Even though wire baskets are handy and durable, they really need a liner to keep objects from falling out. Learn how to make one yourself with these tips, ideas and instructions.
To make a fabric basket liner, measure the bottom and sides of the basket and cut the five pieces of cloth. Sew the four side pieces end-to-end, and then hem one long side. Attach lace, if desired, around the hemmed edge. You can sew a strip of elastic on top of the hem for a better fit for the basket. Sew the two ends together then pin the long side that isn't hemmed, around the bottom piece and stitch around the perimeter. Trim closely and lay in basket. Launder when needed.
If the basket has particularly large openings, use a piece of thin plastic, like what's found in a bacon package, to put between cloth layers. Wash and dry the bacon trays and cut them to size for the bottom and sides. Cut two of each side pieces and two bottom pieces. Stitch together the four side pieces, end-to-end, then stitch the other four together in the same manner. With right sides together, start a couple of inches from the corner, at the bottom, and sew around the side, top, and other side. End by sewing a couple of inches along the bottom and leaving an opening along the bottom for the four plastic pads. Turn and set aside. With right sides together, sew three of the four sides of the bottom pieces. Turn and insert the plastic piece. Sew the opening shut. Insert the plastic pieces into each section of the four sides. Stitch the two ends of the long piece together. Pin to the perimeter of the bottom and stitch. Trim closely and lay in basket. The liner is washable, but do not put in the dryer.
You can also use cloth to make an outside cover for the basket. Just measure the outside bottom and sides, then sew together as mentioned previously. Slip the cover on, using elastic along the edge to hold the cover on the basket. You can add handles to the basket liner after the elastic is sewn on by cutting some wide ribbon, folding it in half, and stitching the two ends of the handle to the inside liner edge. Repeat on other side.
For a round basket, cut a circle the size of the bottom of the basket. Measure the height of the basket, then cut a strip of fabric which is long enough to go completely around the basket, and wide enough to accommodate the height. Hem the strip, and then sew the raw edge to the bottom circle. Create not only a durable wire basket, but one that's beautiful and functional as well, by adding the basket liner of your choice.
