The Perfect Basket: Lining With Plastic

how to line a basket with plastic

Lining a basket with plastic or fabric is a great way to add a touch of personality to your baskets. It is a beginner-friendly project that requires very little fabric and is budget-friendly. You can use any basket you have around your house and line it with any non-stretchy lightweight or medium-weight fabric. To get started, you will need to measure the basket, cut out the fabric pieces, sew the liner together, and finish with an optional ruffle or tie.

Characteristics and Values Table for Lining a Basket with Plastic

Characteristics Values
Basket type Round, rectangular, square, circle, wire, straight-sided
Materials Basket, fabric, tape measure, pins, thread, sewing scissors, iron
Fabric type Non-stretchy, lightweight to medium weight, linen blend
Fabric amount Varies, but typically under 1/2 yard; 3/4 yard for a rectangular basket
Seam allowance 1/4 to 1 inch; 1/2 inch is common
Hem 1 inch, folded twice
Ruffle 1.5 times the length of the basket
Drawstring Add 16-22 inches to the perimeter for a bow
Other additions Ribbon, optional

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Measure the basket

Measuring your basket is the first step in creating a custom liner. This step is crucial as it ensures your liner fits neatly in the bottom of the basket and folds over the top.

If you're using a basket with angled sides, you'll need to adjust the measurements to "grade" the lining pieces from the bottom to the top. Take all measurements from the outside of the basket, as this will give you some wiggle room and is simply easier. Measure from the top of the basket down to the middle of the bottom of the basket, on the outside. Then add 3-4 inches to wrap over the top and create a top cuff. For example, if your basket is 6" tall and you want the liner to come down 2.5" on the outside, make your side pieces 8.5" long.

Next, you'll need to measure the length and width of the bottom of the basket. If you have a rectangular basket, measure the inside bottom and top, adding a little extra to allow the cuff to fold over the outside of the basket. If your basket has a cone shape, measure at the fattest part. If you're using a circle basket, you'll need the diameter.

Finally, measure all the way around the basket to determine the length of your ruffle or drawstring. If you're adding a bow, add 16-22 inches to the total length.

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Cut the fabric

Cutting the fabric is a crucial step in creating a basket liner that fits neatly. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:

For a rectangular basket, cut two pieces of fabric for the small sides. Add 1 inch to the inside bottom measurement and 1 5/8 inch to the inside top measurement. This extra fabric will allow for a cuff to fold over the outside of the basket. Also, add 3 inches to the height measurement for the hem and the fold-over cuff. If you have a square basket, cut four pieces of fabric, all in the same measurements.

If your basket has angled sides, you will need to adjust the measurements of the liner pieces accordingly. The side pieces should be shorter at the bottom and longer at the top to account for the wider opening of the basket. To achieve this, use the rectangular bottom piece as a guide. Line up one of the smaller side pieces with the shorter side of the bottom piece, marking the centre with slits. Fold the side piece in half and align the slits, then make an angled cut to the longer edge.

For a round basket, the process is slightly different. Measure from the top of the basket to the middle of the bottom, adding 3-4 inches for a top cuff. This will be the length of your fabric. Then, measure the circumference of the basket at its widest point and add 1 inch for the seam allowance. Cut your fabric to this width.

When cutting the fabric, it is important to consider the direction of any print or pattern you want to showcase on the front of the liner. Additionally, if you plan to add a ruffle to your liner, cut a strip of fabric about 2 inches wide by the length of the basket liner perimeter plus an overhang of about 14 inches on each side for tying a bow.

Remember to use a worksheet or a pattern to ensure all your pieces fit together neatly, and always add a seam allowance to your fabric pieces, typically between 1/4 inch and 1 inch.

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Sew the pieces together

Sewing the pieces together is a crucial step in creating a well-fitted and durable basket liner. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you through the process:

Prepare the Fabric Pieces

Before you begin sewing, ensure that you have accurately measured and cut out the fabric pieces for your basket liner. You will typically have side pieces, a bottom piece, and sometimes a top cuff or ruffle piece. It is important to add a seam allowance to each fabric piece, usually about 1/4 to 1 inch, to ensure a snug fit.

Sewing the Sides to the Bottom

When sewing the sides to the bottom piece, it is recommended to use a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Place the side pieces on top of the bottom piece, ensuring that the seams will be hidden inside the basket. Sew along the seam allowance, pivoting at the corners to create neat and secure seams. Repeat this process for all four sides if you have a rectangular basket. For round baskets, you will be working with trapezoid-shaped pieces, and the process will be similar, but you will have more sides to attach.

Sewing the Sides Together

Once all the sides are attached to the bottom, sew each side to the adjacent ones. Again, use a 1/2-inch seam allowance and ensure that all seams are finished neatly. A zig-zag stitch or serger can be used for a durable finish.

Creating a Hem

To create a neat finish at the top of the liner, you can create a hem by folding over the top edge of the liner by about 1 inch and ironing it in place. Then, fold and iron again, and sew along the fold with a 1/2-inch seam. This step can be adjusted depending on your desired cuff width.

Adding a Ruffle (Optional)

If you plan to add a ruffle to your basket liner, you will need to gather the ruffle fabric until it matches the perimeter of the basket liner. Pin and sew the ruffle in place. Cut a strip of fabric for the tie, fold it in half lengthwise, and sew along the long edge. Use a safety pin to turn the tie right side out, then sew this tie to the ruffle.

By carefully following these steps, you will be able to sew the pieces of your basket liner together securely and efficiently. Remember to take your time, measure twice, and adjust the instructions as needed to fit your specific basket and fabric choices.

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Hem the edges

Hemming the edges is an important step in lining a basket with plastic or fabric. This process involves folding and ironing the edges of the liner fabric to create a neat and durable finish. Here is a step-by-step guide to hemming the edges:

  • Measure the Inside Dimensions: Before cutting the fabric for the liner, measure the inside dimensions of your basket. Measure the length and width of the bottom of the basket, adding 1 inch for seam allowance. If your basket has angled sides, adjust the measurements accordingly.
  • Cut the Fabric: Cut two pieces of fabric for the small sides of the basket. Add a little extra length to the measurements to allow for a cuff that will fold over the outside of the basket. For the height measurement, add approximately 3 inches to account for the hem and the fold-over cuff.
  • Fold and Iron: Once you have cut the fabric pieces, it's time to create the hem. Start by folding the top edge of the liner fabric inward by 1 inch. Use an iron to press the fold in place. This step helps to create a crisp and neat edge.
  • Fold Again and Sew: Now, fold the fabric edge again, creating a second fold. Iron this fold as well. After ironing, sew along the folded edge with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. This secures the hem in place.
  • Repeat for All Sides: If your basket has multiple sides, repeat the folding, ironing, and sewing process for each side. This ensures that all edges of the liner are neatly hemmed.
  • Finish the Edges: After hemming all sides, finish the raw edges of the liner, including the "open" portion, with an overlock stitch or an overlocker. This step adds a professional finish and prevents the fabric from fraying.

By following these steps, you will create a well-defined hem around the edges of your basket liner, enhancing its overall appearance and durability.

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Finish with a ruffle or tie

To finish your basket liner with a ruffle or tie, you will need to gather a few supplies. These include a basket, fabric, a ruler, pins, thread, sewing scissors or a rotary cutter, a cutting mat, and an iron.

Firstly, measure the perimeter of your basket to determine the length of your drawstring tie. You can add approximately 16-22 inches to the total length of the tie if you want to make a bow. Cut a 2-inch wide strip of fabric to this length. Fold the tie in half lengthwise with the wrong sides together and press with an iron. Open the fabric strip and fold each raw end inward about 1/8 - 3/8 inch, pressing again to encase the raw edges. Now, fold both lengthwise raw edges towards the center without touching and press once more, tucking in the ends. Fold in half again so that the folded edges meet and line up, and press.

Next, sew the tie to the basket liner. Find the center of the back of the basket liner and mark it with a pin. Line up the tie just above the ruffle, ensuring it is centered, and sew close to the edge of the tie. Leave a few inches before the front center and repeat, sewing from the back center in the opposite direction. Stop at the same distance from the front center pin as before. Topstitch the top of the tie and finish off by topstitching the ends that are not attached to the liner.

You can also add a ruffle to your basket liner by putting a gathering stitch in the long edge. Increase the stitch length and tension and gather the ruffles until they match the perimeter of the basket liner. Pin and sew the ruffle in place.

Feel free to customize your basket liner with fabrics that match your space or play around with different colors and patterns for the tie and ruffle.

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