sided basket liner.

Sew a colorful two-sided basket liner for your bike to add style and functionality to your basket. No more worrying about the house keys or other small items falling out as you ride. Select fabrics that coordinate or contrast for a fashionable look. Even if you are an inexperienced seamstress, you will be able to do this simple craft project using a sewing machine. Create your own custom liner for your mesh, wire or wicker bike basket in two hours.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Tissue paper
• Scissors
• Straight pins
• 3 or more pieces of fabric
• Matching or contrasting thread
• Sewing machine

Instructions

1. Measure the height and width of the sides and basket bottom and the perimeter of the top edge.

2. Use a pencil to draw the measurements on tissue paper to make a pattern. For a rectangular basket, you will have five pattern pieces (two end sides, front and back sides, bottom). For a wicker basket, you will have three pattern pieces (back straight side, front curved side, bottom). Before you cut out the pieces, add 1/2 inch to each edge for seam allowance.

3. Cut out the pattern pieces. Place them in the basket to see if adjustments need to be made. If one is too short or long, redraw and recut it.

4. Make a pattern for the contrasting strip that will border the outside top edge of your liner. It should be 3 inches wide and the length of the perimeter at the top with an excess of 1 to 2 inches for adjustments, if needed.

5. Pin the liner patterns on fabric. Cut out two pieces of fabric for each pattern piece to have a two-sided basket liner. For a rectangular basket, cut five pattern pieces out of the fabric to be used on the outside and five out of a contrasting fabric to be used as the inside. Cut the trim strip out of a third fabric for a coordinating trim.

6. Pin the sides of the inside pieces together, placing right sides together. Sew, leaving a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Place it in the basket to see if you need to make adjustments. Pin the bottom to the sides. Sew it together. Lay it inside the basket to see if it fits properly. Sew the outside fabric side pieces together as you did the inside ones. Place them in the basket to double-check for fit. Sew the bottom to the sides.

7. Fold under 1/2 inch on the bottom of the long strip of trim fabric. Top stitch about 1/4 inch from edge.

8. Place the inside basket liner into the outer layer with right sides outward. Pin the top edges together. Find the middle of the trim piece. Place its right side to the inside of the basket liner with the middle at the front center. The raw edges of the trim and basket liners should be pinned together. Sew the seam. Fit the end pieces and sew.

9. Place the finished liner in the basket. Fold the trim over the outside edge of the basket to hold the liner in place.

Tips & Warnings

• Customize your liner with a pocket or two for your mobile phone or keys. Add a strip of elastic to hold your water bottle upright.

• Pick fabrics that reflect your personality and style or match the color of your bike.

• Choose a matching thread for topstitching if you want the thread to blend in or contrasting color if you want the stitching to stand out.

• Add straps for handles if you want to carry your basket liner as a tote at your destination.

• Do not skip the fitting steps as you may need to make adjustments for a good fit.

References

• Bunch of Scrap: Bicycle Basket Liner
• Betty Basket Liners