How to Sew a Fabric Laundry Basket Liner

If used as a laundry container, a wicker basket will look nifty with a fabric liner.

A fabric liner gives a clean, polished finish to a laundry basket made of natural materials such as wicker. Aside from providing aesthetic appeal, the fabric liner also serves as protective shield between the clothes and the sometimes rough edges of the wicker basket. There is no need to purchase a basket with a liner already in place. You can easily make a customized liner to fit any laundry basket from canvas or some other breathable fabric. These instructions are for cylindrical-shaped baskets. You will need about 2 yards of fabric to make the liner.

Things You'll Need

• Laundry basket
• Measuring tape
• Paper
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Straight pins
• Heavy fabric, such as canvas
• Rope
• Safety pin

Instructions

1. Measure the diameter of the bottom of the laundry basket, as well as the length and width of the sides and the top. Cut paper patterns based on these measurements and place them inside the laundry basket to check for the fit. Add 4 inches to the length measurement and 1 inch to the side panel measurements.

2. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise. If the fabric has a right and wrong side, such as a pattern visible from one side only, make sure the right side is on the inside of the fold. Sew the sides of the folded fabric together to create a cylinder. Then sew the circular piece of fabric (the bottom fabric) along the edge of one end of the cylinder to create a big bag.

3. Fold down the top edge of the fabric ¼ -inch. Fold this seam over one more time to create a ½ -inch hem. Use straight pins to hold the hem in place. Sew the hem down.

4. Fold the top edge of the liner down about 2 inches. Sew a pocket into the top of the liner so you can fit the rope through the top of the liner. Leave a 1-inch gap in the seam so you can slip the rope in.

5. Attach a safety pin to the rope and thread it through the liner. Turn the laundry liner right side out. Place it inside the basket. Overlap the pocket on the outside of the wicker basket or hamper. Tie the ends of the rope together to keep the liner from falling down inside the basket. Remove the liner when necessary to wash it.

References

• Love Home: How to Make a Stenciled Laundry Basket Liner