Make This: Laundry Basket Liner Tutorial

We finally got around to lining our vintage rolling laundry baskets.  We were lucky enough to get a couple directly through Moda, but they are available in various places around the internet, from places like Antique Kitchen.  As cool as these bins are, the metal will sometimes snag our quilts and samples, so we made this protective and decorative liner using fabric from Windham’s Petite Fleur line.  This tutorial can be modified to fit any circular basket, whether it’s metal, wicker, plastic, etc.

To make your own circular laundry basket liner, you’ll need:

-2 yards outer fabric
-2 yards lining fabric
-1/4 yard fabric for ties
-Tape measure

Using your tape measure, you’ll need to find the diameter measurement of the bottom, the circumference of the top, and the height of the basket.  To each of these measurements, add one inch for seam allowance.Cut one circle from the outer fabric and one circle from the lining fabric.  Cut a square the size you need, fold it in fourths, and cut the curve from there.  Measure from the center point to make sure it’s even all the way around.
For the sides, cut two rectangles 71″ long and 17″ wide.  This measurement includes 3″ of fold-over at the top.

For the ties, you’ll need a strip 98″ x 1.5″.  This will be cut apart later to make eight 12″ ties.  This can be pieced at 45 or 60 degree angles if you don’t have a continuous 98″.  

Fold the strip like double fold bias tape by folding each side into the center.  Press well, then fold both halves together and press again.

Sew the tie strip with a narrow topstitch along the open edge.

Cut the tie strip apart every 12″ on a 45 degree angle.  This will keep the fabric from raveling, and you won’t have to do any more finishing, since it won’t get heavy use (We’d never do this for clothing!).

On the back side of the lining fabric along the long side, mark a 3″ cut line 18″ from the end, and then two more 17.5″ apart.  

Once the lining is marked, sew the short side seams together with a 1/2″ seam allowance.  Leave a 6″ opening in the center of the lining piece for turning later.  At this point, you can also sew the short sides of the outer fabric together without leaving an opening.  Press seams open.

Pin the matching circle to the sides at even intervals.  We like to do it by folding the circle into quarters.  Sew the circle to the sides for both the outer and the lining.

On the lining, cut each 3″ marked line and down the side seam.

Round each of the cut corners.

With right sides facing, fit the outer piece inside the lining piece and match side seams together.

Pin the ties onto the right side of the lining at each rounded corner.

Match the edges of the lining and the outer together and stitch a 1/4″ seam, following the curves cut on the lining.  Trim the outer fabric to follow the stitching line.

Using the 6″ opening left in the lining side seam, turn everything right side out.

Press edges flat and sew a narrow topstitch along the top.

Sew the opening in the lining closed.  We used a narrow zigzag, or you could whip stitch it by hand if you’re feeling adventurous.

Put the lovely liner in your basket!  Fold the top edges over and knot the ties together with a little bow.

Grab your goodies and fill ‘er up.

No more snags or tiny things falling through the bottom!  This one’s been on the list for a while, but it didn’t really take all that long in the end.  Give it a try and let us know how it turns out.  What’s the next project on your list?